Norwalk, CT - With an initial gift from First Niagara, WBDC established an Opportunity Fund to help clients pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Monique Wilson of Norwalk is one of the first recipients to benefit form WBDC’s Opportunity Fund.
Monique is the owner of Oasis Therapeutic Massage for Wellness in Norwalk CT which was established in 2007. She graduated from WBDC’s Fast Trac New Venture Program in April 2011 where she maintained perfect attendance and completed her business plan. As a result, Monique was awarded a business technology grant through the Opportunity Fund. The grant goes to Monique in the form of a Dell Laptop which she will use to keep track of her clients and business financials by installing the QuickBooks computer software program. The laptop will also allow Monique to grow her business by becoming more mobile. Monique is thrilled with her new laptop and the growth potential for her business. “Completing the FastTrac program was a very empowering experience for me. As a recipient of the Opportunity Fund from the WBDC my business can grow and prosper”.
WBDC’s Opportunity Fund is intended to further the organization’s mission by offering additional programs, services and products to WBDC scholarship recipients who need special resources that until now have eluded them. Specifically, the opportunity fund will 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. The Opportunity Fund will support all three components by providing additional post training tools and professional guidance to eligible clients.
Monies from the Opportunity Fund are provided to eligible clients in the form of grants for additional training and education and hardware and software to further their business endeavor 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” Says Fran Pastore WBDC CEO.
“We congratulate Ms. Wilson on her achievement, and are proud to support her entrepreneurial efforts,” said Paul McCraven, First Niagara SVP, Community Development. “Helping customers achieve their personal and professional dreams is what First Niagara is all about, and we see our investment in WBDC’s Opportunity Fund as another way to do that. We are continuing our support of this valuable resource to women business owners, and hope other companies will invest in it as well.”
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 or 203-353-1750.
About WBDC
The Women’s Business Development Council is the Leader of Entrepreneurial and Financial Training for Women in Connecticut and is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women become economically self-sufficient. It has been educating, motivating and empowering women through entrepreneurship and expanded career opportunities for the past 14 years. For more information please visit www.ctwbdc.org
About First Niagara
First Niagara Financial Group, Inc., through its wholly owned subsidiary First Niagara Bank,
N.A. has $31 billion in assets, $19 billion in deposits, 346 branches and approximately 5,000 employees, as of June 30, 2011. First Niagara is a community-oriented bank providing financial services to individuals, families and businesses across Upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.fnfg.com.
