IRVINE, Calif., July 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California (AWT), in conjunction with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs of Orange County (FWE), and the Orange County Chapter of the National Association for Women Business Owners (NAWBO-OC), today announced the beginning of E101, a series of monthly luncheon classes designed to prepare promising entrepreneurs to launch and build new companies in the high-growth technology and life sciences sectors. The program offers a structured educational process for completing a business plan and obtaining venture capital through two-hour workshops that provide an overview of issues relevant to building a solid and successful business.
"Our organizations came together to design E101 as a program for our members and others who are considering starting their own business or realize they need guidance with their existing business," said Cynthia Cotteta, president of AWT. "The series will draw on Orange County's entrepreneurial talent and go beyond the usual class format by fostering mentorship and coaching."
The three influential local non-profits, AWT, FWE and NAWBO-OC, are uniting to offer an informative series of easy-to-understand modules for entrepreneurs who need to prepare a business plan and obtain funding in order to launch their company. Led by independent experts who will serve as mentors, E101 participants will solve specific questions regarding their own business plans through application assignments, coaching and outside work. The comprehensive format appeals to women and men with a variety of backgrounds, from experienced entrepreneurs to working moms launching their first venture. The workshops will take place in the form of luncheons in order to accommodate a variety of schedules.
E101 enrollees will also have the opportunity to polish their business plan and enter it in a competition. At the conclusion of the course, a qualified panel of experts will select several of the best business plans to be presented to the Orange County funding community.
"Women and men who are formulating a business plan frequently have a great concept, but lack direction especially when the time comes to look for funding sources," said Jnana Anderson, president of FWE's Orange County chapter. "E101 will take participants beyond the business plan and address the financial planning and funding issues that are crucial to the success of high growth businesses."
The first of nine workshops, titled "So You Want to be an Entrepreneur," will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2003 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University Club at the University of California, Irvine. The session, featuring guest speaker Larry O'Toole, will help participants decide whether an entrepreneurial path is appropriate for them. O'Toole will leverage his 20 years of leadership experience in the public and private sector, including two start-up ventures, to examine the process for launching a business. The discussion will also address the key ingredients for a successful venture, the reality regarding success rates of new ventures, potholes and rewards awaiting the entrepreneur, timing, and the personal characteristics and qualities required to be a successful entrepreneur.
Subsequent workshops, extending through April of next year, will focus on essential business planning topics including choosing a direction, marketing and sales, financial planning, venture funding, legal basics, organization and team building. Each session will feature an experienced and knowledgeable speaker who has a proven track record as an entrepreneur in the Southern California community.
"Many entrepreneurs just want someone to read their business plans," said Beth Adkisson, president of NABWO's Orange County chapter. "E101 offers participants an opportunity to express and refine their ideas, increasing their chances for success."
The cost of E101 is as follows: $30 for AWT, FWE and NAWBO members; $40 for non-members; and $20 for students. Participants can save 20 percent by paying for all nine sessions in advance ($215 for members; $290 for non-members). In addition to the workshops, registration fees include a comprehensive binder that contains the full curriculum. Participants who attend at least three classes will also receive free business planning software from JIAN.
Registration is available online at http://www.fwe.org/socal. For additional information about E101, please visit http://www.awtsocal.org/E101-071003.htm, www.fwe.org/socal or contact Jnana Anderson at (949) 439-1943.
About the Association for Women in Technology
The Association for Women in Technology, Southern California is a local non-profit organization dedicated to serving the advancement of women and girls in all fields of technology. As a dynamic organization for learning, entrepreneurship and mentorship opportunities, AWT bridges the gap between industry, education and community institutions and continues to strengthen the fabric of the Southern California technology region. The organization holds meetings and events on a regular basis, attracting women in every area of technology, from those just entering the field to senior level management and technology innovators. To learn more about AWT, please visit the group's Web site at www.awtsocal.org.
About the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs
The Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) is the premier entrepreneurial organization for women and men who build and lead high-growth technology and life science companies. FWE's mission is to accelerate women's opportunities to start, build, manage and invest in market-leading companies. FWE was founded in 1993 and is a national non-profit organization focused on technology and life science industries. To learn more about the Orange County chapter of FWE, please visit the group's Web site at www.fwe.org/socal.
About the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners
With more than 165 active members, NAWBO-OC positions women business owners for profits, power and the passionate pursuit of excellence. The organization provides encouragement and support, networking opportunities, educational programs, and professional development. There are nearly 90 NAWBO chapters in the U.S., and the organization is represented in 35 countries worldwide. For information, call (714) 832-5333, or visit the Web site at www.nawbo-oc.org.