Entrepreneur workshops coming June 1

“The program provides an opportunity to further the CCEDC’s mission to promote business and community prosperity in Chester County.” — Chris McHenry, Vice President Development Finance at Chester County Economic Development Council

COATESVILLE » The city of Coatesville and the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are partnering once again to present a six-week Business Skills for Success for the Entrepreneur training series, held in person and virtually. The program is ideally suited for start-ups and early-stage companies in business for a minimum of three years.

Entrepreneurs of all ages are invited to participate to gain the skills and resources necessary to take their emerging or existing small business to the next level.

The workshops will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for six consecutive Wednesdays beginning June 1 and running through July 6. In-person meetings, featuring special guest presenters (no virtual accessibility), will take place June 1, 8, and 15 at Coatesville City Hall (1 City Hall Place). Virtual sessions will be held June 22, 29, and July 6 via Zoom. The cost for the entire six-session series, due by June 8, is $25 and includes all materials.

The workshop series will culminate with an opportunity to showcase products and services during Coatesville’s popular open-air Pop-Up & Shop markets, beginning in July and continuing throughout the summer.

“Coatesville is home to a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and we are pleased to continue our partnership with Kutztown University to provide business start-up tools, resources, financing tips, and guidance to support new and emerging businesses in our city,” says James Logan, Coatesville City Manager. “Although the program attracts mostly local entrepreneurs, we are also excited to have startups from our surrounding region sign up for the sixweek sessions.”

“Now in our third year, the Business Skills for Success workshops have supported more than 50 entrepreneurs who have gained the skills necessary to make their business dreams reality,” says Kecia Sturdivant, Assistant Director of Kutztown University SBDC.

Sessions will be led by the City of Coatesville and Kutztown University facilitators, business owners, and guest presenters. “I am thankful and excited to continue my participation in this program to help empower growing businesses and entrepreneurs in the City of Coatesville,” says guest presenter Chris McHenry, Vice President Development Finance at Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC). “The program provides an opportunity to further the CCEDC’s mission to promote business and community prosperity in Chester County through private business growth and job creation.”

The interactive workshops are designed for individuals seeking to bolster or scale up their emerging businesses with topics including Starting a Business 101, Building a Brand, Diversity Marketing, Human Resources, Raising Capital, and more.

A limited number of scholarships are being provided by Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance. For questions or to register, visit https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29503 or contact Kecia Sturdivant at sturdiva@kutztown.edu or Lynn Loaiza at loaiza@ kutztown.edu. To contact by phone, call 484-6465903.