Starting and Promoting On Line Recurring Women Networking Workshops

The Program

A district wide, recurring program focusing on women entrepreneurs during this unprecedented time.  Focus on women’s unique challenges.  Provides access to colleagues and mentors.  Provides networking and brainstorming ideas. Brings a feeling of belonging and not being alone.

• Webinars are held weekly or bi-weekly at the same time.
• 4-5 women mentors participate in each session. Their photos and email addresses are displayed. 
• All sessions are free to participants.
• Webinar begins with mentor introductions, where they’re from and their background (10 minutes)
• Subject for the webinar is introduced and presented (10 minutes)
• Discussion through chat (40 minutes)

Process to start and administer

To Start

• District Director contacts Chapter Chairs, explains the program and obtains buy-in
• District leadership identifies (recruits administrator). This does not have to be a SCORE volunteer.
• Existing paid admin or outside consultant in social media works well.
• Chapter Chairs sends list to admin of all-female mentors and their email addresses.
• Admin invites all leaders and women mentors to a zoom meeting to explain the program.
• Solicits input from all on possible topics.

Administration

• Admin lines up mentors and speakers for next session. Speakers do not have to be SCORE volunteers. Outside consultants (SBA, social media experts, etc) can be used.
• Sets up zoom meeting with option for people to register.
• Admin sends flyer to chapters so they can advertise to their data bases.
• Admin posts on all social media outlets and sends flyers to community partners to help advertise.
• After webinar sends email lists to chapters.
• Can be counted as a workshop.

Suggested possible topics

• Federal funding opportunities (SBA)
• Alternate funding available (panel)
• How to work effectively from home
• How to be a business owner, head of household and parent all at the same time
• How to keep your sanity during this time
• How to restart your business
• How to use social media to insure your business keeps afloat
• Creative ways to recreate your business
• Suggestions on how to find cash in these difficult times
• Work life balance