Jamila Powell, Program Manager- Women’s Business Center opened up the floor by welcoming everyone to the Session 98 and explaining more about the Women's Business Center (WBC) and its nine-week Women's Business Academy course.

"LAEDA Women’s Business Center was founded by the Latin American Economic Development Association, Inc. (LAEDA) in 2016 in response to its experience working with women entrepreneurs and their impact on local and wider economies. The WBC recognizes that women entrepreneurs face unique barriers to starting and operating small businesses and accessing capital, "Jamila Powell, Program Manager- Women’s Business Center stated. 

"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 a program you will learn the fundamentals of business, have valuable counseling sessions with mentors, learn from experts in their own fields, create a toolbox of valuable resources, build a support system, and write your business plan with the goal of moving you your business concept forward," Powell added.

Later in the evening, LAEDA also had a guest speaker who was a graduate of Women’s Business Academy Session 89. April A. Ward is the Chief Executive Offer and Owner of Creative Content OnDemand (CCOD) DBA Fruition Life Media LLC. Creative Content OnDemand helps small to mid-size businesses grow through their all-in one turnkey multimedia services - video production, digital photography, social media management, public relations, and brand consulting; Fruition Life Media helps consumers preserve their legacy through Life Legacy Tribute video.

April discussed her experience while attending the WBA but also left the new class with words of wisdom regarding marketing and public relation strategies for their businesses.

“LAEDA really taught me to move and speak comfortably in front of a crowd; it gave me a platform to build my confidence to speak about my company and the importance of effective communication and relationship-building skills,” April explained. “You must be committed and be enthusiastic about your business; after all, the end goal is to be in business for yourself and employee people," she continued. 

April's final words to the class were, "Please take a lot of notes and do your homework since it will help you create your business plan. Also, there may be ups and downs but stick to your business, your passion, and your goals in order to keep moving forward.”

To get in touch with April A. Ward and James E. Ward (Chief Operating Officer and Owner) you can call  (856)-889-6451, Email them at award@weareccod.com, visit their website at www.weareccod.com, visit their LinkedIn and Facebook at Creative Content OnDemand or check out their Instagram, TikTok & Twitter at @weareccod.

Do you want to avoid as many pitfalls as you can before taking further steps into your entrepreneurial journey?

The Women's Business Academy (WBA) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and continued technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.

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.