Program Offered on Starting a Business

A free, 18-week program for those interested in starting a small business will begin Tuesday( at Mission College’s Business and Professional Center.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program, now in its fifth year, is offered to Los Angeles residents who qualify as middle to low income.

Instructors prefer that students “have a vision” of the kind of business they would like to start before enrolling, said Penny Young, program director. The classes are designed to debunk myths associated with starting a small business and present realities. “People go into the program with the misconception that it’s going to be easy, then through the program discover the hours it takes to put a business together,” she said.

Class discussions include: required licenses, bookkeeping, obtaining loans, completing tax forms and managing personnel. Guest speakers, some of whom have started their own businesses, will visit the class.

Although many students who finish the program do not begin a business immediately, about 70% of those who complete the sessions have started a business of their own, Young said.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Business and Professional Center, 1300 San Fernando Road, San Fernando. Information: (818) 837-2236.