Since 1989, the Women’s Small Business Program has been offering educational training programs, primarily to women, with the goal of facilitating economic self sufficiency and entrepreneurial growth. WSBP is a program of Mercy Connections.
WSBP Programs and Services
Getting Serious:
A course designed for women to explore the possibilities and realities of business ownership. Here women consider their skills and interests to assess potential small business ventures. These ideas are then considered within the woman’s current life and action steps are developed to move her forward toward her goals.
This class is offered 2 to 3 times per year as either a 1 day workshop or over 5 weeks for 2 hrs per week. See right panel for next scheduled offering.
Start Up:
Is a fifteen week intensive program for women who are starting, stabilizing or expanding a small business. Class emphasizes financial planning, marketing, personal and professional development with the goal of completing a professionally reviewed business plan.
The fall 15-week cycle of Start Up will begin on August 27, of 2009 .
There are links on the right for: Application packet (application, self-assessment, and scholarship application)
- Start Up course description
- Frequently asked questions about Start Up
- Class schedule (Thursdays-5:30 to 9 and alternate Sunday afternoons 12-6p.m.)
- Mercy Connections scholarship application
Tuition and Financial Aid
The cost of the Start Up course is $1,795.00, which includes our course materials. Please don’t let financial concerns keep you from applying because:
- Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) non-degree grants pay our entire tuition for most lower income applicants. Call 1-800-882-4166 for a free application since it is not available on line. Complete the VSAC form first and send it and a copy of your 2008 taxes and W-2’s off to VSAC in Winooski. Their processing takes a while.
- Mercy Connections has scholarships available from KeyBank and the Sisters of Mercy. For scholarship consideration: Download and complete the Mercy Connections Scholarship form and mail in with 2008 taxes and W-2’s.
- We offer a 4 month payment plan for whatever tuition balance students may owe.
Applying to Start Up
Please download, complete and submit your application along with a $25 non-refundable application fee to:
Lorna Lyons, Women's Small Business Program,
346 Shelburne Road, Burlington, VT 05401.
Once your application has been received, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. The interview is an opportunity to go over details and to be sure that placement in the class is going to be the right fit.
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