New Haven, CT - With a charitable gift from First Niagara Bank, Women’s Business Development Council established an Opportunity Fund to help clients pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Lindsey Ruminski of New Haven was the most recent recipient to benefit from WBDC’s Opportunity Fund.
Lindsey graduated from WBDC’s FastTrac New Venture Program in July 2011 where she maintained perfect attendance and completed her business plan. As a result, Lindsey was awarded a business technology grant through the Opportunity Fund. The grant goes to Lindsey in the form of a Toshiba Laptop which she will use to start her business the ‘Faithful Hobbies Shoppe’ and become a technology entrepreneur. The laptop will give Lindsey the needed assistance to pursue her endeavor and compete with other businesses by becoming more mobile. Lindsey is very pleased with her new laptop and the training she received from WBDC. She states “The WBDC FastTrac training provided me with the technical assistance and counseling that I needed to make my business plan viable and market driven. The nine weeks of technical training and two weeks of counseling have given me the knowledge and confidence I need to be a successful technology entrepreneur. They took me step by step through my marketing plan to fully understand the market impacts to my business. Although it was intense, it was well worth the effort. I am truly thankful for the workshops, the advisory networking, and the guidance I continue to receive as I make my vision a reality.” WBDC’s Opportunity Fund provides resources to help WBDC’s low to moderate income clients achieve their goals of small business development, financial education and professional growth - the three pillars of WBDC’s mission. Monies from the Opportunity Fund are provided to eligible clients in the form of grants used for additional training and education, and to purchase hardware and software to further their business plans or personal financial goals.
“This investment from First Niagara illustrates very clearly the bank’s commitment to community and the vision in leadership within the bank to enhance existing programs of excellence with additional resources to ensure success. We are pleased and proud of our partnership with First Niagara,” said Fran Pastore WBDC CEO.
To be considered for the Opportunity Fund, clients must meet strict eligibility requirements and be approved by a WBDC staff member. An interview is required. For more information please contact Marian Cicolello at mcicolello@ctwbdc.org or 203-353-1750.
