Program Elements
A MWBC Business Consultant will develop a business incubation plan with the participant and will provide guidance throughout the program. Each vendor will learn about setting up a retail business, with specific training in these areas:
Customer Service.
Inventory/Suppliers.
POS Systems.
Marketing.
Retail layout, merchandising display, and signage.
E-commerce.
Human Resources.
Program Benefits
The MWBC Business Consultant will provide, in such manner as s/he believes appropriate, support services to the entrepreneur while vendor participates in the MWBC Shop Local program. These services may include, without limitation:
Business Counselor will provide Business with technical assistance. Technical assistance may entail one-on-one work between Business and an industry professional or member of Program staff to solve a specific problem. Technical assistance will be provided free of charge.
Business Counselor will work with the Businesses to potentially secure at least one industry mentor, who will be an experienced industry professional who can provide personal and professional assistance. Mentors offer a broad range of advice and support and will serve as a resource for Business in the intangible areas of starting a new retail company. Most of the mentor relationships will be conducted over the phone or online. There will be no charge to businesses for mentorship
The program holds periodic workshops, which consist of courses designed to address fundamental aspects of business operations and assist businesses in applying the lessons to their own operations. The program may charge Business for workshops while Business is a participant in the Program.