The Economic Development Council (EDC) of South Miami-Dade recently announced a new “Business Training Program” for area residents interested in starting a business, growing the business they have or sharpening their present skills.
Co-sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell and in partnership with the School of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Miami Dade College’s Homestead Campus, the classes will take place at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Rd.
Dr. James A. Thomas, MBA, EDC board chair, gave a presentation at the Apr. 12 meeting of the Cutler Bay Business Association to announce the new program and to introduce a number of area business people who already had taken advantage of the training. Maria E. Schwabe of Coldwell Banker, and Fernanda Junkins and Walter Evanson of Peter of London salon in Kendall all spoke briefly.
“How do you get people to get better jobs?” Thomas asked the group of 60 or so attendees at the meeting. “I can tell you in one word — education.”
Thomas said that there are a total of nine classes, each from 60 to 90 minutes long, taught by successful local business leaders and academicians. The program covers the following topics:
• How to prepare a business plan;
• How to prepare a marketing plan;
• Negotiating contracts and leases;
• Leading your company;
• Technology 101;
• Growing your business;
• A finance primer;
• How to prepare a loan package, and
• Introduction to accounting.
Those who attend the classes will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible for discount rates for local business associations, local business discount coupons, a chance to apply for deeply discounted rental rates for commercial space in offices and strip malls, and a meeting with a qualified lending institution to present their new business plan and loan package application.
Schwabe told CBBA members she was pleased with the classes she had taken.
“I’m very excited about this,” Schwabe said. “It’s one of the best things that has happened to me.”
Evanson, currently a hairdresser with Peter of London in Kendall, also said he was happy with the program and was looking forward to putting the training to use.
The cost for the nine-class program is $100. Those interested in learning more about the current schedule or reserving a spot in it should call 305-378-9470.
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