The Women's Business Center at the Florida Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Technological Research and Development Authority (TRDA), hosted the first class in a new Seminar Outreach Series (S.O.S.) for Women Entrepreneurs, on Dec. 7, at the TRDA Business Innovation Center in Melbourne.

"Financial Literacy: Where Does One Begin?" was the first topic in the quarterly program. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Carolyn Fausnaugh, assistant professor of strategy and new ventures at Florida Institute of Technology, and focused on providing new and developing companies with the necessary tools to face personal and financial challenges. 

During the event, attendees were treated to a visit from U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney (R-Oviedo) who was touring the Business Innovation Center.

"Our great country was founded by entrepreneurs, they are the backbone of our economy," Feeney said to the crowd of more than 50 women and men. "Eighty percent  of new job growth in the U.S. is created by small businesses.  I applaud you for your efforts."

The free S.O.S series is designed to address the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and women-owned small businesses. The next topic in the series is "Re-Programming Your Robot" and will be presented by Linda Cobb, personnel psychologist and professional coach.  The seminar will focus on changing habits of thinking and behavior.  This class is scheduled for Feb. 1, 2008. 

"We are finding that there are many women entrepreneurs in Brevard County," said Bonnie O'Regan, TRDA's incubator manager.  "Our goal is to be a resource to them and to encourage their success."

The TRDA Business Innovation Center helps start-up technology firms in Central Florida grow into financially viable, freestanding, high-growth companies. It offers clients access to modern office space, shared office resources, business services, professional development and training, investor networking and more.

For more information or to register for the next program, contact Bonnie O'Regan at boregan@trda.org  or call (321) 872-1050, ext. 107.  The S.O.S. series is sponsored by the Community Educators' Credit Union.