Camden, NJ – January 7, 2026 – LAEDA proudly welcomed a new cohort of dynamic entrepreneurs into Session 104 of the Women’s Business Academy (WBA) on Wednesday evening. Eleven business owners, selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, were chosen for their drive, potential, and commitment to growth. Over the next nine weeks, they will participate in intensive training designed to equip them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to launch and expand their ventures.
Inspiring the Journey Ahead
The evening began with a warm welcome from Jamila Powell, Program Director – Women’s Business Center Program Manager at LAEDA’s Business Service Center:
“Welcome, everyone. By being here tonight, you have already made the decision to invest in yourselves and take an important step toward becoming business owners. I love to see people grow and help build the city I grew up in. Over the course of the next nine weeks, we will test your assumptions in small business and help your businesses grow.”
Empowering Guidance from LAEDA Leadership
Raymond Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA, encouraged the cohort to reflect on the purpose and energy driving their entrepreneurial journey:
“What you do with those skills is what drives your business. The key ingredient to your success is your Why! With a dream driving you and your motivation, anything is possible.”
He also highlighted the importance of business systems:
“Business systems are like a recipe, critical to a successful outcome. This course will help you put together a plan to keep moving forward in your business goals. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business, and the business plan is essentially the assembly instructions for your enterprise.”
Building Community and Momentum
Throughout the evening, the LAEDA team emphasized the program’s supportive and collaborative nature. They encouraged participants to:
- Seize every opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals and expand their network.
- Approach the program with curiosity and enthusiasm, seeing it as a chance to grow.
- Make the most of personalized guidance and resources designed to meet the specific needs of their businesses.
- Foster connections with peers and build a community of support—strong relationships are essential for long-term success.
Meet the Entrepreneurs of Session 104
Each participant introduced themselves, sharing their business story, goals, and aspirations. Some are refining systems and strategies, others are seeking clarity and peace of mind, while many aim to expand their reach and impact. Despite their differences, all share a common drive: to grow, learn, and take actionable steps toward their business dreams.
Spotlight on Entrepreneurial Success: Joe Garcia
Joe Garcia of JD Garcia Group LLC, offering services including Security Assessments, Administrative Support (all-hazards planning and emergency management), Expert Court Testimony (civil cases), Public Safety Professional Coaching, and Hospital Security Solutions, is a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) Session 103. He describes his experience with LAEDA as transformative:
“This session is one of the best kept secrets in New Jersey. You get bags of gems in this class—one for each day. You need to know the worth of your products, your services, your business. Carry your ‘ish’—do not let it interfere with your life and focus.”
Joe credits much of his success to LAEDA’s comprehensive support:
- One-on-one counseling and coaching
- Full business plan development
- Elevator pitch refinement
- Expert marketing guidance
- Expert finance support (credit, access, literacy)
- Expert legal advice
- Post-course support
- Lifetime friendships and partnerships
“Taking these courses helped me put my business systems together. LAEDA brings more than half a century of caring about businesses like ours, and the lifelong relationships you create here are blessings.”
Joe’s journey demonstrates the value of investing in yourself, building strong foundations, and connecting with a network of support that lasts far beyond the classroom. To connect with Joe please call at (856) 766-8822, visit his website: https://www.thegarciagroupllc.com or email him at joe@jdgarciagroup.com.
New Beginnings for Session 104
“You bring the technician skills, and we bring the business acumen. This program also gives you the time and focus to operate your business.” – Jamila Powell, Program Director – Women’s Business Center
As Session 104 begins, these entrepreneurs are stepping into a journey filled with learning, collaboration, and growth. Over the next nine weeks, they will explore practical strategies for business success, develop strong foundations, and gain confidence to turn their ideas into action.
A Program Designed for Growth
LAEDA’s nine-week program, offered through its two centers with three sessions per year—Spring (EDTP), Fall (EDTP), and Winter (WBA)—equips participants with hands-on tools to manage and expand their businesses. From building solid business plans to refining operations and marketing strategies, the curriculum is designed to empower entrepreneurs at every stage. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.
Turning Vision into Reality
What’s on your vision board? LAEDA helps turn those visions into tangible results. From business training and one-on-one counseling to networking opportunities, LAEDA provides the knowledge, resources, and support entrepreneurs need to succeed.
Your journey starts here—explore our training programs and take the next step toward building the business you’ve envisioned: training programs.