LAEDA recently hosted its Turning Your Hobby Into a Business series, a six-part seminar designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the exciting—but sometimes challenging—transition from creating for friends and family to producing for a broader customer base. The series took place at LAEDA’s office at 433 Market Street, Camden, NJ, and provided participants with practical tools and strategies to confidently move their businesses forward.
This series was all about laying a solid foundation for success. Entrepreneurs learned how to build systems in key areas such as sales and marketing, administration, finance, and production. Production, in particular, was emphasized as the process of transforming raw materials into valuable products or services—a crucial step that requires both planning and thoughtful execution to meet business goals.
But before diving into the nuts and bolts of business operations, one fundamental question needed to be answered: Do you have a skill or talent that can create a marketable product or service? Understanding this is key to unlocking the doors that lead from hobby to thriving business.
Throughout the series, participants gained important “keys” to carry with them on their journey, including:
- Time: Dedicate consistent hours to working on your business and improving your craft.
- Family Support: Lean on loved ones who can assist with production, marketing, sales, or administration—help that often comes at little to no cost.
- Network of Potential Clients: Your first customers and testers are often those closest to you; their feedback and support can fuel growth and open new sales channels.
- Assessment: Build a clear road map by identifying the resources you need, from talent to funding to mentorship.
- Solution-Focused Mindset: Be ready to answer the critical question—What problem or need does your business solve?
Trying to be a “jack of all trades” can spread an entrepreneur too thin. Instead, participants were encouraged to think like detectives—researching, gathering ingredients, and mixing them thoughtfully to create a recipe for loyal customers and lasting success.
The series is filled with excitement, connection, and inspiration. Entrepreneurs delivered their elevator pitches—short, powerful introductions showcasing who they are and what their businesses offer. These pitches serve as essential tools for networking and attracting customers.
Adding to the excitement, participants presented their products and services in a show-and-tell format. From handmade crafts to innovative solutions, every presentation reflected creativity, dedication, and the courage to turn dreams into reality.
The LAEDA team also shared next steps—including upcoming training programs, resources, and ongoing business support to help entrepreneurs continue building their foundations.
We were especially honored to welcome professionals from Citizens Bank in Camden- Location 330 Cooper Street who joined us to offer valuable insights and encouragement:
- Steven Gomez, Community Development Market Manager
- Alondra Madrack, Branch Manager
- Denise Mangano-Montiel, Banker
- Nessa Sanchez, Banker
Their expert advice resonated deeply with our entrepreneurs:
- “It’s not just about what your product or service is—it’s about what it does for people.”
- “You learn by doing. Find what works best for you, your customers, and your business.”
- “Marketing and social media are essential—use them to grow your brand and reach more people.”
- “Many aspiring business owners don’t know where to start—we’re here to guide you in the right direction.”
- “We support your banking needs from A to Z—we’re here to grow with you.”
- “Stay focused on what you want to do—and why you’re doing it.”
- “Help your customers see the value of what you offer. Make them understand why they need it.”
This series was about much more than business skills—it was about turning passion into purpose. Watching these entrepreneurs step forward with confidence, creativity, and commitment was a true joy for all involved.
Beyond the classroom, participants made lasting connections, forming support systems that will serve them well in both their business and personal lives—because community is a cornerstone of success.
LAEDA continues to offer seminars and short-term courses across South Jersey throughout the year, along with a comprehensive long-term course three times annually. This extensive program provides 72+ hours of training, expert business planning, and personalized counseling. Best of all, the program is free for those who qualify.
If you’re ready to take the next step and join a community of thriving entrepreneurs, visit us at www.laeda.com or call (856) 338-1177 to learn more.
Please see below details about our Turning Your Hobby Into a Business Series:
Whether you make artistic gifts, prepare delicious home-cooked foods, teach new skills, or use your expertise to help people, many “creators” have an entrepreneurial spirit. The pathway from “creating for fun” to “creating for business” is anything but straightforward, but LAEDA is here to help you navigate the swerves and curves. One part of the journey is transitioning from designing & creating for friends to producing for customers beyond your inner circle.
- How do you meet a larger number of orders?
- How do you satisfy a wider variety of customers’ demands?
- How do you make sure each product looks the same or that each service is delivered at the same level of quality EVERY TIME?
We recommend that you attend all 6 seminars in the series to gain the most benefit. Those who attend at least 4 out of 6 seminars will receive a Certificate of Completion.
The Details:
- What: Turning Your Hobby Into a Business
- When: Starting Tuesday, 10/07/2025 from 6:00-8:30 PM
- Where: 1840 Broadway, Camden, NJ 08104
Course Schedule:
- Tuesday 10/07/2025 (6:00-8:30PM) – Unit 1 – Intro – Product Development and Production Process This one already took place
- Tuesday 10/14/2025 (6:00-8:30PM) – Unit 2 – Understanding the Power of Marketing – This one already took place
- Tuesday 10/21/2025 (6:00-8:30PM) – Unit 3 – Sales Channels for the Side Hustle Business- This one already took place
- Tuesday 10/28/2025 (6:00-8:30PM) – Unit 4 – Money, Banking & Credit – This one already took place
- Tuesday 11/04/2025 (6:00-8:30PM) – Unit 5 – Business Administration & Bookkeeping – This one already took place
- Tuesday 11/11/2025 (6:00 PM-8:30 PM)- Unit 6 – Pitch Competition & Last Day
To register please click on this link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vcu8fvq
No matter where you are on your business journey, LAEDA is here to walk alongside you—offering the tools, guidance, and community to help turn your passion into a thriving business.
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming seminars or programs—your next step starts here.