Workshops and Resources

Continued learning is key to success in business. We invite you to join us for any of our upcoming workshops!

The Enterprise Center at PathStone provides a series of annual business education workshops. These workshops, currently held online, feature speakers and subject-matter experts who are passionate about training business owners and entrepreneurs to launch or grow their business.

Follow us on social media for our upcoming workshop calendar.

Workshops

Loan Readiness Training Series

The Enterprise Center at PathStone, in collaboration with Rochester Economic Development Corp., is excited to announce their loan readiness training series for emerging and existing entrepreneurs in Buffalo, Rochester, and surrounding counties. This series is aimed at small business owners who are actively looking for and are otherwise ready to access capital for start-up and expansion purposes.

This FREE Virtual 8-week intensive  Program, starting Wed., Sept. 27, will take participants through the process of preparing a completed business plan and loan package that can later be submitted to the financial institution of their choice. Virtual labs will accompany the workshop to provide participants with any technical assistance needed throughout the series. A cohort of 25 participants will be selected.

Eligible participants will also get the opportunity to pitch their business for a chance to win up to $5,000 to go toward their business endeavors!

Registration has ended for the 2023 cohort, but we'll be back in 2024!

See you in 2024!

WeROC

The WeROC program is assisting inspiring entrepreneurs from concept to execution through integrated services of technical assistance and direct access to capital through loans and grants, and will deploy approximately 1.2M for these services in the City of Rochester.

The Enterprise Center at PathStone will deliver entrepreneurship training programs to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, including those re-entering the general population, to successfully become self-employed and start their own small businesses.

The program will also include a capital injection component in the form of grants for small businesses of up to 10k, through an application process with the organization.

LEARN MORE!

She Means Business

She Means Business is a FREE Virtual 7-Week Intensive Program designed to take early-stage women entrepreneurs through the steps and processes needed to succeed in business, going from ideation to launch, from recession to expansion, and job creation.

Not only will you solidify your foundation, but you'll also have the opportunity to participate in a pitch competition with the chance to win up to $5,000!

REGISTER TODAY!

Tech Talks

Tech Talks is a virtual workshop series for existing entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to use technology to grow their business. Technology is ever-changing and has become more important to understand and utilize than ever before, however understanding and using technology and online tools can be intimidating and sometimes overwhelming.

Watch previous Tech Talks series recordings that cover a range of online tools including social media, website development, and e-commerce.

Watch Here!

Know Your Numbers! Series 2024

Gain the confidence to navigate pricing, financial statements, ratios, and apply this knowledge effectively to drive your business forward. Don't leave your financial success to chance—empower yourself with financial expertise!

This workshop is designed to equip business owners with the financial knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions, improve profitability, and achieve long-term success; two participants will be awarded a 6-month mentoring opportunity along with software assistance!

Register Today!

Small Business Forum

Small business owners and solopreneurs often do not have the luxury of a sophisticated network of like-minded professionals or the money to pay for expert advice and assistance. Everyone has their own niche, ideas, and challenges — and it can be hard to know where to turn for trusted help and information.

#FridayForum is a Small Business Forum of online community of entrepreneurs who support and promote each other’s businesses, learn from and grow with their peers, and benefit from free expert advice and technical assistance.

Watch Here!

Resources

Business Lending Resources

If you would like to conduct internet research about small business lending, we highly recommend visiting the Small Business Association (SBA) website at sba.gov. There you will find helpful ideas that will guide you through developing a business plan, figuring out what to consider when launching a business, support on how to manage your business finances, and tips for how to grow your business.

At The Enterprise Center at PathStone, we urge you to become thoroughly familiar with all these elements before seeking financing — particularly financing that is available over the internet. While there are responsible online lenders, there are also some who will seek to steer you into a loan that isn’t necessarily in your best interest. A Technical Assistance Provider, who isn’t trying to sell you a product, can help you assess if a loan that you are considering is in your best interest.

Business Development Resources