Women Entrepreneur Excellence Orientation 2026 Cohort

Transcript

1. Orientation Overview Participant Handbook Women Entrepreneur Excellence Program LevelUP 3
2. C2 Your Health Women’s Initiative Inc. (501(c)3 About C2 Your Health Women’s Initiative Inc., a nonprofit corporation approved by the IRS created for the betterment of women in our communities. The focus is to connect women who are seeking entrepreneurship as a means to create economic security through connections to role models, mentors, resources, leadership and confidence. C2YHWI is the powerhouse behind the Women Entrepreneur Excellence Program. (C2YHWI) aims to build healthier communities by empowering women, especially from low-income backgrounds and domestic violence situations, to achieve economic stability through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and skill- building, offering programs like these. Women Entrepreneur Excellence Programs (LevelUP 1,2,3) Women Entrepreneur Certified Community Social Meetups Resource Workshops Women’s Entrepreneur Summit Women PJ Party Podcast Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Ambassador
3. Purpose The complete Participant Handbook & Startup Guide are found in the WE Excellence Class 2026 Facebook Group Page, and the mentoring platform. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the program, the specific commitments, responsibilities, and standards that support your success and requirements for successful completion of the LevelUP 3 Women Entrepreneur Excellence Program & Certification.
4. Meet Our Leadership Team Cindy Cohen RN BS BA Founder, President C2YHWI 30 years business, coaching & mentoring Stacey Oberly Black - Founder, Michiana Women Rise Business Owner | Graduate, Class of 2023 | Women Entrepreneur Summit Day Organizer | Steering Committee Member | Team Lead, Monthly Mentoring Circles. Traci Winston-Williams - Founder, H.O.T. – Hear Our Tears - CEO, Founder| Graduate, Class of 2020 | Domestic Violence Advocacy & Support Rachel Meredith, MS Ed - Founder, Social Kids by Rachel LLC Graduate, Class of 2022 | Mentoring Support – Behavior Modification & Overcoming Obstacles WE RELY ON TO VOLUNTEER & PITCH IN
5. Mentoring Philosophy & Expectations Philosphy Mentoring is the core foundation of LevelUP 3. Growth happens through meaningful, professional mentor–participant partnerships. Relationships are built on trust, preparation, and accountability. Mentors guide, challenge, and empower participants to elevate their skills and confidence. Participants are encouraged to take intentional, consistent steps toward their business goals. The program emphasizes shared responsibility and active engagement. Continuous learning and steady progress are central to the LevelUP 3 experience. Mentoring is the foundation of LevelUP 3. The relationship between mentor and participant is a professional partnership built on trust, preparation, and accountability
6. Mentee Expectations • Keep all discussions confidential • Be honest, truthful • Stay connected, in communication • Keep appointments, or reschedule • Be on time • Return texts, phone calls • Be ready for the meetings You are now a brand ambassador for the Women Entrepreneur Excellence Program and your business. Always present yourself as a professional woman in person, on social media, when you represent your company, and on your days off.
7. Mentoring Group Expections • Meet each other outside this group, develop relationships, and provide support • Post positive testimonials and reviews on social media (it’s OK to ask for suggestions) • Check the private WE Excellence 2026 FB group daily. • Actively participate FB group page by posting business updates, what has helped you, what you have learned, what’s working, what’s not, celebrate your success • Actively participate in the Women Move Forward Entrepreneur Mentoring Community group by posting questions asking for help, posting videos sharing your successes, what you would like to share with other entrepreneurs that has helped you at least 1X per week. • Engage in community networking, meetups, seminars by women entrepreneurs • You are not alone, we are a family community ask for help, support, and celebrate successes together
8. Mentor Expectations • Be trustworthy • Maintain confidentiality • Facilitate critical thinking • Provide constructive feedback • Be available • Provide resources and connections • Support business development • Share personal and business experiences to support personal and business growth • Connect to leadership, new business opportunities
9. All classes are available upon enrollment 24 required classes aligned with the 6 Foundations of Business Success© 6 Foundations of Business Success: There are 6 modules, each module has the 3 – 5 class and a follow- up survey following each class lesson. Within each module there are extra credit and bonus activities (optional) to help you to maximize your learning experience. Completion is tracked through the learning platform. Classes are set up to be taken every other week (2xmo). You will be sent a reminder to take the 15th and 30th of each month. Coursework Coursework requirement: 100%
10. Business Surveys Participation requirement: 100% Onboarding: Pre-application interview Pre-course needs assessment, market survey and revenue projection surveys. Post-class surveys immediately follow each class as a method of class content evaluation. (The Kirkpatrick Method of work evaluation is utilized.) Surveys support reflection, accountability, and program evaluation. Business Breaks: There are 6 business break 1 following each module. These business breaks include survey to assess how your personal growth, business growth and identify areas you may need more support. These business breaks are required upon course completion: Quarterly business assessments and evaluation. Course assessment, revenue projections Over-all course evaluation
11. Mentoring Circles Planning Lab The Mentoring Circle Planning Lab is a monthly virtual session for current mentoring program members to review progress, reflect on insights, and map out clear action steps for the month ahead. It’s designed to keep you aligned with your goals and maintain momentum between mentoring circles. January Orientation (Virtual w/ LIVE Discussion) AI Playbook - Sonya Smith Foundation 1 Mindset - Jessica Agular Foundation 2 - Stacey Oberley Black Foundation 3 - Business Strategies Foundation 4 - Marketing Foundation 5 Personal Wellness Foundation 5 Business Wellness - Heathier Foundation 6 Traci Winston Williams Graduation Requirements / Summit Mentoring Circle Presenters Based on the 6 Foundations for Business Success © Participation requirement: 50%
12. Required Projects & Deliverables Participation requirement: 100% To successfully complete the program, participants must complete: One-page business plan (Appendix) Community Formatted Pitch deck (Appendix) Community business presentation (e.g., 1 Million Cups or equivalent) Startup or business story video (Appendix) Final business assessment and mentoring review Written testimonial, and video testimonial Attend graduation, scheduled for November each year
13. Financial Commitment & Payment Policy Program Fee: $432 total or $36 for 12 months Your payment contract with Podia (mentoring platform) along with a mentoring contract. Payment Options: Pay in full or monthly installments Participants are responsible for the full program fee regardless of participation level Missed payments may result in suspended access If payment issues arise, participants should contact the program director promptly. Here’s what’s waiting for us!
14. Graduation Requirements BUSINESS Certification identifies: Leaders Trustworthiness Creditability Respect Notritiey Confidence Participation requirement: 100% Formal Graduation November at the Summit
15. Startup Requirements Confident Steps for New Mentees Pre-Application Interview Startup Surveys Start-Up Interview Handbook & Policies Mentoring Circles Mentoring Appointments Facebook Groups Set Goals Participation requirement: 100%
16. Check out the Appendix Social Media Tips Success Habits Routines Professional Appearance One Page Business Plan Template Goal Setting Grow Model Worksheets First 30 Days Checklist Graduation Requirements Overview Key Links & Tools (optional) Vidoe Instructions Pitch Deck Guidelines
17. Get Organized Creating a consistent rhythm will help you get the most from your experience. We recommend setting reminders and building a routine that works for you Mark Your Calendar Schedule Classes: One class every two weeks Set in Advance: Mentoring Sessions: Monthly - Appointments are scheduled through Cindy’s electronic calendar Watch for Email Updates: Sent every two weeks 1st & 3 week each month rd Mentoring Circles: Monthly - 3 Monday rd For Community Events: partner networking & workshops (optional) To attend 1 Million Cups one week per month Monthly social connections and mini masterminds are encouraged
18. Final Notes We are honored to support your growth. LevelUP 3 is a commitment to yourself, your business, and your future leadership. This handbook exists to provide clarity, consistency, and support. When questions arise, refer back to this document and reach out when clarification is needed.
19. Our adventure awaits Let’s Go! Cindy Cohen 574 210 3958 C2YHWI.org Stacey Oberley Black 574 350 7188 Michiana Women Rise