Training Events

Through weVENTURE WBC's partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, we are excited to offer you this free online training event!  

This is an asynchronous learning opportunity. The content is recorded and in the VSBDR learning library, available to you 24/7. To gain access to this course, please register here for the program and then once on Verizon's site, go to LEARNING >> EVENTS to locate this event (Title to search for "Getting started with AI: Three applications to power up your business") and register. You must use the weVENTURE link to register with Verizon and complete the Feedback Survey after the event.

About the Class

With the latest advancements in artificial intelligence, businesses now have more opportunities to complete with larger companies through technology. In this course, we'll discuss three of the most effective ways to leverage AI, including using chatbots, automating workflows, and drawing on predictive business insights to drive better business decisions and growth.

Learning objectives:

•          Understand the most effective ways to implement a chatbot on your website to improve customer service
•          Determine how you can scale your operations with automated workflows that save time, effort, and dollars
•          Use predictive analytics and forecasting to create more targeted revenue plans or insightful product development

Get more from your AI tools with the right prompts

•               Identify the different types of prompts that an AI assistant can provide.
•               Use best practices when creating AI prompts within your workflows.
•               Refine a prompt following actionable steps to achieve effective results.

About VSBDR Online Classes and Funding Opportunities

weVENTURE WBC clients can complete this, and any other VSBDR course that looks interesting to you to qualify for the 2026 IMPACT grants - note that application deadline is July 19th. Verizon is also giving away ten $10,000 grants per month - the opportunity to apply for Verizon grants will open up once you have completed two courses.  

weVENTURE WBC clients are encouraged to complete at least two courses by September 15th 2026, to help us reach out collective goal of 250 clients learning which will unlock a $15,000 grant for weVENTURE WBC!! We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy learning at your on pace on VSBDR! 

Through weVENTURE WBC's partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, we are excited to offer you this free online training event!  

This is an asynchronous learning opportunity. The content is recorded and in the VSBDR learning library, available to you 24/7. To gain access to this course, please register here for the program and then once on Verizon's site, go to LEARNING >> EVENTS to locate this event (Title to search for "Driving demand for your service-based business") and register. You must use the weVENTURE link to register with Verizon and complete the Feedback Survey after the event.

About the Class

If you own a service-based business, chances are you’re not the only one out there who does what you do. So, how do you set your business apart in a way that attracts the customers you really want — customers who will not only enthusiastically recommend you, but will want to hire you again in the future? In this course, we’ll discuss how you can establish your business as the gold standard in your industry by elevating how you’re perceived in the marketplace, mastering the initial client consultation, and providing the kind of experience that will create a glowing reputation and have your audience buzzing about your business.

 Learning objectives:

• Affirm your desired audience, what they want, and how to provide them with what they need — whether or not they already know
• Develop a keen understanding about the existing perception(s) of your business to create a targeted strategy to win over customers
• Provide a masterful consultation experience that showcases your expertise and sparks an emotional connection in your customers
• Deliver a service experience with a “wow” factor that results in customer advocacy
• Make strides in building a top-shelf reputation and increase demand for your services

About VSBDR Online Classes and Funding Opportunities

weVENTURE WBC clients can complete this, and any other VSBDR course that looks interesting to you to qualify for the 2026 IMPACT grants - note that application deadline is July 19th. Verizon is also giving away ten $10,000 grants per month - the opportunity to apply for Verizon grants will open up once you have completed two courses.  

weVENTURE WBC clients are encouraged to complete at least two courses by September 15th 2026, to help us reach out collective goal of 250 clients learning which will unlock a $15,000 grant for weVENTURE WBC!! We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy learning at your on pace on VSBDR! 

Through weVENTURE WBC's partnership with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, we are excited to offer you this free online training event!  

This is an asynchronous learning opportunity. The content is recorded and in the VSBDR learning library, available to you 24/7. To gain access to this course, please register here for the program and then once on Verizon's site, go to LEARNING >> EVENTS to locate this event (Title to search for "Find the right financing for your business") and register. You must use the weVENTURE link to register with Verizon and complete the Feedback Survey after the event.

About the Class

With so many different types of loans available, deciding on a financing solution that suits your needs can be difficult. This course covers different types of financing, including debt, equity, grants, and alternative financing options like crowdfunding. You’ll learn about different financing options, how to gather the right documents, and determine the best solution for your business needs.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the basics of the different financing options and their impacts on a business
• Identify common uses of debt and equity financing, grants, and alternative options like crowdfunding
•  Explain the different elements of the 5C’s
•  Determine why you are seeking financing for your business
•  Evaluate what you need in order to apply for business financing
• Develop an action plan for your selected funding option

About VSBDR Online Classes and Funding Opportunities

weVENTURE WBC clients can complete this, and any other VSBDR course that looks interesting to you to qualify for the 2026 IMPACT grants - note that application deadline is July 19th. Verizon is also giving away ten $10,000 grants per month - the opportunity to apply for Verizon grants will open up once you have completed two courses.  

weVENTURE WBC clients are encouraged to complete at least two courses by September 15th 2026, to help us reach out collective goal of 250 clients learning which will unlock a $15,000 grant for weVENTURE WBC!! We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy learning at your on pace on VSBDR! 

Are you a first-time entrepreneur with a great business idea but unsure where to start? weVENTURE WBC has what you need!

The IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concept into a successful business. The program includes 4 weeks of intensive coaching and support. With this dual-focused strategy, you get the information you need along with the support you want to help turn your ideas into a reality and launch your start-up with greater success!  

Led by weVENTURE WBC Business Coach Sondee Lima, this is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs who want to be able to ask questions, talk through challenges and benefit from deadlines and accountability support. 

Dates: June 6, 13, 20, 27; 8:30am-10:30am (Three sessions are virtual, 6/13 is in person)

Location: Online 6/6, 6/20, 6/27 and *in-person 6/13 at the weVENTURE office located at 2202 S. Babcock Street, 1st Floor, Melbourne, FL  32901. We are within the BISK College of Business at FIT. Enter through the south side of the building.

The Pathways Program covers the fundamentals of business development, from business planning and strategy development to financial management and marketing. Participants receive live instruction, take-home resources, one-on-one business coaching, access to industry experts, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs to journey along with.

So if you're ready to take your business concept to the next level, register for the IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program today. You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to turn your dreams into a thriving business.

Program size is limited, so register today!

Your Cost: $50 (normally $100 but partially funded thanks to Bank of America)

Big news for small business owners who need access to capital!!!

Verizon is giving away ten $10,000 grants PER MONTH throughout 2026 and the weVENTURE WBC IMPACT Grant program will begin accepting applications in June, to be awarded at the IMPACT Summit on October 1st.

weVENTURE WBC is hosting an informational webinar on June 11th to help you prepare and submit a strong application(s).  

We’ll walk through eligibility requirements, how to apply, what reviewers look for, and grant‑writing tips you can use for these funding opportunities and others you might apply to in he future.

Multiple small businesses from the WBC network won Verizon grants last year and we want to help YOU be the next recipient!!   

Eligibility for Verizon Grants: 

• Confirmed registration and completion of two class on the Verizon Small Business digital Ready platform.
• Please be sure to use our weVENTURE WBC referral link (don't just google it!) 

Eligibility for weVENTURE WBC IMPACT:

• IMPACT Grant program was created to support the growth and sustainability of established weVENTURE WBC clients meeting the following criteria:
• A woman-owned business means any registered organization or enterprise providing products or services that is at least 51% or more woman owned.  SBA WOB certification is not necessary. Family partnerships qualify where ownership is 50-50.
• Veteran-owned or Military Spouse-Owned businesses are encouraged to apply, as we hope to be able to offer a dedicated IMPACT grant, funded by Verizon. 
• For-profit business that have been registered with the State of Florida and generating revenues for a minimum of two (2) years, is located within Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie or Martin counties, has 10 employees or less and is an active client of weVENTURE WBC (established with a business coach or participated in weVENTURE WBC educational programming.)
• Confirmed registration and completion of two class on the Verizon Small Business digital Ready platform.
• Types of businesses that are not eligible for funding include: non-profit organizations, real estate investment firms, multi-level marketing companies, gun shops, shops that sell drug paraphernalia, pawn shops, bail bond services, check cashing facilities, adult entertainment facilities, and any business or service deemed illegal.

Read more about the IMPACT Grants here https://weventure.fit.edu/programs-services/impact-grant/

Learn how to overcome anxiety in networking and sales situations by learning how to leverage the principles of improv to respond confidently and make positive connections.

Learn how to apply the rules of improv to energize your sales meetings—and become more confident at networking events.

Improv “rules” can help train you to approach every conversation as a positive opportunity to engage with others.

For example,

• Rule #1: Say "YES, AND" ... learn how to further the conversation.
• Rule #2: Build up, don't block conversations. Foster positive interactions!  
• Rule #3: There Are No Wrong Answers. Learn to make the best out of any conversation!
• Rule #4: Make Space For Everyone to Participate. Learn to really engage with new contacts and have meaningful interactions

Anybody interested in improving their communication skills or becoming more comfortable at networking is welcome to register.

A class for the reluctant networker!

Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited to 15 attendees. This is a FREE event!

Led and hosted by Kelly Swartz of Widerman Malek and Funky Dog Improv. This informal training will be located at the Widerman Malek office, 1990 W New Haven Ave #105, Melbourne, FL 32904.

Coming soon! 

Our next Wine Women & Shoes pop-up event is on Saturday, August 22nd at Audi of Melbourne 6-9pm (VIP reception 4:30 - 6:00pm)

 What to Expect: 

 A stylish, high-energy atmosphere  

 Boutique shopping featuring fabulous local boutiques & brands. Fashion, accessories and beauty!  

 Interactive Photo Ops & Unique Chance Drawings 

 Stylish Sole Men  

 Light Bites & Wine Tastings 

 DJ & Dancing 

 Opportunities to connect with weVENTURE WBC network!   

 We can’t wait to see you there—bring your girlfriends, wear your best shoes, and get ready for a night to remember.

Registration and ticket sales will be announced soon! Sign up here to join our WW&S email distribution list so you are the first to know! 

Interested in being a Marketplace Vendor or event Sponsor? Check out partnership opportunities here. 

Free Webinar for Business Owners Ready to Scale Smarter

Once the foundation is in place, let's focus on strategy - specifically how to ensure no potential customer slips through the cracks. We’ll cover retargeting, lookalike audiences, awareness campaigns, and how to build momentum leading into the holidays so you’re not competing with cold ads when ad costs spike.

This session is ideal for:

• Small business owners investing in paid ads

• Marketers who want cleaner, more reliable data

• Entrepreneurs who want to stop wasting money on guesswork

• Anyone who wants to build a scalable, profitable advertising system

No technical expertise required, just a desire to understand what is happening behind the scenes.

Why This Matters

Paid advertising can be one of the fastest ways to grow your business!

Event Details

Format: Live online webinar Cost: Free Duration: 60 minutes Includes: Live Q&A

Bio:

Premier Theaters Oaks 10, 1800 W. Hibiscus Blvd, Melbourne, FL  32901

weVENTURE Women's Business Center in the Florida Tech Bisk College of Business strives to be the leading resource for professional women on the Space and Treasure Coasts.  Each year, weVENTURE WBC hosts a leadership development conference, the IMPACT Summit, as an opportunity for individuals to invest time in personal and professional development.

The theme this year is:  Chart Your Path

Pathways to Possibility
Join a patented inventor as she shares her journey from idea to innovation. While women hold only about 13% of U.S. patents, that number continues to grow as more women step into innovation and entrepreneurship. This session highlights how new ideas come to life and what it takes to bring them to market. Come ready to be inspired and to see what’s possible when creativity meets persistence.

Pathways to Growing Beyond Your Backyard
This panel features founders who started small—often in their own kitchens—and scaled into thriving brands. Learn how they expanded beyond local markets through smart strategy, branding, and intentional growth. This conversation will offer practical insights into what it takes to move from local success to broader reach.

Pathways to Leadership
An experienced Army leader shares lessons from years of service, offering insight into resilience, decision-making, and growth. This session is a reminder that careers rarely follow a straight line—but each step shapes your leadership journey.

Pathways in Uncharted Territory
Explore the future of AI through a live demonstration and expert panel discussion. Discover what’s possible now—and what’s coming next.

8:00 am             Coffee and networking, breakfast

8:45 am             Opening remarks

9:00 am             Keynote Speaker

9:45 am             IMPACT Grant Pitches

10:15 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 11:30 Breakout sessions (4 rooms)

11:30 – 11:45 Break

11:45 – 12:30 Panel discussion/second keynote

12:30 – 12:45 Present IMPACT Grants

1:00pm - 2pm VIP luncheon hosted at One Oak catered by Hemingway's Tavern.

The Early Bird price of $40 is available through August 3; after that the price increases to $50.  The ticket price includes a light breakfast and the conference admission. 

Sponsorships begin at $150; a limited number of vendors tables are available. The VIP Luncheon, hosted immediately after the Summit, is for event sponsors, their guests, members of the League of Extraordinary Investors, and the IMPACT speakers. 

For information about being a part of this event, visit: https://weventure.fit.edu/events/impact-summit/ or email krudloff@fit.edu

Are you a first-time entrepreneur with a great business idea but unsure where to start? weVENTURE WBC has what you need!

The IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program is designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their concept into a successful business. The program includes 4 weeks of intensive coaching and support. With this dual-focused strategy, you get the information you need along with the support you want to help turn your ideas into a reality and launch your start-up with greater success!  

Led by weVENTURE WBC Business Coach Sondee Lima, this is a fantastic option for entrepreneurs who want to be able to ask questions, talk through challenges and benefit from deadlines and accountability support. 

Dates:  October 3, 10, 17, 24   8:30am - 10:30am

Location: 10/10 in-person, 10/3, 17, 24 online (in-person is at weVENTURE)

The Pathways Program covers the fundamentals of business development, from business planning and strategy development to financial management and marketing. Participants receive live instruction, take-home resources, one-on-one business coaching, access to industry experts, and a supportive community of like-minded entrepreneurs to journey along with.

So if you're ready to take your business concept to the next level, register for the IGNITE 360® PATHWAYS Business Launch Program today. You'll gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to turn your dreams into a thriving business.

Program size is limited. Talk to your weVENTURE WBC Business Coach today!

Cost:  $50