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"Client Spotlight"

 

  Emily and Rachel Client Spotlight 

 

 Rachel Wood Daniels

&

Emily Wood Smith

Sisters and authors of Something  New: The Bride's Complete Guide  to Writing Thank You Notes and Something New: The Bride's

Complete Guide to Tracking Thank You Notes. 

 

Please follow our blog and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Rachel: 334-868-9156

Emily: 559-589-5800 

 

Our Story

The inspiration behind our book Something New: The Bride's Complete Guide to Writing Thank You Notes, was to simplify and streamline the enormous task of writing thank you notes for wedding gifts.  The book includes over 200 sample thank you notes, which range from gifts of china to peculiar gifts for which a bride may not quite know the best way to thank the recipient of the note.  The book also includes tips on how to address thank you notes based on each recipient's title and living situation. Our companion book Something New: The Bride's Complete Guide to Tracking Thank You Notes offers brides an organized way to record each gift they have received, who gave them each gift, and whether or not a thank you note has been mailed for each gift.  The book is divided into 10 sections for different wedding events, with room to record information for up to 50 gifts for each event. We are available to speak at schools, churches, libraries, and other events.

 

How CAWBC Helped

We have attended several CAWBC events.  Probably the most helpful for us was a program for authors and those who hoped to become authors. We met our editor, Liz Reed, through this presentation at the CAWBC, and through Mrs. Reed's presentation, we learned about the Local Authors Expo at the Birmingham Public Library, where we first offered our book for sale. We also recently attended a presentation, also by Ms. Reed, on how to market self-published books. At these presentations, we've been able to network with other authors. Another informative presentation offered by the CAWBC was on the importance of marketing a business using social media such as Facebook and Twitter.  This particular presentation stressed the importance of regularly posting updates via social media and on websites.  Most of our book sales have come through Internet sales, and so this marketing information was really helpful for us.

The CAWBC offers helpful resources, and we look forward to utilizing more of those resources as we grow our business.

 

 

 

 

 

"Wanted: One Silver Lining"

 

Times are difficult right now especially if you're just starting out, but we know there are some success stories out there. Here's your chance to share yours with other business owners. Write to us and tell us your start-up success story.  And if CAWBC had a part, please let us know that and exactly how we helped. The next spotlight may be you! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 
  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Save the Date!  

 

 

Alabama Roses Dinner-An Ode to Alabama 

Business Women  

Date: Thursday, May 17  

Time: 5 p.m. Networking and Cocktails  

6 p.m. Dinner   

Place: B&A Warehouse

 

 

 

Calling all Computer Gurus...We need your help! 

 

The Central Alabama Women's Business Center is organizing a series of computer classes at the intermediate, and advance levels for clients on:

 

Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint

 

If you're interested in volunteering as an instructor for any of these, email us at candace@cawbc.orgVolunteers choose frequency commitment levels for the 2-hour classes (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly).  Classes to be held at the Family Guidance Center (off West Oxmoor Road in Birmingham). Thank you in advance for your interest.

 

 

Walker County Residents 

Are You an Entrepreneur?

Is Online Business for You?

The Central Alabama Women's Business Opportunity Project is looking for eight (8) women entrepreneurs to participate in a special online business start-up project. Application Must Be Received by April 11, 2012

APPLY

 

 

SBA News.....

Government Contracting Classroom

A new initiative The SBA's Office of Government Contracting and Business Development has launched a new initiative called Government Contracting Classroom. It is an online training destination where, in addition to the great resources available through the District Office and Resource Partners, small businesses can acquire the confidence and know-how to participate in the federal contracting space. Read More 

 

Military Entrepreneur Training Opportunity

You don't want to miss this workshop series. Read More

 

Monthly Military Entrepreneurial Workshop

2nd Thursdays, 04/12/12

10:00 am - 12:00pm or 1:00pm - 3:00 pm

The workshop is for military entrepreneurs wanting to establish or expand small business. The following will be discussed: How to access capital through SBA's Patriot Express Pilot Loan Program, contracting opportunities, overview of training programs, and counseling program.  Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org

 

More Training News

Below you will find information and links regarding: Exporting, The Contracting Rule, The Small Business Jobs Act,  The National Women's Business Council, and SBA loan programs.   

 

 

HUBZone Certification 

Small Loan Advantage and Community Advantage 7(a) loan initiatives  

Begin Exporting

Contracting Opportunities

Small Business Jobs Act

The National Women's Business Council

SBA Releases Free Mobile App

 

 

Training Opportunities

 

Register for CAWBC Training Classes in Birmingham, AL  on Eventbrite 

 

 

 

 

Career Alternatives: Franchise Ownership - $10

03/14/2012 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Is starting a business for you and is a franchised business the best option? Recognized expert, Jerry Bird with FraNet will cover: Why to start a business, why own a franchise, misconceptions about franchising, how to find the right franchise. Learn the answer those questions on franchising basics from the comfort of your own computer. FranNet consultants specialize in helping their clients find the right franchise through their exclusive matchmaking process. Held in CAWBC offices at 2 North 20th/Birmingham 35203. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information.

 

Computer Skills Training Classes - FREE
03/16/12 - 9:00am - 11:00am Basic PowerPoint
 
This hands-on setting allows you to start new or increase your computer skills with step-by-step instructions. 9:00-11:00a.m., held at the offices of our training resource partner, Family Guidance Center, 234 Aquarius Drive, Suite 118 (off Oxmoor in the Barber office park). Melanie Bouyer, with Seedco Financial instructs. Click here to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information. Note this class is not held at the CAWBC.

 

Financial Planning for Your Business and Personal Life - FREE
03/20/2012 - 12pm - 1:30pm
The Bessemer Business Incubation System, Morgan Keegan & Company Inc., and Guardian Life Insurance will offer a Lunch and Learn Workshop. Topics discussed and questions answered will include:
* Liquidity: Do you and your business have enough quickly available money to address its immediate needs?
* Insurance: Are you and your business underinsured? What type of insurance does your business and your family need for its long term well being?
* Budgeting: Do you have a professional and personal budget? What are the benefits of having both?
* Long term disability: What happens to your business if you aren't able to work?
The program will take place at the Downtown Entrepreneurial Center, located at 401 19th Street North, Bessemer, AL
The program is free and lunch will be provided. Seating is limited so pre-registration is required. Please pre-register by Friday, March 16. To register call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org. Note this class is not held at the CAWBC.

 

QuickBooks 101 - $20
03/20/2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm - For Small Business or Personal Use
Bring your laptop loaded with QuickBooks and QuickBooks basics, how to setup up your books and other good tips and tricks which will help you give back time to your business while simplifying the bookkeeping process. Class is most appropriate for beginners to intermediate learning levels. Jennifer Tsantes, owner of Front2Back Business Services instructs. 6:00 - 8:00pm. Held at CAWBC training office. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information.

Getting Your Dream off the Ground - FREE
03/21/2012 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm
A great idea, a lifelong dream, the economic circumstances or life events are a few of the reasons individuals consider entrepreneurship. You are excited, but you aren't sure where to begin or what important steps you should consider before launching your business. This class presents important information you need to objectively determine whether you are ready to become an entrepreneur. Personal and professional goals, work style, available resources, and networking are a few considerations in being your own boss. Held at the CAWBC office, 2 North 20th/Suite 830/35203. Octavia Kuransky, CAWBC business coach, instructs. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information.

 

SBA Lending Overview - FREE
03/22/12 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
 
The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses and this overview provides a detailed understanding of how SBA programs work and the resources and lending programs available through the SBA for small business. 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the SBA District Offices, 801 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham 35211. Rod Perkins, SBA Lender Relations Specialist. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information. Note this class is not held at CAWBC.


New Business Tax Clinic - FREE
03/22/2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Come learn about federal and state taxes and your new business. A Representative from the IRS and Alabama Department of Revenue will educate on good record keeping, common self-employement mistakes, sales tax, and changes in IRS and State regulations. Held at the CAWBC offices, 2 North 20th Street/Suite 830. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.orgif you need more information.

 
Minority Business Enterprise Certification Orientation - FREE

04/03/12 - 11:00am-1:00pm - Lunch provided

Becoming a certified Minority Business Enterprise provides you with valuable resources to help your business grow and succeed. The South Regions Minority Supplier Development Council (SRMSDC) can offer your

business an excellent opportunity to meet with corporate buyers who are interested in working with qualified MBEs. To achieve MBE certification your business must be at least 51% ethnic minority owned defined as any business having owner(s) belonging to the following minority groups: African-American, Hispanic-American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander American (Asian-Indian included). Held at the offices of our training resource partner, SRMSDC, 4715 Alton Court, Birmingham. Facilitated by SRMSDC staff. Click the button at the top of the page to register. Call 453-0249 or email events@cawbc.org if you need more information. Note this class is not held at CAWBC.

 

  

 See More Classes 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 


 
 

 

 

For More Information
  
Central Alabama Women's Business Center (CAWBC)
2 North 20th Street, Suite 830
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Located between 19th and 20th street on Morris Avenue
205-453-0249
  
The Central Alabama Women's Business Center is funded in part by the US Small Business Administration.  SBA's funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services of this organization.  All SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.  Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.  Please contact us at 2 North 20th Street, Suite 830, Birmingham, AL 35203 or at 205-453-0249.