For nearly 10 years, WWBIC has offered Start Smart, a 16-session comprehensive business planning class. We have designed this series to fit the needs of many entrepreneurs. Start Smart participants range from future entrepreneurs testing out the viability of a business idea to established business owners preparing a business plan for the first time.

Through Start Smart, WWBIC teaches the basics of business ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow projections, financing, and human resources management. Weekly guest speakers include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Each participant is encouraged to complete a draft business plan through completion of weekly worksheets and exercises.

To view the current Start Smart schedule, select a location below :

Make Your Money Talk is an educational program that helps individuals improve their money management skills, address credit problems and develop a savings plan. In 9 sessions, participants learn easy-to-implement budgeting techniques, understand how to make good purchasing decisions, and develop a personal savings plan that works.

As part of the Make Your Money Talk program, WWBIC offers a special matched-savings program called Individual Development Accounts (IDA). In order to open an IDA, participants must meet income eligibility guidelines and successfully complete the Make Your Money Talk classes. Through the IDA savings account, every dollar saved is matched by WWBIC 2 to 1. In other words, if you save $2000 over two years, your account value will actually be $6000. The savings earned can then be used towards starting a business, paying for post-secondary education, or buying a first home.

For more information, contact our IDA Coordinator at 414-263-5450.