Success Stories

The help I received from the EAP was invaluable. The help I received from Cynthia and Simone was priceless. Cynthia made the process of preparing a proper business plan so much tolerable. That process of the plan was very nerve racking for me until I received her help. With her help I wrote a very well organized plan that helped me receive funding on the first try. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for both of these very professional woman I would still be trying to write this plan and not be in business today. I would and have recommended them to everyone one I know thinking to start a business.

The program helped me in completing a solid foundation to grow my business. It was very helpful (for learning how) to be an American businesswoman, I want to give my heart to my business.

Entrepreneurship is not the easiest career route to take, but it has proved to be the most satisfying.

The WEDC class really propelled me forward at a faster rate than I ever expected to move. I’d always dreamed of owning my own jewelry store to provide a more distinct customer experience and fill the gaps that I noticed in the jewelry industry. My ambition was always strong but I needed help formulating the right business plan. The WEDC program did just that, it far surpassed my expectations from day one. Not only did I gain the knowledge to move forward with my business model but most importantly it gave me the confidence I needed to not stray from my ideas of a perfect jewelry store. After the program Cynthia was there to answer any questions I had and now I can finally say I am the proud owner of Sky Diamond Jewelers LLC.

Don’t start without taking a class. WEDC can offer all you need to know and introduce you to a community of people that will help you. I relied heavily on WEDC.

For people starting out their own business I would strongly advise them to let themselves be guided by WEDC and to definitely take the classes and workshops that WEDC offers. I would like to thank WEDC as it has helped me grow both as a person and as a business owner.

Before I started the program I have a vision of the future but didn’t have a path to get to it. With the help of WEDC program I have built my confidence and have learn how to build a business plan that allows me to have a road map. Please be informed that I could have never done it without the Help of WEDC program. Through the program I have learned that to be an entrepreneur and have a successful business, you need to have a business plan. Thank you, Cynthia and the WEDC team for all the help and support.

Soraida Sanchez emigrated from Colombia and arrived in the U.S. with dreams of starting her own business and becoming her own boss when she read about the Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC) in a local newspaper. Interpreting that moment of discovery as a sign, Soraida contacted WEDC, enrolled in its 60 Hour Entrepreneurial Training Program in Spanish, and graduated. Today, Soraida is the proud owner/operator of Zoraida Beauty Spa located in Port Chester, New York, where with the help of the technical assistance she received from a WEDC business counselor, and a $10,000 loan secured through WEDC’s microloan program, Soraida will continue to grow her enterprise and serve her expanding clientele.

Before attending the 60-hour course, I had the idea of what I wanted to do, but it was all in my head. The WEDC course helped me translate my idea into a workable business plan. I especially appreciated learning how to integrate market research into identifying a target market, and how to develop a marketing plan.