VCU RRTC

This session guides you through a list of helpful resources available to prospective business owners, entrepreneurs, and those supporting small-business owners or providing self-employment services. Learning how to navigate the resources in your community will shape your social capital, collaboration opportunities, and service in relation to all-things self-employment.

Learning Objectives:

• Explore free or low-cost national resources available to entrepreneurs in all stages of self-employment.
• Understand how networking and building social capital are pivotal in the self-employment process.
• Participate in a ten-minute social capital and resource exercise.
• Practice creating and maintaining professional relationships that can lead to opportunities for collaboration.
• Understand the core challenges and celebrations that come with self-employment.

Bio:

Ciara Ladroma, the facilitator, has served the employment and entrepreneurial industries for the last 12 years with a focus on serving people with disabilities, women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She has supported small business owners nationwide to create, launch, and grow their businesses. Ciara began her career in Supported Employment as an Employment Specialist and has since carried these unique skills and traits to all areas of her career. Previously serving as a Career Coach at Des Moines Area Community College and as the Director of the Iowa Women’s Business Center, Ciara has found ways to elevate communities by guiding people’s success through business ownership and career navigation. As an entrepreneur herself, she is able to take her own experiences and challenges to help others navigate their entrepreneurial hurdles. Ciara provides technical assistance and training on best practices regarding employment service delivery with a focus on Customized Employment and Self-Employment.