In a world where change is constant, resilience is the key to long-term success. That’s why Mountain BizWorks created Future Forward, a dynamic small business resilience workshop and coaching series designed for small business owners ready to strengthen their foundations and seize new opportunities.
Small Business Resilience Workshops
“Future Forward was born out of the real-world experiences of entrepreneurs navigating uncertainty, something we in WNC have navigated through much of over the last few months,” says Gwynne Rukenbrod Smith, Business Growth Specialist. “Through guided workshops and personalized coaching, we’ll help you evaluate what’s working, reimagine what’s possible, and build a smarter, leaner, and more values-aligned business that can handle what comes your way.”
Workshops kick off in July with a virtual orientation on July 7. The first official workshop starts July 14, and fresh opportunities will continue through November. You can sign up workshops a la carte or the full series for just $100 (with scholarships available).
Workshop Schedule
- Kickoff: Welcome & Orientation – Setting the Stage for Resilience
Date: Monday, July 7, 2025; 5:30 -7:30 p.m. – Virtual - Workshop 1: Stabilize & Assess – Mapping Your Business’s Critical Assets and Threats
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Emi Kubota - Workshop 2: Know Your Numbers – Financial Reality Check for Recovery
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025; 5:30-8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Audra Gaiziunas - Workshop 3: Leading Forward – Building Adaptive, Resilient Leadership Teams
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025; 5:30-8:30 pm – In Person
Facilitator: Tracy Eames - Workshop 4: Reimagine & Reinvent – Scenario Planning for a Stronger Business Model
Date: Monday, August 25, 2025; 5:30-8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Emi Kubota - Workshop 5: Recovering with Intention – Designing a Lean Financial Strategy
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025; 5:30-8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Amanda Bell
- Workshop 6: Plan to Prosper – Setting the Course for Strategic Growth
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025; 5:30-8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Amanda Bell - Workshop 7 : Stronger Together – Building a Purpose-Driven, High-Performing Team
Date: Monday, October 6, 2025; 5:30- 8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Tracy Eames - Workshop 8: Secure the Future – Financial Systems for Sustainable Growth
Date: Monday, October 20, 2025; 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. – In Person
Facilitator: Audra Gaiziunas - Capstone Workshop: Forward by Design – Building Your Resilience Roadmap
Date: Monday, November 3; 5:30 – 8:30 pm – In Person
Whether you’re rebuilding after setbacks, rethinking your strategy, or simply ready for a refresh, Future Forward equips you with actionable tools and a supportive community to move confidently to sustainable growth.
Ready to build a business that’s stronger than ever? Learn more and sign up for Future Forward today.