The Hispanic Entrepreneurship Training Program — a program that has become a model for providing education, resources and support for minority-owned small businesses — is accepting applications.
Here’s the best part: It’s free.
The program, put on by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, caters to the needs of minority entrepreneurs who have the desire to start and expand a business but lack the necessary resources to do so.
It has graduated more than 500 entrepreneurs.
Jairo Borja, vice president of corporate and entrepreneurial programs at the chamber, said the HETP program aims to provide Hispanic businesses with access to knowledge and tools, capital, network and new markets to scale their businesses in 2024.
“The HETP program is part of the chamber’s desire to build local economies and communities in New Jersey,” he said.
Here’s how it works.
The program consists of 14 Friday virtual sessions (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) and two in-person.
The class will consist of 60 participants who have a new or existing business (5 years or less). Bilingual instructors will guide them in developing and refining their ideas into a sustainable business.
During the 40-hour course, participants will put together a comprehensive business plan, will gain an understanding of the foundational principles of day-to-day operations and will be exposed to several subject-matter experts and panels.
At the end of the course, participants will be provided one-on-one mentorship/coaching to further develop their business plans or to focus on a specific area of their interest.
The course’s focus is creating a comprehensive business and expanding participants’ knowledge of:
- How to start a business;
- Market research and competitive analysis;
- Product development;
- Marketing strategies;
- Building an online presence;
- Leveraging social media networks;
- Networking and client relations;
- Exporting and importing products and services;
- Procurement, licenses and certifications;
- Accessing capital and credit;
- Developing financial projections;
- Hiring and staffing;
- Bookkeeping and accounting best practices;
- Legal entities and relevant legal topics;
- Insurance and risk management;
- Pricing and negotiation;
- Business writing and presentations;
- Public speaking.
Chamber CEO Carlos Medina said the SHCCNJ serves as voice of the more than 120,000 Latino businesses contributing more than $90 billion to the New Jersey economy — and that the HTEP program is a great example of that.
“The former graduates not only have set the stage for success — but their dedication and hard work will serve as inspiration for future generations of entrepreneurs,” he said.
The deadline to apply to the 2024 HETP program is Dec. 22. Hundreds are expected to apply.
Business owners can click here for more information or call 201-935-0035.
