ELKHART, Ind. — INOVA Federal Credit Union is partnering with two local organizations to offer a free eight-week training program aimed at helping entrepreneurs start businesses and existing small-business owners strengthen their operations.
The program, called “Empresarios,” is being offered in partnership with the Latin American Chamber of Commerce and NIMBA, according to INOVA.
The program will run Mondays at 6 p.m. from Sept. 14 through Nov. 2 at the Tolson Center for Community Excellence. The registration deadline is Sept. 11.
The $643-million INOVA said the training is designed both for existing business owners and people who have an idea for a business but need guidance on how to get started.
“The credit union movement is people helping people,” Samuel Kamwenji, INOVA’s manager of community relations, said in a statement. “Our mission is to help our members improve their financial well-being. So, we have partnered to bring this training to business owners.”
Program Covers Business Basics
The eight-week program will provide participants with guidance on many of the fundamentals involved in establishing and operating a small business, according to INOVA.
Topics will include establishing a legal business entity, complying with state and local requirements, managing finances, marketing, business operations and obtaining financing.
“The simple way I always say it is A to Z on how to run your business and encouraging them and showing them the path,” Paula Sours of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce said in a statement.
Sours said the program will help participants address issues ranging from ensuring their businesses are properly registered with state and local governments to establishing a limited liability company and understanding their finances.
Experts to Offer Guidance
INOVA said the program also will bring in experts from different business disciplines to provide participants with specialized guidance.
While the sessions will be conducted in a group setting, organizers said the program is intended to address the individual needs and challenges of participating entrepreneurs.
“We have different experts that will be speaking,” Kamwenji said. “Somebody will be speaking on the marketing of your business. Another one will be speaking about the operation as far as your funding.”
The program also will address how entrepreneurs can position their businesses to become profitable and improve their ability to qualify for financing, he said.
INOVA said the eight sessions are intended to be completed as a full program, although prospective participants are invited to attend the first session before deciding whether to continue.
