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What is the Women's Business Center?
REI’s Women’s Business Center is a non-profit resource center for women entrepreneurs. It is a cooperative agreement between the Small Business Administration’s Office of Women Business Ownership and REI. The WBC offers business counseling services, business development workshops and networking opportunities. Partnering with a variety of city, state and national entities provides the best possible guidance and resources for business owners.
I am a woman and think I want to start my own business. Where do I begin?
You begin at REI’s Women’s Business Center. The WBC offers business counseling as well as small business workshops. You will receive information on how to structure your business; what licenses and permits are needed and where these can be obtained; how to obtain a sales tax permit if one is needed; what is included in a business plan and assistance in writing one; what sources of financing are available for a small business and what should be done before approaching a lender; and what is involved in marketing your business. Workshops also provide opportunities to network with other entrepreneurs to discuss how they approached starting their business and what pitfalls they encountered and overcame.
I have an existing business. What help can I expect from REI’s Women’s Business Center?
Even if you own a business which has been in existence for a few years or several years, you will still benefit from the seminars and workshops offered by the WBC. Workshop topics which are appropriate for existing businesses include Quickbooks®, e-commerce, website design, and employee issues. Some WBC events allow the business owner to showcase and market their products or services. Also, there is always the opportunity to network with other women entrepreneurs and learn from each other. Some women who have attended the workshops get new ideas or new motivation for doing something in a different way!
What type of business development workshops does the WBC provide?
If you are thinking of starting a business or already have an existing business, the WBC has a workshop designed with you in mind. Training workshop topics include, but are not limited to marketing, strategic planning, website development, learning how to read financial statements and even learning how to apply for an SBA loan. Workshop topics change as the client’s needs change. Click here to find out what workshops are available in your area. Most workshops are free of charge unless a meal is included. The WBC workshops also provide a great opportunity for networking and marketing your business with other local entrepreneurs.
What is a "woman owned business"?
A woman owned business is one in which at least 51% of the business belongs to a female, or two or more females. Example of a woman owned business: a business in which two women own 60% of the business and a man owns 40% of the business. If two or more females own 100% of the business, it is also considered a woman owned business. However, a business in which a husband and wife each own 50% of the business is an equally owned business.
Is there a national certification for a "Woman Owned Business" and if not, how do I get certified?
There is not a national certification for a "Woman Owned Business" however there is a "Woman-Owned Business Certification" through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The application is online at www.okcommerce.gov/index.php?option From the list on the left side of the page click on New and Existing Businesses then click on Women Owned Businesses. The application can be downloaded. REI's Women's Business Center is available to assist with the application process. There is reciprocity from other states with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce Woman-Owned Business Certification.
For more information: Email Barbara Rackley, WBC Coordinator, Durant office, or Lori Broyles, WBC Coordinator, OKC office. You may also call REI at 800-658-2823
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