Conyers-Rockdale Chamber shows you how to turn your ideas into a business

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you turn your passion into a business. The Chamber is accepting registration for its 2017 Entrepreneurial Academy, which begins Monday, Sept. 11. The seven-week program offers essential information needed to start and run a successful business.

“This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, 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. Each week, a new topic is introduced. The format ranges from panel discussions to lectures to hands-on training.

“Of more than 400 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, many 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 draws participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Covington, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and McDonough.

Esther Williams said it took her two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration at the University of Phoenix, but it only took her six weeks at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy to learn everything she needed to start her own business.

“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.

The cost for the program is $125 if you register by Sept.1 ($175 afterward). The fee includes snacks for every session and a graduation dinner. After completing the Entrepreneurial Academy and starting your small business, you will receive Continuing Education credits (CEUs) and a certificate of completion from Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Classes will be held every Monday, 6 – 9 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy (RCA), 1064 Culpepper Drive, S.W., Conyers. Students are encouraged to arrive by 6 p.m. to network. Each session starts promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Entrepreneurial experience is not necessary to sign up for the course. The class is open to anyone who is pondering if they want to start their own business. For more information or to register, call 770-483-7049.