The Urban League of Central Carolinas, Inc. (ULCC) is launching a new project to promote and increase the number of successful small urban business enterprises in Charlotte. The Urban Enterprise Project (UEP) is an initiative designed to assist new and existing minority business owners in developing and acquiring the skills and resources necessary for building/expanding successful business enterprises. The center’s programs and services are designed to meet the needs of emerging and established small businesses in the Metrolina area.

The UEP project also serves as an endeavor to address ULCC objectives relating directly to the League’s recently released study, The State of African American and Hispanics/Latinos in the Charlotte Region, and the National Urban League’s effort to build economic empowerment in the community and to make available and address business development and technical assistance needs that is targeted for these groups. The UEP will encourage diversity to include people of color, women, and challenged-income individuals for all classes and activities. The project seeks to develop profitable and sustainable urban enterprises, which have the capability to reinvest in the community, create jobs and increase the overall market and economic base of urban communities.

The League’s President/CEO, Madine Fails indicates that: “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Urban League to serve as an educational bridge to assist in building and growing business enterprises. We are pleased to have developed this partnership with local business management consultant Bill McCullough of McHenry Associates to offer expert training and preparation for business enterprises.”

The Urban Enterprise Project center piece, will focus on intense hands-on training, development, counseling and technical assistance (TA) component designed to equip participants with the tools, knowledge and resources to help ensure business success. This is accomplished through classroom training, workshops on starting, managing and operating a business, principles of entrepreneurship, acquiring and managing capital/resources, practical exercises, computer training, advice from experts; and ongoing TA/counseling. Check our website at www.urbanleaguecc.org at “What’s Happening” for new classes.

All classes will be conducted by experts, experienced small business owners, resource persons and other business leaders. Classes are highly interactive and structured to include lectures, discussions and practical exercises. Participants will receive individual consultations as well as referrals to outside resources. Classes and training will be provided for new and existing business enterprises.

Interested persons should contact Urban League Central Carolinas at 704.373.2256 Ext. 214 to enroll.

Enterprise Development Center Training & Program Services Outline

Application & Orientation (Is Business Ownership In Your Future?)
All UEP applicants are required to attend this two(2)-hour orientation session. The UEP encourages diversity...people of color, women, and challenged-income adult applicants are encouraged for all classes.

Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $25 (new business) and $35 (existing business).
Schedule: For orientation schedule/dates, call Bill McCoullough at 704.398.1791

Starting A New Business (Introduction to Business Ownership)
This two(2)-session [3hrs ea.] ‘pre-business’ class helps students recognize and develop the personal and business skills needed to start a business. Topics include entrepreneur self-assessment, personal development, goal setting, time management, personal money management, idea assessment, market research, startup strategies, identifying available business resources and the “go...no go” decision.

Class Meets: Mon from 6-9:00 p.m. & Sat from 9a.m.–12 N
(Schedule days may change...check published schedule)
Requirements: The desire and commitment to start a business.
Tuition: $250

Developing Company Business Plan (New Business Start-up Planning)
Known as the 'core class,’ this intensive, six(6)-session [3hrs ea.] series focuses on assisting participants create a practical and effective business plan for their respective business aspirations and use. Participants emerge with a fully developed plan.

The class also addresses every aspect of starting and developing a small business, including site selection, personnel, marketing, sales, management, capital/finance, accounting and planning. All assignments and class exercises pertain directly to the participant’s own business. The program includes two individual consultations and 1-to-1 matching with resource referrals.

Class Meets: Tue and Thu from 6:30-9:30 p.m. (evening class), 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. (day class)
Requirements: A well-developed business idea, and a firm commitment to starting or sustaining an existing business. Work experience or practical knowledge of the field is a plus.
Tuition: $650 Note: Starting A New Business graduates will receive a $200 credit on this module.

Business Growth Planning (Growing/Expanding Your Business)
This intensive three(3)-session [4hrs ea.] class teaches business action planning and is excellent preparation for developing a company action plan with specific market-based growth strategies, steps and procedures that can be applied to an existing business. To help accommodate existing business owners, sessions are held on Saturday mornings .

Class Meets: Sat from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Requirements: In business on a full-time basis for at least one year.
Tuition: $450

Scholarships and Payment Plan Options
A limited number of partial scholarships are available based on income and personal need. Please apply for scholarships in writing and include income verification (i.e. tax returns, check stubs, food stamp cards, etc.). Payment plans also are available. For more information, call 704.373.2256 Ext. 203. Make all checks payable to the Urban League of Central Carolina, Inc.

Other Program Services
In addition to above classes, the EDC offers a full range of programs and services aimed at nurturing and supporting businesses.

• Entrepreneurial Training/Seminars/Counseling
  A integrated structure involving training seminars, counseling, technical, resource/capital identification and acquisition; partnering and other types of ongoing support services.
• Capital Acquisition Forum/Workshop
  A business financing resource activity designed to help new and emerging firms obtain business loans from banks and other lenders. Business needs assessment, financial management and post loan counseling/support are also available.
• Business-To-Business ( B-2-B) Resource Network
  UEP graduates benefit from ongoing support through business-to-business relationships, networking events, peer support groups, individual consulting, workshops and the graduate directory/web site. Besides providing a vital link to information and resources, the resource network is designed to help graduates do business with each other.

For more information and training schedules call Bill McCoullough at 704.398.1791