Small Business Network Academy

20 ambitious entrepreneurs.
6 interactive courses.
5 hours of training per month.
Unlimited feedback and advice.

A diverse network of peers and advisors.

The Goal: A more competitive business with a focused message.

The Small Business Academy helps small business owners in the Washington area increase their competitiveness, longevity and value. Unlike many programs that are designed for start-ups, the Small Business Academy targets firms that have been in operation for at least one year, and many participants have substantially longer track records.

Learn about marketing and social media, strategic business planning, technology and building partnerships through this six-month curriculum of practical management training and peer- level exchange and take your firm to the next level.

There are several small business programs available throughout the region, but only the Board of Trade’s Small Business Academy will connect you with established, like-minded business owners and equip you with relevant tools and long-term applicability.

Download the 2008 Small Business Academy Application today!

DEADLINE EXTENDED - Apply by July 1.

Testimonials from 2007 Academy Participants:

“As someone who’s been in business for 7 years, I didn’t know if the Small Business Academy would be a good fit. It was! By far the most valuable aspect of participating in the program was connecting and learning from other savvy business owners – that was more than worth the price of admission!”
-- Margarita Rozenfeld, CEO, Incite International

“I joined the 2007 Small Business Academy to meet like-minded business owners and find ways to grow my business and give back. Within 6 months, I connected with 14 business owners that I have added to my referral team, received 2 new clients, became a board advisor, acquired one affiliate partner to expand my services and the list goes on. The Small Business Academy is the best deal in town, if you want to grow your business.”
-- Hennrietta Smith, President, Vital Business Solutions

“The Small Business Academy had a very practical impact on my business… experiencing the academy with my cohort of peers enabled me to see that others face many of the same issues and problems and allowed us to work together to find solutions. I recommend the Small Business Academy not only for what you will get out of it, but also for what your involvement will give back to your peers in the business community.”
-- Chris Upham, President, Upham Development Inc.

Additional Details

Board of Trade membership is not required for Academy participation, but is recommended.
Regional experts and executives from Board of Trade member firms serve as faculty.
A cohort of alumni provide guidance and feedback as Academy Mentors throughout the program.
This program has not been designed to suit the management needs of franchise companies or not-for-profit organizations.

Resources

For more information about the Small Business Academy, contact Nicole Tarnogursky.