Coaching

We have Business Coaches* on staff to work with you one-on-one to help with goal setting, marketing, business financial statements, and anything else from operational issues like employees to time management. Our coaches empower small business owners to set up action plans to move people forward and overcome barriers.

*Coaching is available for Ventures entrepreneurs that have completed the Business Basics Course.

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Laura Gómez

Food Businesses

Laura works with Ventures’ food businesses. She manages the food incubator program providing training and access to commercial kitchen space and retail markets, as well as ongoing support and resources. A child of Mexican immigrants who worked their way up and now own restaurants, Laura grew up in the foodservice industry. She brings experience in customer service, day-to-day and strategic operations, and management.

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Betsy Earl

Product Businesses

Betsy manages our retail store incubator, the Ventures Marketplace, provides one-on-one coaching and runs workshops on wholesaling, sales, gift shows, and more. Betsy’s background is in retail management and purchasing and has owned her own manufacturer representative company. She has also worked for national gift companies.

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Ryan Calkins

Service Businesses

Ryan provides one-on-one coaching, workshops for service businesses in digital media and sales, and manages the Ventures Business Directory. Ryan owns two businesses, a gym in Wallingford and an artisan tile studio in Georgetown.

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Mayra Gomez

Finances & Loans

As the Financial Business Specialist, Mayra teaches financial management classes, assists entrepreneurs with financial questions and guides through the business licensing process. She also helps clients register their businesses as an LLC. Since Mayra has been an entrepreneur herself, she knows the unique challenges that many small business owners experience.

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Erin Williamson

Bookkeeping & Loans

Erin supports entrepreneurs as they refine their bookkeeping and grow their businesses through strong financial planning and micro-loans. As an entrepreneur herself, Erin sees business ownership as a path to stability and fulfillment– both professionally and personally.