Entrepreneurial Certificate Program (ECP)
Looking to Start Your Own Successful Business? Do you want to maximize your businesses sales and profitability? Position your business in a highly competitive market? If so, then the New Jersey Small Business Development Center Entrepreneur Certificate Program is for you. The program, jointly sponsored by NJSBDC and New Jersey Community Colleges, covers business planning, legal aspects, human resource tools, market research techniques, comprehensive marketing strategies including advertising, sales and promotions, financial management tools including record keeping and tax reporting and more.
The statewide 33-hour certificate program comprises seven core courses – take all seven and receive a certificate.
Seven Core ECP Courses
Legal 1
SB701 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
This seminar provides basic knowledge of the laws affecting business. Business owners learn how to choose the appropriate business structure, assess business risks, provide adequate protection and establish proper record keeping and controls. ECP Course.
Instructor: Nicole Voigt
CRN 60552 SB70 – 01
Mon Jan 14 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)
Legal 2
SB702 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
This seminar provides the basic understanding of contract law, legal ownership of a business, stock, and partnership agreements. ECP Course.
Instructor: Nicole Voigt
CRN 60553 SB702 – 01
Thu Jan 24 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)
Marketing Strategies
SB703 ___________________ 6 hours/.6 CEU
Failure to define your target markets costs you money – and maybe your business. This program offers information about such topics as market research, strategic marketing decisions, advertising and sales, public relations, promotions, and networking, It provides an introduction to all phases of a marketing plan, beginning with extensive research and target market identification followed by the development and implementation of a marketing action plan. Learn how to define the markets where your services or products will be most successful, and how to implement creative, low-cost guerrilla marketing strategies by investing time, energy, and imagination. ECP Course. 2 sessions.
Instructor: Vicki Lynne Morgan
CRN 60555 SB703 – 01
Tue Mar 12 & 19 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $109 ($94 tuition, plus fees)
Small Business Taxes
SB704 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
Learn which type of entity is best for you to structure your company: as an LLC, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, S Corporation, or C Corporation. Receive information about tax responsibilities based on the entity you choose, including estimates taxes, sales tax, payroll taxes, and corporate taxes. In addition, the course covers tax deductions you are entitled to and would not want to miss. ECP Course.
Instructor: Daniel Gibson
CRN 60562 SB704 – 01
Mon Mar 18 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)
Small Business Recordkeeping
SB705 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
Learn what records you need to keep, how to do your own bookkeeping, and how to use records as a management tool. Key topics include: manual and/or recommended software to use, inventory control, cash flow management, end of month summary procedures, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, cash disbursements, profit and loss controls, internal controls and back up needed for tax deductions. ECP Course.
Instructor: Deborah Weyman
CRN 60563 SB705 – 01
Thu Apr 25 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)
Financial Statements
SB706 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
Learn to enhance and clarify your bottom line. Topics include spreadsheets, understanding revenue and expense, structure and relationships, meaningful forecasts and projections, break-even analysis, balance sheets, P&L, and cash flow. ECP Course.
Instructor: Deborah Weyman
CRN 60564 SB706 – 01
Thu May 2 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)
The Business Plan
SB707 ___________________ 0.9 hours/.9 CEU
A sound business plan helps you manage your business more effectively and is a requirement for any business seeking financing. Using a business plan to chart your course improves your chances for success. This workshop covers all components of a business plan. ECP Course. 3 sessions.
Instructor: Vicki Lynne Morgan
CRN 60565 SB707 – 01
Thu/Tue Feb 28 and Mar 5, 7 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $139 ($115 tuition, plus fees)
CRN 60691 SB707 – 02
Thu May 2, 9 and 16 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Course fee: $139 ($115 tuition, plus fees)
We’re here to help!
Fill out our Request for Counseling Form to schedule a free appointment with one of our business counselors.
Use our Business Course Registration Form to register for any of our small business classes.
If you have any questions, review our FAQs or contact our office at sbdc@raritanval.edu or 908-526-1200, ext. 8516.
