UW and Wyoming Community Navigator Program to Celebrate National Economic Development Week

In recognition of National Economic Development Week, the Wyoming Community Navigator Program (CNP) will showcase webinars and trainings offered by its economic development partners who are working together to create and maintain strong local economies. 

The Wyoming CNP, through the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at the University of Wyoming, provides small-business resources and assistance for traditionally underserved entrepreneurs throughout Wyoming.

“National Economic Development Week is a time to recognize the critical role our Community Navigator Program partners play in creating vibrant and sustainable communities throughout Wyoming,” says Nicholas Giraldo, program manager for the Wyoming CNP. 

Former professional chef and restaurant business consultant Deagon Williams will present two Wyoming CNP webinars targeting restaurant owners. Williams will discuss common challenges restaurants face, such as staffing, retention and dealing with rising costs during “Successful Hospitality Today: Addressing the Five Key Challenges in Restaurants” Tuesday, May 2, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Williams will help restaurant owners analyze their financials to be successful and profitable during “The New Financial Model: How to Manage Key Financial Metrics To Be Profitable and Busy” Thursday, May 4, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Liz Jamieson, a branding and marketing consultant, will present “How to Clarify Your Niche, Ideal Client Profile and Messaging,” a Wyoming CNP webinar that focuses on identifying ideal target customers for businesses. The webinar will take place Friday, May 5, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Additionally, the Wyoming Women’s Business Center will host several Zoom webinars this month. Three webinars fall during National Economic Development Week May 8-12. For more information about the Wyoming Women’s Business Center and its webinars and training opportunities, go to www.wyomingwomen.org.

“National Economic Development Week is an important reminder of how important it is to create opportunities for women entrepreneurs,” says Christine Langley, business education director for the Wyoming Women’s Business Center. “As women entrepreneurs succeed, they often invest back into their communities through philanthropy, job creation and mentorship, further contributing to the overall well-being of their communities.” 

Working collaboratively both within the Wyoming CNP and the greater Wyoming Business Resource Network also has shown Langley the critical role Wyoming’s economic development partners play in creating vibrant and thriving communities.  

“It’s almost overwhelming, the entrepreneurial support being offered around the state. It’s a great time to start a business,” Langley says.

For more information about upcoming Wyoming CNP events and resources, go to www.wyomingcommunitynavigator.org/upcoming-events.

About National Economic Development Week

National Economic Development Week was created in 2016 by the International Economic Development Council, the largest international professional trade association for economic developers. The week aims to increase awareness for local programs that create jobs, advance career development opportunities and improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.