By Bill Parry
The Queens Economic Development Corp. put out the call to small business owners, budding entrepreneurs and home improvement contractors to sign up for its fall programs during a special networking event at Z Rooftop late last month, with many of the programs to begin in October.
“We have so many people come in with ambition and energy, but they have no direction,” QEDC spokesman Rob MacKay said. “These programs map things out on a one-on-one basis. Anyone starting a business would do well by themselves taking part in either of these programs.”
The QEDC will hold its ninth annual Queens Start Up! Business Plan Competition, which begins in October. This contest is organized with the Queens Library and sponsored by Citi Foundation.
Three businesses will be awarded $10,000 each. Contestants must attend four free seminars at Jamaica Central Library focused on marketing, management, planning and sales. After the fourth session, applicants will write a business plan and submit it to judges who will select the winners.
“The three winners from last year have their businesses up and running, including Chris Murillo’s Astoria Distilling Co.,” MacKay said. “His Queens Courage gin is proving to be very successful already.”
The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program runs from Oct. 7 to Dec. 16. Offered since 1991, the EAP is a comprehensive, hands-on training course targeted at new and existing business owners. It is specifically designed to minimize the risk and maximize the success of starting or expanding a business. Participants will learn how to write a compelling business plan, conduct industry research, market and sell a product and legally structure a business.
The Home Improvement Contractor Training course begins in November. HICT prepares applicants to pass the city Department of Consumer Affairs’ licensing exam.
It consists of three classes led by an experienced teacher, who also takes students as a group to the licensing exam at DCA headquarters in Manhattan. The lessons will be accompanied by free, one-on-one business advisory services, such as consultations on permits and licensing, business development, avoiding liability, procurement and access to capital.
“That one’s rapidly becoming our flagship program with a 100 percent pass rate, meaning that everyone that takes this course gets their license,” MacKay said.
Since 1977, the QEDC has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs in preparing business plans and filing for business registrations, permits, licenses and loan packaging. QEDC has also helped scores of neighborhoods revitalize their commercial districts by creating business organizations and establishing business improvement districts.
“Both the Queens Start Up! and Entrepreneurial Assistance Program are free,” Mackay said. “The other programs have certain fees, but people who have taken these courses will tell you knowledge is priceless.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
