WCCC Blog

Motivated women who want to start a business or improve a existing one and who are willing to participate in an educational program and complete a business plan.

What the program offers:
· A unique and accessible educational program

· Information on how to plan and manage a business or self-employment venture

· Financial Literacy Education

· Assistance in analyzing business opportunities

· One-on-one technical assistance and support to start and/or manage your own business

· Group support

· Assistance in the preparation of a loan application

· Low-interest micro-loans to start or improve your business

· Mentoring by a community of successful entrepreneurs

Step 1. PRE-REQUISITE WORKSHOPS: Before enrolling in the course, all participants are required attend a series of three workshops designed to familiarize and refresh student’s knowledge of basic business concepts. The workshops are offered in English and Spanish. Please call for times and locations. The cost of prerequisite courses may be applied to tuition costs.
Step 2. ORIENTATION: Attend a general information session that covers eligibility requirements, cost of program, scholarships and calendar of training dates. Submit a registration form to enroll in the program. The deadline to register is Thursday, July 6, 2009.
*All dates subject to change.
Step 3. INTERVIEW: After your registration form is processed, you will be scheduled for an one-on-one interview with an El Pájaro CDC Business Advisor You will also complete a questionnaire and business-personality assessment .
Step 4. PRE-SCREENING: Before enrolling in the course, all participants are required to take a basic skills assessment at Adult Basic Education site. These results will help us better understand your needs and strengths. Appointments will be scheduled after the initial interview. The deadline to register is Thursday, July 6, 2009.
Step 5. 12-SESSION COURSE: Classes meet on a weekly basis for 12 weeks beginning the week of August 24 through the week of November 9, 2009. The graduation ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2009. To receive a graduation certificated and be eligible to apply for a loan participants must have 80% attendance and turn in a completed business plan .
Step 6. MICRO-LOAN APPLICATION PROCESS: Graduates are eligible to apply for low interest micro-loans up to $5,000 El Pájaro CDC advisers will provide loan preparation and follow-up counseling at no cost.

PRE-REQUISITE WORKSHOPS:

Call for times and locations

$15 per session or 3 for $35

Watsonville: May 11, 12; June 8, 9, 11; July 9, 13 & 14
Salinas: May 14, June 11, July 9

Watsonville: May 26 & 28; June 23 & 25; July 28 & 30

Salinas: May 28, July 09

English Language:

Watsonville: May 13, June 10, July 15

Salinas: June 11

Marketing:

Watsonville May 27, June 24, and July 22

Bi-Lingual:

Financial Literacy:

Watsonville: May 4 ; June 1, July 2

Salinas: May 7, June 2 and July 4

Computer Basics*:

Watsonville May 16, June 20 and July 18 *6 hour Saturday Boot Camp Salinas June25

For more information or to enroll in a workshop contact

El Pajaro CDC

23 E Beach Street #209

Watsonville, CA
831-722-1224
info@elpajarocdc.org