Our Mission

The Women’s Enterprise Initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship support of the Office of Supervisor Candace Andersen and Thumbprint Coaching.

A cohort for women growing a business from home, and ready to stop doing it alone.

The Women’s Enterprise Initiative 2026 is a Danville Area Chamber of Commerce program created to empower women-owned, home-based businesses throughout the San Ramon Valley.

Starting and growing a business from your kitchen table, garage, or spare bedroom can be exciting, but it can also be isolating. As a business owner, you’re often the marketer, bookkeeper, customer service representative, and strategist all at once. This program exists to ensure you don’t have to navigate that journey alone.

Our mission is to cultivate a collaborative community where women entrepreneurs gain practical business knowledge, meaningful connections, and the confidence to grow sustainable businesses. Through a small cohort model, members work together both in person and online to share ideas, solve challenges, sharpen how they show up for customers, and celebrate one another’s successes.

This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a hands-on, supportive experience designed for women who are ready to move beyond working in isolation and begin building their businesses alongside a network of peers who understand the journey.

Women’s Enterprise Initiative – Our Origin Story

The Women’s Enterprise Initiative began in 2024 with a simple but powerful vision: to create more opportunities for women entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to learn, connect, and grow. Through a series of educational workshops and leadership conversations the initiative brought together women from across the community to share knowledge, build confidence, and support one another’s success.

Building on that strong foundation, the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce has evolved the initiative into a targeted business development program designed to provide women entrepreneurs with practical tools, meaningful connections, and the support they need to grow thriving businesses.

FAQs

What is the Women's Enterprise Initiative?

The Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) is a three-month business accelerator created by the

Danville Area Chamber of Commerce to help a cohort of thirty women entrepreneurs strengthen, grow, and scale their businesses. Through expert-led workshops, peer collaboration, one-on-one coaching, and accountability, participants gain practical tools, new connections, and a personalized action plan to move their business forward.

When: The program runs from August 25th – October 27th 2026.

Times: In-person luncheons are from 11:30am – 2pm; Virtual workshops are from 12pm – 1pm.

For the full program details, please find more information on this link.

Who is the program designed for?

The program is designed for women business owners who are ready to intentionally grow their
business.

Ideal participants include:

Home-based businesses
Solo entrepreneurs
Service-based businesses
Retail businesses
Professional services
Consultants
Creative entrepreneurs
Established small business owners looking to reach the next level

Whether you’ve been in business for one year or ten, the program is designed to help you build momentum.

Do I need to be a Chamber member?

No. Chamber membership is not required to apply. However, Chamber members receive preferred pricing and additional opportunities to stay connected after completing the program.

What makes this program different?

Unlike traditional workshops, the Women’s Enterprise Initiative combines education with
accountability and community.

The program emphasizes:

Practical implementation
Small-group collaboration
Personalized guidance
Meaningful connections with other women entrepreneurs

What if I'm just starting my business?

Early-stage businesses are welcome if they have moved beyond the idea stage and are actively operating. Businesses that have been in operations for at least a year will be prioritized.

Applicants should be committed to growing a sustainable business and be ready to actively participate in the program.

What does the program cost?

Due to the generosity of our sponsors, the six-session program will be offered at a modest fee of $200 for Danville Area Chamber Members and $350 for Non-Chamber Members.

Fees will be collected upon acceptance into the program and billed through the Chamber Office. The fee includes workshops, program materials, coaching, three in-person luncheons, and networking opportunities.

Do I have to own my business full-time?

No. Many successful entrepreneurs are building businesses while balancing careers, family
responsibilities, or other commitments. What matters most is your commitment to growing your business and actively participating in the program.

Can I send an employee or business partner in my place?

The program is intended for the primary business owner or founder. Because each session builds on previous discussions and includes peer accountability, consistent participation by the same individual is essential.If your business has multiple owners, please contact us to discuss whether both owners may participate.

Addiitonal FAQ