Are you an entrepreneur looking to make your impact on the business world, but aren’t certain where to start? The Latin American Economic Development Association (LAEDA), in collaboration with the East Trenton Collaborative, will be offering business courses this upcoming winter to answer any questions a budding business owner may have.
Starting a business is always a risk, but with the right tools in place, you can make the process a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience. With LAEDA’s cost-free business courses, entrepreneurs are allowed to learn hands-on skills, strategies, and best practices. Whether your business is still just a concept or you’ve been in business for years, LAEDA has something to help every business person succeed. Please note that although the courses are free, advanced registration is required. Enrollment is available here: Registration – LAEDA Courses.
The Latin American Economic Development Association is a non-profit economic development organization committed to the creation of small business ownership for minorities throughout New Jersey. Through their initiatives, they can contribute to the growth and development of the small business marketplace in the communities they serve. Read on to learn more about the different courses LAEDA will be offering this upcoming season:
The ABCs of Starting a Small Business
The ABCs of Starting a Small Business course will take you back to the basics with a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of starting a new company. This course is most appropriate for individuals who are still in the planning stages of starting a new enterprise. Through this course, you’ll be exposed to both the challenges and resources that entrepreneurs must be knowledgeable of to thrive. Covered topics will include:
- Entrepreneur’s readiness exercise
- How to legally start and organize a business
- Practical steps for launching/growing a business
- Why a business plan is critical for success
- Steps to securing a business loan
Turning Your Hobby Into a Business
This course is most appropriate for hobbyists and micro-entrepreneurs with a products-based enterprise. Through this six-part course, students will learn how to become professional vendors and online retailers. Covered topics include:
- Production development and production
- Harnessing the power of marketing
- Sales channels for a side hustle
- Business administration/bookkeeping
- Money, banking, and credit
- Vendor presentations and business pitches
Quick-Start Series
The Quick-Start series is a 5-week course designed for the established entrepreneur looking to transition their side-hustle business into a full-time enterprise. Experienced business owners will also benefit from the course as they will have the opportunity to explore best practices in business operations. This course will cover:
- ABCs of starting a small business: practical steps regarding how to legally start and organize a business
- Business planning: creating an action plan for your business
- Marketing: learn to get your product in front of the right audience
- Credit management: learn how credit impacts business ownership and how to improve your buyer’s profile
Women’s Business Academy
The Women’s Business Academy is an intensive, 9-week, 75-hour course for female entrepreneurs looking to launch or advance their businesses. The course meets on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the winter from 6-8:30 pm. The course will include the following topics: 1.) Business planning, 2.) Business law, 3.) Insurance, 4.) Accounting, 5.) Real estate, 6.) Marketing, 7.) Negotiation, 8.) Personnel, 9.) Credit management, 10.) Money and banking, as well as so much more. As with the other courses, this class is free, but participants must complete an application and interview process to be accepted. The benefits of the course include:
- Expertise from instructors at the top of their field
- Online business counselor support
- A finished business plan upon completion of the course
- Continued support in starting and growing your business
- Qualify to apply for capital programs and competitions
No matter what phase your business is in, we’re certain that any entrepreneur will benefit from the expertise espoused through these courses. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or have an idea you’re looking to turn into a reality, there’s a seat for you at the table. If you have any questions before the start of the course, please contact LAEDA at info@laeda.com or (856) 338-1177. Your journey to entrepreneurship begins with a single step, so take the leap today and turn your dreams into a reality.
