Free November 2nd Workshop at RVCC will Familiarize Entrepreneurs with Variety of Resources Available to Small-Business Owners

North Branch , N.J. (October 24, 2005) – A free information workshop on business planning and financing designed to familiarize new and aspiring small-business owners with the training, counseling, funding and technical assistance resources available to them will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC), Grand Conference Room A, Route 28 and Lamington Road.

Attendees will learn about what it takes to start, grow and operate a successful company, the importance of having a detailed business plan, and the various tools that are available to help a young business succeed. They will also hear about the new and improved Entrepreneurial Training Institute (ETI) curriculum, which is offered at various locations around the state, including RVCC.

The innovative ETI program supports state initiatives 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) and the New Jersey Development Authority for Small Businesses, Minorities’ and Women’s Enterprises (NJDA).

Those interested in reserving a seat at one of the workshops can call the ETI program at (609) 292-9279 or visit www.njeda.gov/eti on the Internet.

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. The NJDA offers financing, technical assistance, training and mentoring programs to small businesses, especially woman-owned and minority-owned enterprises.