Outstanding Nonprofit Bad Girl Ventures Accepting Applications for Fall 2013 Business Class in Cleveland
Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) August 14, 2013 -- Bad Girl Ventures (BGV), the education and micro-lending organization recently named Outstanding Non-Profit Organization by The SCORE Foundation, is accepting applications through Sept. 1 for the BGV Cleveland Fall 2013 class. In addition to being considered for a $25,000 low-interest business loan, selected applicants will gain invaluable business knowledge and connections during the nine-week course.
BGV selects 10 female entrepreneurs to participate as finalists in its nine-week business class every spring and fall. During the program, selected applicants obtain instruction from successful entrepreneurs, network with other local business owners, learn how to run a business, and develop a business plan.
Those interested in learning more about BGV Cleveland’s upcoming course can attend a free informational session on Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Akron, Lakewood Campus. Former participants will be on hand to discuss the program and how it benefited them and their businesses. Click here to register for the event.
“Past participants say networking is one of the most valuable takeaways from the course,” said Réka Barabás, director, Bad Girl Ventures Cleveland. “In addition to education and possibly funding, our participants walk away with a business plan and 50 to 100-plus connections. This helps prepare them for growth whether they’re awarded the loan or not.”
BGV’s course offers entrepreneurs the tools to launch, manage and market their businesses successfully. Fall classes begin on Tuesday, Sept.17 and will be held each week from 6-9 p.m. at the University of Akron, Lakewood Campus. Apply now for BGV Cleveland’s fall class.
Only women-owned startups that are less than five years old can qualify to receive the $25,000 business loan. Owners of Hungry Bee Catering, Babies Travel Too, Renter’s Boom and Sugar Plum Cake Co. are all recipients of the loan from previous courses.
BGV business education classes are open to the public. Male and female aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners who are not interested in applying for the financing competition can register for classes at any time.
Individual sessions cost $35 each. The full nine-week business course costs $225. Course costs are waived for women entrepreneurs selected to participate as BGV finalists, however, finalists are asked to pay a $100 participation fee.
BGV Helps Entrepreneurs Obtain Business Education and Funding
BGV was chosen as this year’s recipient for the prestigious Outstanding Non-Profit Organization award from The SCORE Foundation, a national organization that mentors U.S. small businesses. BGV was recognized for making great strides in supporting local entrepreneurs through education and empowerment.
BGV is honored by this recent distinction and is committed to collaborating with other organizations to help local entrepreneurs obtain the education and funding needed to operate successful and sustainable businesses.
The education and micro-lending organization is proud to announce its recent partnership with Kiva, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for social good. BGV now stands as Ohio’s first Kiva Zip trustee and has the authority to recommend businesses for zero percent interest loans up to $10,000 through Kiva.
“Kiva has already helped four Bad Girl companies secure $20,000 in funding and we are excited to continue this partnership in 2013 and 2014,” said Corey Drushal, executive director, Bad Girl Ventures.
The Kiva program allows BGV participants to crowdfund capital from over 150 global partners in more than 65 countries, which would otherwise be out of reach.
About Bad Girl Ventures
Bad Girl Ventures (BGV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to its mission of building and sustaining well-managed, profitable women-owned businesses by providing female entrepreneurs with guidance, education and access to capital. BGV Cleveland has educated more than 250 entrepreneurs and awarded or facilitated $175,000 in loans since 2011. Visit http://www.badgirlventures.com for more information.
Reka Barabas, Bad Girl Ventures Cleveland, http://www.badgirlventures.com, 216.759.4575, [email protected]
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