Raymond Lamboy, President & Chief Executive Officer began the last class by asking the following questions:” What have you learned? What was your Aha! Moment? What was your favorite class? What was your biggest challenge?”

Session 98 participants gave the following answers about what they learned:

• All the classes were great and informative
• Being able to meet bankers and lawyers to understand what they see was beneficial
• How to implement bookkeeping and took something out of each class
• Every class has an actionable step
• All the connections that we made are super valuable and helpful

Ray left the class with some valuable and informative books because it is crucial for entrepreneurs to work on not their professional development but also their self-development. He offered the following list of books:

• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter
• The E Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
• Traction by Gino Wickman
• What To Say When You Talk To Your Self by Shad Helmstetter
• Applebee’s America by Douglas B. Sosnik and Matthew J. Dowd
• How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
• Know Your Value by Mika Brzezinski
• Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz
• The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth by John C. Maxwell

Next, the floor opened to LAEDA staff to offer words of congratulation and encouragement: 

Annabel Soto, Office Administrator explains, “You have LAEDA’s support and we are here to help you as much as you want.”

Mariana Hinojosa, Assistant Program Manager - Women's Business Center states, “Thank you for committing to the program and yourself, please implement what you have learned to bring your business forward.”

Michelle Phillips, Training Facilitator describes, “I had a great time with all of you these last nine weeks; please keep in touch and continue working hard to build your business and move it forward. 

Jiao Xu, Program Manager- LAEDA Business Service Center expresses, “I hope that you guys not only keep in touch with each other but also continue to learn from and support one another.

Sehrish Khan, Training Coordinator LAEDA Business Services Center states, “Stay in touch with each other but also stay in touch with us since we are your support system. Also, always remember your motivation and your why.”

Merfred "Mimi" Feliz, Camden Verified Coordinator - LAEDA Business Services Center says, “Take bits and pieces of each class and put it together for your continued success and business growth.” Mimi also explained about Buy Camden Initiative where small business are provided with opportunities to do business with other larger businesses (Camden Verified).

Jamila Powell, Program Manager of Women’s Business Center explains, “We believe in our clients so we will always work to help them move forward; we want to invest in you and celebrate with you when you win. 

Last, LAEDA had a guest speaker Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) Session 82. Andrea Riley is the owner and operator of The Marriage Service Technicians (MST), which offers training, coaching, counseling and mentoring services and resources for marriages and families. Their mission in life is to equip relationships with tools to go the distance!

Andrea spoke about her experience in the business, her and her husband’s life experience, and takeaways from LAEDA. She also provided the class with words of wisdom about business ownership: 

• I got the information that I needed and implemented what I learned
• You need to expect the unexpected
• Be flexible enough to know that something will happen and have contingency in your plans
• Do not stay stuck or stay still
• Being ready to make adjustments and using those helpful tools and support to assist you with this process
• What happens when uncertainty happens? How will you react? Without a good foundation, anything you build can cave in. LAEDA has given you a strong foundation to build upon. Lean into LAEDA's continued support as you move forward. It's invaluable!
• Things will happen to disrupt you and distract you. Every disruption there is another way, stay motivated, stay focused, lean on your support system and your WHY!
• Reinventing yourself and your business is important because there are times when we must do this.
• Personal Development is a priority. Please remember to keep on working on this and keep up with the ever-changing world.
• Keep on moving forward in your success no matter what happens because each one of you has the support.
• Go out there and find opportunities that are helpful.

If you are a life learner and want to continue to work on yourself and your business, LAEDA offers seminars and short-term courses in various counties of South Jersey throughout the year. A long-term course, which is offered three times per year where entrepreneurs receive 72 + hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and business counseling. The program is free, but you must qualify.

LAEDA welcomes you to join our community of successful entrepreneurs. Visit our website at www.laeda.com or call (856) 338-1177 to learn more. You can also stay connected with us on our social media platforms @LAEDA1987 (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram & Twitter).