Nowadays, there’s a celebration for everything – whether it’s National Hot Dog Day (presumably sponsored by Oscar Meyer) or National Dachshund Day, there is no shortage of great things to honor, praise, tweet and post about. But small businesses are the backbone of the United States, an economic power of unparalleled force, and a true metaphor for the American Dream.
Thus, it was only appropriate that LAEDA and LAEDA WBC should wholeheartedly embrace National Small Business Week (April 30 – May 6) with a series of events extolling those that have made it, our students in hot pursuit, and our network of alumni that continue to benefit from LAEDA and make us proud while manifesting our hope in the economic development of South Jersey.
On Tuesday, May 2nd, WBC staff members Jamie and Alex traveled to Atlantic County to conclude their five-night Jump Start seminar series at the TD Bank in Northfield. The course ended with six graduates, four of whom were already in business, and brought knowledge of topics as unique as business negotiation for women and search engine optimization (SEO) to the participants.
Meanwhile, EDTP Program Manager Jamila Powell led her group of 16 business owners and entrepreneurs through Session #78’s second week of their nine-week program, connecting them with marketing expert Mark Newell as well as laying the foundation for them to begin their business plans. This training group features a wide variety of interests, ranging from a mobile photography company to customized promwear.
On Wednesday, LAEDA opened its new computer lab to the greater public to take part in a two-fold event, wherein participants could receive a professional grade headshot for whatever purposes they might want (whether LinkedIn, a business website, or Facebook, it’s something everyone should have!) as well as partake in a focus group in which they could pitch an idea and receive critical feedback in order to enhance their brand. People shared slogans, marketing ideas, and broad start-up concepts, and then heard from their peers in the business community what would work, what could be refined, and what, perhaps, should be reconsidered. By the end, everyone left with invaluable feedback as well as a portrait, also having networked and established new relationships – who knows what they might spawn.
Finally, on Thursday, May 5th, the Women’s Business Center traveled to Burlington County to offer a training on state and national hiring incentives for small businesses seeking to take that next step, and one that might seem daunting: hiring a new employee. Jamie and Alex met with four small business owners and one nonprofit representative seeking to hire in order to explain the benefits of some really awesome, and often unknown, government training programs. It’s not widely publicized that a business can get up to 50% salary reimbursement for hiring a new employee if they meet certain criteria! If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, please contact the LAEDA WBC for more information.
Much like National Hot Dog Day, the recognition and importance of small businesses doesn’t stop at the end of the designated celebration. They’re the crux of our neighborhoods, towns, and cities, and the motivating force behind all of the work LAEDA does in Camden and beyond. We thank you for your interest and participation in our programs, as together we strive to build a stronger sense of community.
By Alex LaBant