Programs
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I WOULDN'T CALL THEM
CLASSES; I WOULD CALL
THEM EYE OPENERS.

Aissatou N'daiye
Tukulor by NaissaCommunity Business Academy Graduate Spring 2015

THE COMMUNITY BUSINESS ACADEMY

 

This 12-week course offers hands-on training in business planning and management:

  • Teaches business fundamentals like budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping and financing
  • Classes and coaching are offered in English and Spanish
  • Weekly virtual group classes complemented by independent homework sessions
  • Offered in the Spring and Fall
TURN YOUR PASSION INTO PROFIT

Get an insider's look into The Community Business Academy – a class like nothing you've never experienced!

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READY FOR NEXT STEPS?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY BUSINESS ACADEMY IS RIGHT FOR ME?
    • Do you have a passion to start your own business?
    • Do you have a strong business idea, and experience in your chosen industry?
    • Do you own a business, but think you could be more successful if you learned how to better manage it?

    If you answered YES to any of these questions then the Community Business Academy will help you jump start your vision of business ownership.

  • WHAT’S THE COST?

    Tuition for the Community Business Academy is valued at $3,000 per student. Thanks to our generous supporters and donors, tuition is waived for every student who is accepted into the program. All participants, however, must pay a small materials and registration fee. Based on household income, fees are calculated on a sliding scale ranging from $150 to $375. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • WHAT IS CLASS LIKE?

    Our curriculum is based on Adult Participatory Learning methodology, which means that we place an emphasis in hands-on, experiential learning and reinforcement of key concepts, through guided exercises, business simulations and group discussion. You’ll be immersed in a community of entrepreneurs where you’ll learn as much from your fellow students as you will learn from your instructor. You’ll also have a lot of fun testing your business ideas in a safe space with people who become invested in your success.

  • WHAT WILL I LEARN?

    The homework assigned in class is designed to help you gather the basic information required in a business plan. You work actively on planning for your own business by learning how to answer the most important questions:

    • Who are my customers?
    • What should I charge?
    • What are my costs?
    • How much money will I make?
    • How can I beat my competition?
    • How much money do I need to get started?
    • Where can I get the money I need?
    • How do I register my business?

    By graduation, you will be able to write a basic business plan answering these questions and more.

  • WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?

    Our instructors all actively own or run small businesses, and have been through a one-year intensive training program geared towards maximizing their experience as entrepreneurs in teaching small business concepts.

  • WHAT DO GRADUATES RECEIVE?

    Entrepreneurs who complete the program receive:

    • A certificate of Graduation from the Community Business Academy
    • An individualized Action Plan outlining “next steps” to help meet their business goals
    • Discounted and exclusive enrollment in Business Acceleration Services
    • Graduates join our alumni network of Rising Tide entrepreneurs

    Qualified graduates are eligible to receive up to six college credits, valued at $3,000 towards a program of study at Saint Peter’s University School of Professional and Continuing Studies.

  • WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
    • Connect with our team, if you have questions
    • Attend a free information session
    • Apply to the Community Business Academy
    • Await confirmation on enrollment status
    • Start Classes!

My business may have eventually become successful based on my determination alone. However, it would not be the profitable entity it is today without the knowledge and resources I gained through The CBA. Since graduating, my business has tripled in production, gained repeat business, broke even and has begun to see profits.

RENE MAYO OWNER/FOUNDER NOGGIN SEEDS, LLC
COMMUNITY BUSINESS ACADEMY GRADUATE SPRING 2012