Conyers-Rockdale Chamber 2019 Entrepreneurial Academy registration now open

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you get your new year’s business resolutions off the ground at this year’s 2019 Entrepreneurial Academy.

Starting on Monday, Feb. 11, the seven-week program offers individuals a deep dive into the essentials on starting and running a successful business.

“The entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business owner in mind. If you have dreams of starting your own business or are already an established business owner seeking to expand, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, President/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there, tried that, share their voices of experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.”

Taught by business leaders in the community, the curriculum includes sessions on legal entities, accounting, loan options, marketing, social media, insurance and human resources. Workshops vary from panel discussions to lectures and hands-on training.

“Of more than 700 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50 percent are now in business for themselves,” said Boscarino. “In addition to

gaining valuable information, you also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who hope to establish or expand a small business.”

The academy, which graduated 54 participants in 2018, draws participants from the surrounding metro Atlanta area including Conyers, College Park, Decatur, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Covington, Forest Park, Stockbridge and McDonough.

Recent graduate Esther Williams said while
it took her two years to earn a master’s degree in business online, it took her just seven short weeks to learn everything she needed to know to start her business at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy.

“Everything—from insurance to opening policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor.

After graduating from the academy, Williams launched the Green Hygiene Company, LLC,
a mail-order business in Decatur offering environmentally-safe cleaning products for homes and corporate dwellings.

The cost for the program is $175. Attendees who register by Feb. 1 will receive a $50 discount. The fee includes snacks for every session and a graduation dinner and certi cate at the conclusion of the program. Graduates of the Entrepreneurial Academy will receive Continuing Education credits (CEUs) and a certi cate of completion from Georgia Piedmont Technical College after starting their small business.

Classes will be held each Monday from 6 – 9 p.m. until the nal class on March 25. Students are encouraged to arrive no later than 6 p.m. to network and to make sure they are fully prepared for each session, which starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The course is open to the public and entrepreneurial experience is not necessary to apply. For more information or to register, visit www.conyers-rockdale.com or call 770-483- 7049.