WEI

  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. 
Join our mailing list by emailing wei@newtonma.gov

BACKGROUND

The Women's Enterprise Initiative began in 1996 as a joint venture between the City of Newton Planning and Development Department, New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO), and Pine Manor College.  At the present time, WEI operates under the umbrella of the City of Newton.  Its Executive Board consists of two City employees and three volunteers -- the same volunteers who began WEI with the City of Newton fifteen years ago.  Two are past-presidents of NEWBO and the third is the former Director of Entrepreneurial Studies and Assistant Professor of Management at Pine Manor.  WEI seeks to assist women in developing successful businesses.  Learn about the WEI Executive Committee.

WEI Business Plan Forum

The WEI Business Plan Forum is an excellent venue for women entrepreneurs at any point in their business venture to learn from and gain the support of their peers.  The entrepreneurs receive advice about how to manage their businesses, as well as to create whatever business growth they may desire.  At each Forum an entrepreneur presents her business plan for evaluation by a panel of financial, legal, and marketing experts for feedback.  In adition, the audience members are invited to give feedbak and pose their own questions to the panel and presenter.  Recognizing the wide range of values and lifestyle choices, WEI honors each woman's definition of success and offers the opportunity to present to entrepreneurs in a variety of types of businesses at varying stages of growth.  The Business Plan Forums not only provide intensive help to each presenter, but also serve as both a networking and educational event for all who attend.  The connections made through WEI help women gain the skills needed to build their business and claim their dreams as entrepreneurs. 

WEI Business Plan Forums are held during the fall, winter, and spring at the Newton Free Library.  Recently, WEI held its first event devoted entirely to networking.  It was a huge success, and we are hoping to hold future unstructured networking events as an addition to our existing programs.  All WEI events are free and open to the public.  Although under the umbrella of the City of Newton, WEI is funded entirely by the generosity of our sponsors.

Upcoming Events

WEI presents: You Need a Business Plan!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Join us for a special event to learn when and why to use a business plan, plus how to write one. Whether you're an entrepreneur just starting out, or have been in business for years, you'll want to attend. It's not our usual business plan forum!
Where: Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library, 330 Homer Street, Newton, MA
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2013. Networking and Refreshments 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. Program and Discussion 6:45 - 8:45 p.m.
Panelists: Patricia Forde, WEI Executive Committee and Former Director of Entrepreneurial Studies at Pine Manor College; Peter McHenry, Small Business Boston; Matthew Chaves, Bentley Microfinance Group
We will also hear from WEI Alumnae and have plenty of time for questions and conversation with all who attend.
Click here to download the event flyer
Click here to register

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.

Watch the video of our February 13, 2013 Forum on the NewTV website.  Thanks to NewTV for their continued support!  http://www.newtv.org/video/wei/february2013/


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.