FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

BEDC ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING COURSE BEGINS MARCH 28

BROOKYN, NY, March 6, 2001-Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is now enrolling students for its intensive, 60-hour Entrepreneur Training Program, which will begin Wednesday, March 28.

Students in the course will meet for 14 weeks, every Wednesday evening from 6 to 10 p.m., and during an all-day Saturday workshop, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All sessions will be held at the BEDC office, 175 Remsen Street, Suite 350, downtown Brooklyn.

Michael Sharp, the program's director, is advising all potential students to register as soon as possible in order to reserve a seat. "Our experience has been that we always get more applications than we can accommodate," Mr. Sharp said. 

The hands-on course will provide entrepreneurs with 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. Special attention is devoted to the minority and women-owned business community.

The program topics will include developing your business and marketing plan: defining your market; personal financial statements and credit review; legal structures; accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes; understanding financial statements; business permits and Minority and Women Business Enterprise certification; site selection and real estate issues; insurance issues, and financing options for small businesses.

The program is funded by a grant from the Entrepreneurial Assistance Program of Empire State Development, Division of Minority & Women Business Development with additional support from the US Small Business Administration, and the New York City Department of Business Services.

The cost of the program is $140, which includes materials. Advance registration is required. To register, call Yvonne King at BEDC at 718-522-4600 ext 16.