Oceanside CA— Military spouses and women were disproportionately impacted by the Pandemic, with many forced out of the workplace. Many women desire to make a career pivot. The National Veterans Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Mentors, and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce have responded to this call to action by piloting a free business incubator program.
The Women Entrepreneur Incubator program, which launches today via Zoom, is helping to train entrepreneurs to develop their part-time or full-time businesses in one of three tracks: Social Media Management Company, Virtual Assistant Company, and Business/Personal Coaching. The three organizations are providing training, technical assistance, mentorship, peer-to-peer support, and financial information.
“Starting a business takes commitment,” says Joseph Molina, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce based in San Diego County. “An entrepreneurial mindset and, most Importantly, knowing exactly what it is you want to do and what outcome (the “Why”) you want to achieve is part
of that commitment.”
Entrepreneurs are hoping that starting their own business will help them to be their own boss and take control of their destiny. “Our aim is that the first cohort will learn how to be ‘Pandemic’, ‘Recession’ proof, and ‘Portable’ by investing in themselves,” says the Chamber’s workforce development coordinator, Victoria Carlborg.
An added benefit of the incubator is that each entrepreneur will receive in-person coaching and mentoring will occur at the Oceanside Chamber’s office following the online training sessions. “SCORE San Diego volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their experience and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses,” says Laura Rau, Mentor and Veteran Outreach Contact with SCORE San Diego Mentors. “We are grateful to be able to collaborate with the Oceanside and the Veterans chambers with the incubator to help military spouses and the veteran community succeed in business!”
Women who are interested in participating in the next cohort may contact Victoria Carlborg at Victoria@oceansidechamber.com.