(Washington, DC) Southeastern University’s Center for Entrepreneurship announces its partnership with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development to offer low cost courses through the Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Program giving qualified small, local businesses the ability to contract with the District of Columbia government. The CBE program replaces what was formerly known in DC government as the Local, Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) Program.
Dr. Telaekah Brooks, Executive director of Southeastern’s Center for Entrepreneurship, says, “Southeastern University is proud to partner with the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) to help local businesses in the CBE program which allows them to receive preferred procurement and contracting opportunities from the District government.” She adds, “The courses we offer will improve business expansion and job growth for the local businesses, even if they remain as non-certified business enterprises.”
Erik A. Moses, Director of the Department of Small and Local Business Development says, “Partnering with Southeastern University will provide our Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) with the tools to be competitive in the open market as well as enhance their ability to provide quality goods and services to the District Government.”
Free introductory courses explain the new CBE program and offers guidance on the District’s contracting process. The other courses feature specific training tracks designed to address local, small business owners’ professional development needs in the areas of proposal writing, accounting, project management, and relationship management, The low cost, flat training fee of $25 for each class upon meeting the early registration deadline, includes two networking galas at the end of the Relationship Management courses held simultaneously with Track One and Two’s graduation festivities.
COURSE ONE: Introduction to CBE Certification Process
This free seminar will review the CBE certification application in detail. The facilitator is a DSLBD Certification Specialist and will provide hands on assistance to complete the certification application. This seminar is offered twice per month at the Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC) in the District’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW, first floor in the Business/Technology Section. Additional one-on-one assistance will be offered at no cost.
The following 2008 program dates are from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm on January 10,
February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4,
October 2, November 6, and December 4. Evening hours from 6 pm to 8 pm will
be offered January 24, February 21, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17,
August 21, September 18, October 16, November 20, and December 18.
COURSE TWO: RFP/Proposal Writing (16 hours)
This course is designed to provide CBEs the skill sets necessary to respond to RFPs (Request For Proposals) and write effective proposals. Formal English writing concepts, such as grammar and language will be reinforced. Technical writing skills will be developed and strengthened. Participants will produce a proposal template and capability statement. This course, along with Courses Three and Four will be offered three times a year and costs $100 per participant. The registration cost after early registration is $125.
Track One will be offered Tuesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on January 29, and February 5, 12 and 19. Track Two will be offered Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm on April 5, 12, 19, and 26. Track Three will be offered Wednesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on July 9, 16, 23 and 30.
COURSE THREE: Accounting (16 hours)
This course will cover the basic fundamentals of accounting, with a focus on creating financial statements from raw data, creating and managing budgets, and understanding the relationship between the budget and spending categories associated with marketing, human resources, and project management. Participants will create a budget, cash flow projections, balance sheet and income statement for their business and/or project contract.
Track One will be offered Wednesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on March 5, 12, 19 and 26. Track Two will be offered Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm on May 8, 15, 22, and 29. Track Three will be offered Tuesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on August 5, we, 19 and 26.
COURSE FOUR: Project Management (16 hours)
This course will teach CBEs how to develop project plans, set timeframes for project completion, and to identify and source staff for defined projects. Participants will create a project plan for at least one of their current projects.
Track One will be offered Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm on April 10, 17, 24 and
May 1. Track Two will be offered Wednesdays from 10 am to 2 pm on June 11.
18, 25 and July 2. Track Three will be offered Tuesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on
September 9, 16, 23, and 30.
COURSE FIVE: Relationship Management (12 hours)
This course will focus on providing CBEs with communication and professional speaking skills. This course will incorporate technology (PowerPoint, etc) with common business language and body language. Relationship management will include developing business contacts, networking, and interpersonal skills. Participants will create a PowerPoint presentation about their business and have their presentation skills enhanced through video critiques. This course will be offered two times a year and costs $75 per participant. The registration cost after early registration is $100.
Track One will be offered Wednesdays from 6 pm to 9:30 pm on May 14, 21, May 28,
and June 4. (mid-year celebration /graduation for Track One). Track Two will be
offered Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm on October 14, 21, 28, and November 4
(year-end celebration/graduation of Track Two.)
Courses Two, Three, Four and Five will be held at Southeastern University’s Center of Entrepreneurship, 501 I Street, SW in Washington, DC 20024.
About Southeastern University’s Center for Entrepreneurship:
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) offers a distinctive business training experience for current and aspiring business owners, nonprofit executives, and transformational professionals. Its courses are targeted and directed for those who are interested in building the capacity and revenue of their businesses. In addition to seminars, clinics, short courses, and certificate programs, the Center offers specially designed programs to serve corporate training needs. Southeastern.edu
About the Department of Small and Local Business Development
The mission of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is to foster economic growth and the development of local, small, and disadvantaged business enterprises through supportive legislation, business development programs, and agency and public/private contract compliance.