Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/595878
10 University of Hartford's Entrepreneurial Center | Women's Business Center Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender Farmington Bank congratulates the Entrepreneurial Center and Women's Business Center Farmington Bank brings you the modern convenience and products of a larger bank, combined with the classic service of a leading community bank. Count on us to support you, your family and your business with the products and expertise you need to bank in a busy and complex world. Personal Banking Business Banking Loans Online Banking and Bill Pay Mobile App Toll-Free 877-376-BANK farmingtonbankct.com The center is proud of the success of the Women's Business Roundtable (WBR) program. The WBR provides a much-needed forum for women business owners to step back from day-to-day operations and engage in a structured, strategic planning process that promotes long-term growth. A combination of hands-on learning, networking, and peer-to- peer mentoring, the program brings together groups of 8-12 selected women business owners, committed to advancing their skills and growing their business. Each group meets monthly in five-month modules, and is facilitated by a business advisor and a technical expert. Participants form trusted relationships, find resources to grow their businesses, share lessons, tools and promising practices, and get practical knowledge and assistance. Groups work on developing marketing and financial plans, building marketing content and online presence, improving cash flow and financial management, and many more. WOMEN'S BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE "Although there have been many big bumps in the road, the women of the Entrepreneurial Center have been my strength and support. I have built wonderful relationships in the WBR. They have taught me to be a better businesswoman. I have learned marketing strategies, social media importance, and business planning, as well as understanding the operational and financial sides of business. We have reduced overhead and are focused on becoming a profitable company." —Beth Bolton, Owner, A Little Something Bakery Building an Image Heather Conley found success as a photographer specializing in architectural, engineering, and construction images in part through the Entrepreneurial Center. Over a decade ago, she completed center training to go into another field altogether: hand-painted greeting cards. "I realized after writing my business plan that I wasn't going to find my joy there or make a living," Conley said. So she started again. Gifted a digital camera in 2007, Conley was hooked. She revamped skills from her corporate past into marketing with images, in a niche industry, and came back to the Center last year to shore up her new business' foundation, client numbers, and cash flow. "I have the artistry piece. I'm learning the business piece," said Conley. Now Conley's shoot schedule is completely booked. Some of her new business relationships she credits to the CT Business Matchmaker. ArchDaily.com recently gave a nod to her "DIY vs. Pro" series of images on her website. Conley lauds the Women's Business Roundtable, and the center in general. "You can take a workshop for low to no cost and pick and choose what you need," she said. Heather Conley, Owner, Heather Conley Photography, Suffield, Conn. SUCCESS STORY HEATHER CONLEY