Issue link: http://visitithaca.uberflip.com/i/934704
10 Women & Minority Business Leader Trainings Head, Heart and Strategy Offered in collaboration with business and life coach Ariana Blossom, this program featured two workshops in 2017. Over thirty women business owners, managers and non-profit leaders explored ways to ease the stress and anxiety often associated with today's working world, gain clarity about quality of life and personal goals, and find new strategies for passionate, fulfilling careers. Seven of those women went on to participate in the follow-on intimate coaching programs (also called Head, Heart & Strategy). These three month programs offered both group and one-on-one coaching sessions. Incredibly, each individual demonstrated real growth and newfound inspiration over the course of twelve short weeks. The Chamber is so excited about this partnership and its impact! "I took more initiative in my business, and am more aware of what I want out of relationships and my work." – Local small business owner Minority and Woman Business Enterprise Workshops In 2017, the Chamber partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to deliver two workshops intended to foster the development of New York State Certified Minority and Woman Business Enterprises (MWBE) in Tompkins County. Numerous opportunities to bid on municipal, institutional, and state-funded projects exist, but not many local firms are certified. The Chamber seeks to broaden the economic opportunities available to locally owned microenterprises and small businesses by creating a pipeline of businesses working towards certification. Thanks to the Tompkins County Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee for sponsoring these workshops. Women in Business Roundtable The Chamber offers a free, quarterly roundtable discussion for women business owners, leaders, and non-profit executives. This supportive environment offers a chance to take a deeper dive on topics unique to women in today's working world, and explore gender biases which influence our work-life experiences. 10