BEDC BEGINS ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING FOR
INDIVIDUALS WITH A MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSIS

BROOKLYN, NY, March 26, 2003- Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is now interviewing and enrolling students for a new 15-session entrepreneur training program designed to help individuals with a mental health diagnosis start their own business. The program is being funded under a grant from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The LAUNCH (Lead, Act, Undertake, Navigate, Change, and Heal) Program has been created by BEDC in cooperation with Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers. Entrepreneur classes will begin in April at BEDC's offices, 175 Remsen Street, in downtown Brooklyn. The program is free to clients who qualify.

"BEDC developed the LAUNCH Program because we had the sense that there was a population in New York City that had skills and talents but limitations from mental illness that caused them to be unemployed, underemployed, or living in poverty," said Joan Bartolomeo, president of BEDC. "The primary goal of the program is to give these individuals an opportunity to successfully plan, market, structure, and operate a business, which could range from a modest, home-based business to a more sophisticated enterprise."

Individuals who have been disabled with conditions such as severe depression or those who previously used drugs or alcohol are among those invited to enroll in the program. There are no income restrictions to qualify for the program, but participants must have basic literacy skills.

"The program will be driven by the needs of the clients," said Joe Geneve, program director. "For example, depending on the students in the class, it might be appropriate to offer support groups for unemployed people. We are preparing several business plan models, and we'll work with people to help them obtain financing from a variety of sources ranging from Trickle Up micro grants to bank financing. We also plan to offer basic accounting and computer training classes and individualized coaching. "

Many people with a mental health diagnosis are dependent on government disability insurance and helping them become entrepreneurs will break their cycle of dependence. For others, self-employment may simply allow them to supplement their disability income.

Counselors from Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers will evaluate potential participants to ensure that they qualify to participate in the program and will provide supportive mental health services. Clients should be mentally stable or in drug and alcohol recovery for at least 18 months to participate.

The LAUNCH Program will feature weekly, three-hour classes for 15 sessions. Additional help sessions will be available. As an alternative to the formal classroom session, clients may select a more individualized training program. LAUNCH will help clients to conceptualize and prepare a professional business plan, apply for financing, and obtain permits and licenses. Clients will learn to develop and sell their ideas, project and manage business finances, develop computer skills, and understand and comply with government requirements.

The benefits of the LAUNCH program include receiving occupational counseling and ongoing support after the 15-session training program. Group and individual business counseling support will extend beyond this period to assist those in need of additional confidence and skills building. Clients may continue to receive mental health services from their primary provider with support for business-related coaching provided by LAUNCH.

BEDC is seeking referrals for the program from local development corporations, mental health agencies, vocational and trade schools, and the New York Labor Department. For more information about the program and eligibility requirements, please call Mr. Geneve at BEDC, 718-522-4600, ext. 31, or Danielle Epstein, 718-522-4600, ext. 22.

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.