Jamila Powell, Program Manager- Women’s Business Center opened up the floor by going over the agenda of the class and welcomed everyone to the Session 97 class.

“Getting to know each other and making connections is crucial and plays a part in the success as well that is why we encourage each one of you to get to know each other as well and the LAEDA staff each one of us is invested in your success as much as you are invested in you,” Jamila filled the room with this resourceful information.

LAEDA completes the cycle of economic development by aligning its various efforts into one comprehensive approach to be focused on one commercial district. This strategy analyzes the marketplace on three levels; market dynamics - SWOT analysis, business capacity & composition and physical capacity; real estate inventory, parking and environment. Ray Lamboy, President & Chief Executive Officer spoke about LAEDA, its mission and its history.

No matter where you are in the evolution of the entrepreneur, whether it is the side hustle business, self-employed business or the business owner one can call LAEDA and get assistance. This program is designed to move you from where you are to where you want to be, because standing still is not an option. Also, in this program you will learn the fundamentals of business, have valuable counseling sessions with mentors, learn from experts in their own fields, build a wallet of valuable resources, build up a networking support system, build upon or polish up your business plan, reach toward your goals and much more.

“At the end of the day we will teach you all the practical’s of business, but if Why are you here? What is the gas in your tank is not there than it will not led to success, “Ray Lamboy illustrated, “So knowing what your why is and staying motivated are crucial; this is why having your vision in front on you will keep you motivated even more and be a friendly reminder as to why you are in this room and within these seats.”

We are want to see each one of you become business owners one day was one of the most crucial highlights of Ray welcoming the students and explaining the why of the reason the students were sitting in the seats in the room with the LAEDA staff today.

LAEDA’s goal is to move you from one phrase to another and take this business information and move your business forward. Ray also added what a business plan is and all the important tools that go into creating that plan of success because the business plan is the assembly instructions for your business.
As the night continued we went around the room to highlight each student and learn about their why.

The Why’s that filled up the room were amongst the following:

• To have a successful business
• To help the business grow
• Have business systems in place
• To learn the aspects of creating a business
• Great the knowledge and build up on skills and knowledge
• Sometimes one might feel stuck so want those valuable tools to one to keep moving forward
• There is a lot to know about how to run a business and wanted to gain that knowledge and resources

Just like the room was filled with valuable why’s, it is significant to mention that learning from each other and starting to fill oneself with knowledge and information are two ingredients which are valuable to always add to one’s recipe of success.

Support each other and each other’s businesses because a support and networking system is vital in the journey of an entrepreneur and or small business owner. LAEDA continues to meet entrepreneurs where they are and lead them to where they want to go.

Building relationships are vital to being successful no matter which area or step of life an entrepreneur or an individual is taking and along with that so are mentors and resources.

Now let’s hear a few words of valuable wisdom from the rest of the LAEDA staff which consists of: Raymond L. Lamboy, President & Chief Executive Officer, Annabel Soto, Office Administrator, Jamila Powell, Program Manager - Women's Business Center, Mariana Hinojosa, Assistant Program Manager - Women's Business Center, Sehrish Khan, Training Coordinator LAEDA Business Services Center, Nayezge Heyer, Operations Support Coordinator, Merfred "Mimi" Feliz, Camden Verify Coordinator - LAEDA Business Services Center and Tammy Ong, Business Counseling Support Specialist- Women's Business Center:

• “This program is designed to teach you the fundamentals of business and move you from one level to the next.”
• “Small businesses give back to the community and creates jobs and in addition builds confidence in the individuals.”
• “Surround yourself with positive people and keep pushing yourself forward and this is a relationship that goes on even after the nine weeks are done.”
• “This class is a commitment that is worth it and you will meet a lot of great people.”
• “After class at LAEDA we also provide you with many opportunities and keep helping you to grow.”
• “Relearning and always building onto your knowledge is vital as this will always help you to keep building unto the business.”
• “You get the practical knowledge about how you can run your business and put your skills, talents and knowledge into vital use at LAEDA.”
• “We provide valuable tools, resources, knowledge and connections to help you grow and sustain your business and reach your potential.”

Tonight LAEDA also had a guest star speaking and she was in our last Entrepreneurial Development Training Program Session 96; Arlene Wray from Snorkkel Whalengton Collection LLC. She writes bilingual children’s books for children up to 9 years old and brings over 20 years of experience of interacting with children by teaching preschools and working as a nanny. In addition, Arlene has been writing for over 14 years and her business is a national certified women’s business enterprise offering affordable bilingual children’s books and merchandize teaching life lessons such as kindness, anti-bullying, empathy, inclusion, and embracing differences across culture and more. Arlene spoke about her experience in the business journey and experience and takeaways from LAEDA:

• “I learned about business sitting in these chairs and there is always something to learn.”
• “LAEDA taught me how to run a business and it was one of the best things I did for my business is attending this course.”
• “The instructors and LAEDA staff want to see you learn and succeed; there are structural processes and procedures to run a business.”
• “The business plan really works for your business.”
• “LAEDA is like your second home.”
• “Complete the program, get a good accountant and a mentor and then keep in touch with LAEDA.”

Are you ready to walk the alphabet of success, having a valuable support and networking group, starting onto your business journey, expanding the journey, adding onto your tool box to assemble that business plan or much more?

LAEDA offers seminars and short-term courses in various counties of South Jersey throughout the year. A long-term course is also offered three times per year where entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and business counseling. The program is free, but you must qualify.

LAEDA welcomes you to join our community of successful entrepreneurs. Visit our website at www.laeda.com or call (856) 338-1177 to learn more.