FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BEDC ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM TO BEGIN MARCH 16

BROOKLYN, NY, February 12, 2004—Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) will begin its next Entrepreneur Assistance Program on Tuesday, March 16, 2004. The course will be held from 6:15 to 9:45 p.m. every Tuesday evening for 15 weeks, and will include one all-day Saturday class.

All sessions will be held at BEDC’s office, 175 Remsen Street, Suite 350, downtown Brooklyn. The cost of the program is $165, which includes materials. Advance registration is required. To register, call BEDC at 718-522-4600 ext. 17.

More than 700 individuals have graduated from the Entrepreneur Assistance Program since BEDC began offering it 11 years ago. Graduates include the former editor-in-chief of Essence Magazine, Monique Greenwood, who is CEO of Akwaaba Enterprises, Inc., which operates inns in Bedford Stuyvesant, Cape May, NJ, and Washington, DC, and owns restaurants and real estate in Bedford Stuyvesant; Loren Michelle and Gregg Stegeman, co-owners of Naturally Delicious, a catering business in Brooklyn; Paul North, owner of Your Office U.S.A., an office suite franchise in Brooklyn, and Caylin Sanders, founder and president of EscapeMaker.com.

S. Edward Rutland, executive vice president of Matlock Advertising and Public Relations and president of Jupiter Marketing, a training firm, will be the program’s instructor for the fifth consecutive year. Industry professionals with an expertise in scheduled topics will be guest speakers.

Current and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to enroll in this hands-on course that will provide participants with the skills and knowledge that are critical to producing a good business plan and operating a successful business. The program accommodates the beginning entrepreneur as well as experienced business people who wish to refine their skills.

The program topics include: developing your business plan; researching and defining your market; creating and understanding financial statements; legal structures; accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes; understanding financial statements; business certifications; site selection and real estate issues; insurance issues, and financing options for small businesses.

The Entrepreneur Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the Empire State Development Corporation. The U.S. Small Business Administration and the New York City Department of Small Business Services have provided additional funding.

BEDC, a private, nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 to stimulate Brooklyn’s economy and create job opportunities for the borough and its residents. BEDC has evolved into a multi-service, business-consulting agency, serving more than 1,000 clients annually and offering comprehensive economic development services. More information is available at www.bedc.org.