University of Hartford's Entrepreneurial Center | Women's Business Center 9
Clients of the Center can
also benefit from a more
individualized approach when
they need to discuss issues,
ideas and challenges in a more
intimate setting. To complement
training and networking
offerings, the center offers three
free appointments per year to
eligible entrepreneurs and small
business owners. An experienced
professional is available to
meet with the small business
owner to discuss startup steps;
business planning; financing
and loan packaging; marketing;
government contracting;
exporting; financial planning;
or any other issues. Clients
benefit from the availability of
advisors face to face, as well
as by telephone, email and
virtually. Whether it's providing
feedback for an idea, making
sure clients are on the right track,
answering specific questions
or making a referral to another
partner organization, advisors
can make all the difference. For
many center clients the business
advisor has become a trusted
mentor and part of the business
advisory team.
ADVISING
BUSINESS
ADVISING
" I can speak the language
of business . . . "
Donyelle McBride is founder of McBride Hair Restoration Services
in Hartford. It's not your usual salon; it caters to people who are
experiencing the trauma of lost or thinning hair. Whether hair loss is
due to stress, illness, chemotherapy, genetics, or chemical damage,
the toll it takes on self-esteem and quality of life is the same.
"I was always on a journey to make sure my customers were
happy. I didn't realize I needed to get training on how to run a
business," she said.
When Women's Business Center staff approached McBride about
the Hartford Small Business Technical Assistance Program, she
jumped at the opportunity. McBride increased sales and opened new
revenue streams with educational seminars and product sales. Her
new business plan even helped secure a business loan to complete
facility improvements.
"I can speak the language of business and I have a computerized
method for tracking my finances and inventory. I couldn't do that
before," she said.
(est)
Milena Erwin, WBC Manager, (left) and Donyelle McBride (right)
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
TOTAL CLIENTS ASSISTED
since inception
SUCCESS STORY DONYELLE MCBRIDE
