Women’s Enterprise Initiative
A Project of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce FundWomen’s Enterprise Initiative – Our Story
The Women’s Enterprise Initiative kicked off its educational programming in 2024. This transformative leadership and mentoring program, created by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Three Valleys Community Foundation offers community workshops to educate, mentor and train women business owners and non-profit leaders.
We embrace inclusivity, welcoming participants of all genders, while specifically championing diverse female entrepreneurs in growth industries such as technology, retail, service, hospitality, restaurant, health, wellness, finance, and professional services. Read “Out Story” to learn about our featured workshops. Meet our advisors and participants of the “Class of 2024” by clicking through our flip-book.
Preview of WEI Workshops
Session #1 – Community Safety, Risk & Response, featuring SRVFPD
Session #2 – Women’s Financial Management Seminar, featuring Comerica Bank
Session #3 – Community Volunteerism, featuring Supervisor Candace Andersen, Mayor Karen Stepper & Heather Schiffman
Session #4 – Business Succession Planning, Corporate Governance, & Estate Planning, featuring Brittany Riley, Doyle Quane Law Group
Session #5 – Becoming Your Best Brand Ambassador, featuring Lara George Photography
Stay Tuned!
Friday, December 6th is our Women’s Enterprise Initiative Graduation Ceremony & Luncheon with Guest Speaker Internet Influencer Joy Ofodu!
Sessions include a hearty Lunch and run from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
11:30 AM – Check-In & Networking
12:00 PM – Lunch is Served
12:10 PM – Program Begins
1:15 PM – Program Q&A
1:30 PM – Program Ends
Session venues include public community facilities, sponsoring businesses, training facility classrooms, and a special setting for our graduation.
Community Safety, Risk & Response
Special thanks to SRVFPD Fire Chief Paige Meyer and Community Response Team Educator Danielle Bell for sharing their expertise with the students of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative today. The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Three Valleys Community Foundation to bring this community economic vitality program to the region, featuring educational and leadership training to women business owners and non-profit leaders.
#women
#womenleaders
#3VCF
#SRVFPD
#SanRamonFire
Gallery
Key Contacts:
- Brittany Doyle Riley, Chair, Steering Committee of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative
- Judy B. Lloyd, President & CEO, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
— A full list of Steering Committee Members & Advisors is coming soon!
FAQ
What is the session format?
An Introductory Session will be held on Zoom in early 2024 to orient participants & encourage networking among the cohort. Each session will be 1.5 hours.
The basic session format is as follows –
- Student 0:30 Introductions
- Introductions of Speakers
- Lecture & Learning
- Interactive Exercise
- Q&A
- Take-away
- Networking
Sessions will be pre-scheduled every other month and may include Continental Breakfast & Coffee, Lunch or a Cocktail Reception. They will be held at the Chamber office, a sponsoring business, a public community facility, or at a participating member business.
What is the class size?
We hope to recruit a cohort of 25 – 30 women leaders, ideally through personal referrals, but also through our e-newsletter and social media channels.
What is the cost to apply?
Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the six-session program will be offered at a modest fee of $150 for Danville Area Chamber Members and $300 for Non-Chamber Members.
Fees will be collected upon acceptance into the program and billed through the Chamber Office.
Billing questions may be directed to office@danvilleareachamber.com or 925-837-4400. All fees must be paid prior to enrollment, and are a business deductible expense, under our 501(c)6.
Application Process & Fees
Applications are available online on this web page. Just hit “Apply Now”.
Prioritizing Applicants
Applicants will be prioritized from the Danville Area Chamber’s geographic footprint in the San Ramon Valley (Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk, Danville, San Ramon, and unincorporated Contra Costa County).
Applicants may also be accepted from Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, if space is available.
Will there be a graduation?
At the conclusion of the program, students will be invited to a social networking event, which will serve as their graduation from the program.
Public officials and community leaders will be invited to participate. There is an opportunity to sponsor the graduation at a local business or restaurant and/or to sponsor catering for the graduation event.
The Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Women’s Enterprise Initiative is fiscally sponsored by the Three Valleys Community Foundation (3VCF), a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID #87-1782380).
Contact:
Judy B. Lloyd
President & CEO, Danville Area Chamber of Commerce
925-837-4400 or ceo@danvilleareachamber.com
