Relevant

Small and Emerging Business Development Program

As part of the State sponsored Small and Emerging Business Development Program, small businesses are offered technical assistance and specialized training to start or improve small to moderate size businesses. To do this, eligible entrepreneur applicants receive assistance in a number of training programs and may also receive direct assistance with business plans, marketing plans, advertising, graphic design, web design, design, accounting software training and a number of other services that are provided by professionals in the field. Since the program is partially based on financial need, clients in the SEBD program are asked to contribute a portion of the total cost of the services provided. Certain eligibility requirements must be met.

Microenterprise Development Initiative

Through the Microenterprise Development Initiative (MEDI), participants can learn how to run or start a microenterprise business (cottage-industry or home-based business). The program is FREE to qualified individuals who are eligible for TANF benefits. The MEDI program provides training to individuals at or below the poverty level on three levels: personal effectiveness, financial literacy and business planning. These multi-class training workshops not only provide participants with the skills necessary to start or run a business, it also provides them with a complete business plan which could be used to search out additional grant or loan funding.Certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to participate.