A partnership between the Alabama Department of Human Resources, Troy University’s Small Business Development Center, and the Sorrell College of Business will provide non-academic entrepreneurship education to SNAP benefit recipients.
The “Start Your Business Program” will run two cycles of 20 sessions where participants will learn about entrepreneurship, business basics, marketing, finances, and professionalism. This program, one of the economic empowerment initiatives led by the Sorrell College and the TROY SBDC, does not have an educational pre-requisite and will be available to benefit recipients in 42 counties in Alabama.
“Creating a business is part of the American dream and often a path to prosperity in low-income communities. We believe we are providing a ticket for economic mobility to our communities,” said Dr. Judson Edwards, Dean of the Sorrell College.
Offered in a hybrid model, participants can attend the classes in the SBDC facilities on the Square in downtown Troy or online from their public library or home.
The sessions include Entrepreneurship (Jan. 16 – 25 on Mondays and Wednesdays), Business Basics (Feb. 1-22 on Wednesdays), Marketing (March 1-22 on Wednesdays), Small Business Finances (March 29-April 19 on Wednesdays) and Professionalism (April 24-May 3 on Mondays and Wednesdays). The classes are live each meeting from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
“This program provides a clear action path to community members that have a skill, talent or trade and would like to formalize it as a business,” said Juliana Bolivar, TROY SBDC director. “Having access to experts, personalized assistance and guidance in establishing a business will promote a successful, sustainable income for beneficiaries as well as provide our region with greater access to goods and services.”
For DHR-approved clients, there is no cost to register. The first session begins Jan. 16, but those interested may begin after that date and catch up in the second cycle.
To register for the program, visit https://forms.office.com/r/aWcRWguhWG, or scan the QR code with your smartphone.
For more information, contact the TROY SBDC at 334-808-6793, or via email, to sbdc@troy.edu.
