On Friday, September 5, 2025, the LAEDA team came together for a day of reflection, connection, and fun at Pinsetter Bar & Bowl, 7111 Maple Ave, Merchantville, NJ 08109. Beyond the laughter and friendly competition, this experience gave us the chance to pause, reflect on our organizational values, and think deeply about how we can continue making a meaningful impact in the entrepreneurial community.

Team building is not just about fun—it strengthens collaboration, improves communication, and fosters a supportive environment. By coming together, we reinforced our shared mission and reminded ourselves that every small effort contributes to bigger achievements.

As we bowled, we reflected on how each pin represents a challenge or obstacle—whether it is helping a new entrepreneur develop a business plan, guiding them through financial decisions, or supporting them in growing their business. One pin at a time, we are knocking down barriers and advancing toward success. As we like to say: “Let’s bowl our way to success and knock one pin at a time with the value, resources, and knowledge we provide.”

This spirit of teamwork mirrors the foundation of our Nine Week Business Training Program:

This is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ each Spring and Fall. Qualified entrepreneurs receive over 72 hours of training from industry professionals, business planning guidance, and continued technical assistance. Participants gain critical skills such as marketing strategy, financial literacy, operations management, networking, and personal development. For more information, visit laeda.com or refer an entrepreneur using this form. (We are currently recruiting for our Winter Session “Women’s Business Academy” Tentative Class timeline from January 7, 2026 to March 11, 2026).

LAEDA is committed to supporting individuals as they begin their journey into business ownership. We offer a variety of resources, including business training programs, one-on-one counseling, and networking opportunities—all designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.

Our organization provides a wide array of training options, from single-night seminars to our cornerstone nine-week program. While single-night seminars and five-week programs are open to the general public, the nine-week EDTP is only open to qualified participants. Qualifications include having a clear and viable business idea (for-profit only), 3+ years of managerial or supervisory experience in the proposed business type, available capital to invest, and availability to attend the program.

Through our Women’s Business Center (WBC), we also provide an online business plan program for entrepreneurs to develop and refine their strategies from anywhere.

Why We Work at LAEDA

At the heart of LAEDA is a team that believes deeply in the power of entrepreneurship and the people behind the businesses we serve. Here’s why we do what we do:

Mimi Feliz, Special Programs Coordinator – Women’s Business Center:
“I work at LAEDA because helping dreamers turn hustle into real businesses is rewarding. Plus, who wouldn’t want a front-row seat to the magic of entrepreneurship?”

Katie Mayock, Assistant Program Manager – Women’s Business Center:
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to work with aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, and to see firsthand the real difference LAEDA makes in their lives. I also love working for a small company with a close-knit, supportive team.”

Ray Lamboy, President & CEO:
“I get satisfaction from witnessing and being a part of an individual’s transformation into an entrepreneur and watching the impact on their family and community.”

Michelle Phillips, Program Support Coordinator:
“I really enjoy working at LAEDA because I get to meet so many inspiring entrepreneurs and help connect them to the tools and support they need to grow. It feels good knowing the work I do makes a real difference in people’s lives and in our community.”

Jiao Xu, Program Manager – LAEDA Business Services Center:
“As an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges of building a business for yourself, by yourself. After coming into contact with so many business owners and other entrepreneurs, I can see the impact that we have on them. Whether this is providing a foundation of knowledge, meeting one-on-one for technical assistance, or simply connecting businesses with each other and resources, I truly believe that what we do provides great value. It makes me feel fulfilled to see the real-world impact that we have on real human beings.”

Jamila Powell, Program Director – Women’s Business Center:
“My why for working at LAEDA is rooted in my passion for giving back to the community. I enjoy seeing our alumni collaborate, grow, and build meaningful connections that strengthen both their businesses and our community as a whole.”

Annabel Soto, Office Administrator:
“It’s incredibly inspiring to watch our students take charge of their futures — not just transforming their own lives, but uplifting their families as well. At LAEDA, we serve as a catalyst for turning dreams into reality, especially for those in underserved communities. I’m proud and honored to be part of such a powerful and impactful organization.”

Sehrish Khan, Training Coordinator – LAEDA Business Services Center:
“I work at LAEDA because I just love helping people use their unique skills and passions to create something powerful. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our clients realize what they’re truly capable of—they don’t just improve their own lives, they make a real difference in their communities. I get to build genuine connections with each person, and it’s an honor to see the positive successes one business at a time.”

Team building reminded us that our success as an organization—and the success of the entrepreneurs we serve—comes from collaboration, shared knowledge, and a willingness to tackle challenges together. Just like in bowling, each pin we knock down represents progress, growth, and achievement. Together, we are not just building businesses—we are building a stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial community.

Spotlight on Local Business: The Breakfast Palace – A Camden Favorite!

We were thrilled to have breakfast provided by The Breakfast Palace, a beloved local gem right here in Camden! Known for their warm hospitality, delicious meals, and generous portions, The Breakfast Palace continues to be a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

Whether you are in the mood for a filling breakfast or something sweet, The Breakfast Palace always delivers. You can really see how much they care about the community in everything they do.

They are also Camden Verified through LAEDA, as part of the Buy Camden 1st Initiative (BC1). This program, created by the City of Camden and LAEDA, encourages people and organizations to support local businesses. The BuyCamden1st.com website helps connect buyers with trusted Camden-based businesses like The Breakfast Palace.

Thank you to The Breakfast Palace for fueling our event — and for being such a shining example of Camden’s thriving small business community!

Please use the following link to learn more about our extensive training programs .