While it’s a phrase that’s oft been said, it is a sentiment that bears repeating: small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. When you patronize a small business, you are not just buying a good or service – you are helping to fund a dream. Behind many of your favorite local shops are individuals just like you, pouring their hearts and souls into the businesses which keep our communities booming. If you’re an entrepreneur, you know the heart, hard work, and dedication it takes to keep your enterprise afloat. And now, if you’re a Latina entrepreneur in the Garden State, an opportunity awaits you to take your business to the next level.
Now back for its 5th year, the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recently announced that the Latina Entrepreneurship Training Series (LETS) will be returning for 2024. This informative 8-week course, sponsored by Wells Fargo, provides cultural and linguistic business education and mentorship services free of cost to female small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. The program consists of 8 Friday sessions (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) between June and August, 2024. Seven (7) classes will be virtual with one (1) in-person class.
Some of the important topics to be covered include:
- Leadership and empowerment
- Business scaling-up
- Technology and small business
- Financial management
- Strategic marketing pillars
- Networking and community
- Health and wellness
Throughout this 8-week intensive, students will be led by bilingual instructors who will guide rising business owners through the most critical pillars of entrepreneurship, including moving into a brick and mortar location, hiring employees, and obtaining loans. This carefully curated curriculum incorporates courses centered on business plan design, finance, accounting, marketing, legal, and other services such as maintaining and managing client relationships.
By the conclusion of the course, participants will have created a business plan, will further their understanding of the foundational principles of day-to-day operations, and will be exposed to several subject-matter experts, panels, and unique networking and community-building opportunities. After the course has concluded, select participants will be provided with one-on-one mentorship/coaching to further develop their business plans or to focus on a specific area of their interest.
The course will welcome 40+ individuals who have been in business for at least two to three years, understand the basics of running a business, and are seeking to scale up. Spaces are limited, so if you are interested in applying, please register here: LETS – Registration. Registration information is available in both English and Spanish. There is no cost to participate in this program, assuring that this vital information remains an accessible resource to all participants.
For more information on this and other initiatives offered by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, please visit their website, linked here: SHCCNJ – Home. A better business begins with you, so do not delay and apply today!
