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A key aspect of WEV's training is that it brings in experts including attorneys and accountants to give trainees insight into some of the practical aspects of transforming their business ideas into reality.

Trainees are also asked to put their new found knowledge to some practical use by developing a complete business plan by the end of the session.

"This is a launching point for many and Cara is certainly one of them," said Munoz Schnopp.

O'Callaghan had already been in business a year by the time she participated in the group's training sessions, but credits the experience with helping her to refine a business plan.

She also never took advantage of the organization's revolving business loan fund offering start-up entrepreneurs $1,000 to $25,000 and growth businesses up to $50,000, a program that has funded 81 businesses and loaned $1.3 million since 1991.

"We actually never have taken out a loan," O'Callaghan said.

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