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

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. Course 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 60091 SB703-01
Tue Jan 19 & 26 6:00pm-9:00pm

CRN 60092 SB703-02
Tue May 1 & 8 6:00pm-9:00pm
Course fee: $109 ($94 tuition, plus fees)

Legal 1

SB701 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
This workshop 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 60089 SB701-01
Mon Jan 23 6:00pm-9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)

Legal II

SB702 ___________________ 3 hours/.3 CEU
The course provides the basic understanding of contract law, legal ownership of a business, stock, and partnership agreements. ECP course.
Instructor: Nicole Voigt
CRN 60090 SB702-01
Mon Feb 13 6:00pm-9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 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 60093 SB704-01
Tue Mar 20 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 60161 SB705-01
Thu Apr 26 6:00pm-9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)

Understanding 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 60162 SB706-01
Thu May 10 6:00pm-9:00pm
Course fee: $50 ($35 tuition, plus fees)

The Business Plan

SB707 ___________________ 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: Karen Katcher
CRN 60094 SB707-01
Tue Apr 17-May 1 6:00pm-9:00pm

CRN 60095 SB707-02
Thu May 16-May 30 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.