Entrepreneurship at the Women's Opportunity Center
Build the Business. Build the Life.
Starting a business can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to figure it out alone.
The Women's Opportunity Center empowers women entrepreneurs with the education, resources, mentorship, and community they need to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Whether you're exploring your first business idea, launching a side hustle, growing an established company, or reinventing your career through entrepreneurship, we're here to help every step of the way.
We believe entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business—it's about creating opportunity, financial independence, and a future you control.
How We Can Help
Business Planning & Coaching
Develop your idea into a solid business plan with one-on-one guidance and practical support.
Business Education
Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through workshops, training programs, guest speakers, and hands-on learning opportunities.
AI & Technology for Small Business
Discover practical ways to use artificial intelligence and digital tools to save time, increase productivity, improve marketing, and grow your business—regardless of your technical experience.
Marketing & Branding
Receive guidance on branding, social media, customer engagement, and developing a professional business presence.
Networking & Community
Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, community partners, and local organizations that can help your business grow.
Access to Resources
We'll help connect you with funding opportunities, business support organizations, educational programs, and other resources designed to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Selling Opportunities
Eligible entrepreneurs may have opportunities to showcase and sell their products through initiatives such as the Made by Her Marketplace and other community partnerships.
Programs
Her+
Her+ is our signature entrepreneurship initiative designed to support women through every stage of business development—from inspiration to launch to growth. Participants gain access to education, coaching, networking, and real-world opportunities to build successful businesses.
Made by Her Marketplace
A low-barrier marketplace featuring products created by local women entrepreneurs. The Marketplace provides affordable opportunities to test products, reach new customers, and grow a business in a supportive environment.
Specialized Support for Food Entrepreneurs
Have a food business idea? We can help with that too.
Through our collaboration with Shared Kitchen Ithaca, aspiring food entrepreneurs have access to resources that go beyond traditional business planning. Together, we help entrepreneurs navigate the unique challenges of launching a food business—from refining an idea and developing a business plan to understanding licensing, food safety, production, packaging, marketing, and finding opportunities to bring products to market.
Whether your dream is selling baked goods, sauces, prepared meals, catering, or specialty food products, we're committed to helping you move from concept to customer through education, partnerships, and real-world opportunities.
Who We Serve
Our entrepreneurship programs are designed for:
Women exploring a business idea
New entrepreneurs launching their first business
Existing business owners looking to grow
Side hustles ready to become full-time businesses
Makers, artists, food entrepreneurs, and service providers
Women changing careers or seeking financial independence
No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, there's a place for you here.
Your Journey Starts Here
Every successful business begins with an idea—and someone willing to take the first step.
Whether your dream is opening a storefront, launching an online business, creating a product, freelancing, or building a company that creates jobs in our community, the Women's Opportunity Center is ready to help you move from possibility to progress.
Let's build something extraordinary together.