Address

Newton City Hall
1000 Commonwealth Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459

617-796-1000
TDD/TTY 617-796-1089

Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30am-5:00pm

Tuesday
8:30am- 8:00pm

Contact the WebTeam

The Women's Enterprise Initiative (WEI)

The Women's Enterprise Initiative (WEI) is an excellent venue for women entrepreneurs, at any point in their business venture, to learn from their peers how to grow their business and find the support they need to manage this growth.

BACKGROUND

WEI is a self-contained volunteer organization operating under the umbrella of the City of Newton. Organized in 1996, WEI began as a joint venture between the City of Newton Planning and Development Department, New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO) and Pine Manor College. The purpose of the initiative is to assist women in developing successful businesses. The WEI Business Plan Forums provide women with an opportunity to have their business plans critiqued and prepare them to launch a business idea or expand upon an existing one. Recognizing the wide range of values and lifestyle choices, WEI honors each woman's definition of success. All women, regardless of the type of business or level of success they envision for themselves, are welcome to submit their business plan for review.

The Business Plan Forums take place three times a year at the City of Newton Free Library. The Forum allows an entrepreneur to present her business plan for evaluation by a panel of financial, legal, and marketing experts for feedback. The audience, comprised of business people and consumers, are also invited to give feedback and pose their own questions to the panel. WEI's goal for the Business Plan Forums is not only to provide intensive help to each presenter whose plan shows promise, but also to serve as both a networking and educational event for those who attend. The connections made through WEI help women gain the skills needed to build their business and claim their dreams as entrepreneurs.

Learn about the WEI Executive Committee.

WEI Business Plan Forum

Our first event of 2012 is fast approaching and we hope you can join us!

Mary Davis, owner of Davis Hairdressing in Newton Highlands will present her business plan

Moderator: Candy O’Terry, On-Air Host and Assistant Program Director at Magic 106.7 WMJX

Panel of Experts: Cindy Hale of OTW Communications, Jim Mocera of Mocera, Visconti, & Company CPAs LLC, and Rochelle Seltzer of Seltzer Design

Where:

When:

Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459

Monday, February 6, 2012
6:15 – 6:45 p.m. Networking and Refreshments
6:45 – 9:00 p.m. Business Plan Presentation with Panel and Audience Feedback
Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is FREE and open to all!

Please RSVP by clicking here: Register Now!

Past Forums

WEI maintains a strong alumni network and regularly invites back past participants to update us on their progress. Learn about the women business owners who are Past Presenters. We are grateful for the Past Moderators & Panelists who volunteer their time to WEI. If you are interested in participating in WEI, please see our Call for Presenters.

 

Forum Photos
January 23, 2003 May 01, 2003 October 23, 2003
January 21, 2004 April 29, 2004 October 21, 2004
January 27, 2005 April 28, 2005 October 19, 2005
January 19, 2006 May 4, 2006 -
February 1, 2007 April 26, 2007 October 4, 2007
January 24, 2008 May 1, 2008 October 16, 2008
February 4, 2009 May 6, 2009 November 17, 2009
April 15, 2010 May 4, 2010 October 13, 2010
February 7, 2011 May 4, 2011 Sept & Oct 2011

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this program or would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact Amanda Stout, Sr. Economic Development Planner, Planning and Development Department, City of Newton, at 617-796-1127 or wei@newtonma.gov.