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The mission of the Women's Small Business Program (WSBP) is to foster women's economic independence by giving them the skills needed for entrepreneurial success. WSBP believes strongly that self-employment is a viable option for all women. As a non-profit, WSBP offers classes and counseling to encourage individuals to take steps toward economic independence.
WSBP was developed in 1989 through a cooperative effort of Trinity College of Vermont and the City of Burlington's Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO). At that time studies were showing that women in the area were both underemployed and unemployed. At the same time, women were beginning to start businesses in record numbers. Since 1987 there has been a 94.3% increase in the number of women-owned businesses in Vermont. The focus of WSBP is to train women in the skills necessary to start and run a successful business, to empower women to make informed choices regarding their economic well-being, and to support economic development in Vermont.
"WSBP has an excellent reputation in the business community. Area commercial loan officers praise completed business plans written by WSBP graduates as the most complete and realistic they see. Graduates credit the program with helping them make positive changes in their personal and professional lives due to increased self-confidence and skills. Businesses created have ranged from part time, seasonal, retail, product, manufacturing, non-traditional trades and wholesale."
"Venturing out into the business world can be both exciting and overwhelming. The Women's Small Business Program was created to empower women to make informed choices for their economic well-being, and explore the possibility of business ownership in the company of other women."
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