Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation

On Track

An entrepreneur training and assistance program of the Brooklyn Economic Development Corp.

Program Objective:
To provide personalized technical assistance, workshops, classes, and access to financing for current and prospective entrepreneurs who are visually impaired and/or physically disabled.

Target Population:
Clients of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH) and Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID).

Program Content
On Track provides:

Feasibility assessment of an entrepreneur’s business plan or idea.
Individualized business counseling.
Business Plan preparation and guidance.
Specialized workshops on topics such as marketing, credit, and financial management for businesses.
Access to micro-enterprise financing - information and document preparation.
Information about business registration and licensing requirements.
Marketing assistance and materials development.
Legal referrals for business related matters.

Process:

Direct referral from CBVH or VESID counselors.
Initial interview by BEDC staff to determine the nature of business interest.
Client provides or works with counselor
to develop supporting documents.
BEDC staff creates a feasibility plan for the business based on information provided.
Presentation and discussion of feasibility
Plan by BEDC to client and counselor.
If CBVH/VESID and BEDC agree to continue to work with client, BEDC will provide business services including those listed under Program Content below.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting Started:

Is the idea practical for your lifestyle and
temperament?
Have you acquired the skills and expertise required to own and operate your planned business?
Are you prepared and willing to work overtime in order to get your business started and remain successful?
Have you identified your competitors?
How do you plan to create a demand for your business?
What will be better about the services and/or products you offer?
Will you operate from your home or an outside location?
What funds do you have to invest in your business, and to cover unexpected start-up difficulties?
From where will you seek additional financing, if needed?
What licenses and/or permits are required for you to start your business?
How will you keep track of your business records?
Will your business require additional employees?

For additional information on the On Track program, please contact Tamara Al-Fadl, program director, at tal-fadl@bedc.org or(718)522-4600 ext.31.

Send mail to info@bedc.org with questions or comments about this web site