ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING FALL 2007 SESSION – NORTH JERSEY

Free Workshops, Classes Scheduled in North Jersey

TRENTON, N.J. (August 27, 2007) – Free informational workshops to familiarize aspiring and existing small-business owners with the popular Entrepreneurial Training Institute (ETI) and regional resources are scheduled in early fall at two North Jersey locations.  Fall Session classes have also been scheduled, and are designed to help existing and aspiring small-business owners learn the basics of entrepreneurship, create a detailed business plan and receive feedback, and facilitate introductions to lenders.

The innovative ETI program helps to advance Governor Corzine’s Economic Growth Strategy to foster the growth of small businesses, particularly woman-owned and minority-owned enterprises.  It is sponsored by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA).  Approximately 1,300 people have graduated from the program since it was established in 1992, many of whom are either well on their way to establishing their own business or are already successful entrepreneurs.

The workshops will provide more detail about the ETI program and focus on how the program can provide the tools for a small-business owner to succeed.  They will also explore the importance of having a detailed business plan, the broad range of resources available to help a business get off the ground and grow, and the mentoring assistance offered to ETI graduates. By attending one of the free workshops, interested individuals can decide if the ETI program is right for them before they register and pay a nonrefundable course fee.  Local service providers and lender representatives will also present information about their technical assistance services and resources.

ETI classes are divided into ETI I and ETI II segments.  In ETI I, “Get Set for Entrepreneurship,” students focus on small-business feasibility, examining their business ideas, evaluating skills and risks, and identifying the resources necessary to move forward.  The cost of $145 will cover six classroom hours (two sessions), plus professional feedback, text materials and resources.  ETI II, “Business Planning,” includes four highly structured three-hour sessions that help students develop a formal business plan with feedback and coaching.  A fee of $295 will cover 12 classroom hours plus professional feedback, text materials and resources, guest speakers and presentation practice.

Primary sponsors of the ETI Program are Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, PNC Bank and the Wachovia Foundation.  The EDA provides financing and technical support to encourage business and job growth in New Jersey. 

Those interested in reserving a seat at one of the free workshops can call the ETI program at (609) 292-9279 or register on-line at www.njeda.gov.  Those interested in attending just the classes should visit the EDA on-line to complete the ETI Self-Assessment Tool to determine their personal and financial readiness for starting and growing existing businesses.  Students enrolled in ETI I are strongly encouraged to complete the self-assessment and bring it to the first class for discussion.