ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING COURSES TO START AGAIN

Have you ever wondered what it takes to open a business? 　 Are you willing to commit two and a half weeks to find out?
If so, I encourage you to sign up for the next series of ETPs.

WHAT IS AN ENTREPRENEURIAL TRAINING PROGRAM (ETP)?

ETP is an intensive two and a half week training program to guide individuals through the difficult process of deciding if starting a small business is right for them. And if it is, the ETP will also guide individuals through the initial steps of getting started.

WHO IS THE ETP FOR?

The ETP is for individuals who are interested in starting their own business.

WHAT WILL YOU GAIN BY PARTICIPATING?

Guidance in deciding if starting a business is right for you.
Clearer understanding of whether your business should be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, or a corporation.
What kinds of licenses and permits are required to start your business.
What kind of insurance coverage your business may need.
What kinds of taxes a business owner must pay.
Networking opportunities with other participants.
Draft a business plan to submit with a start up business loan application.
How to order your credit report.
What marketing strategies will work best for you.
Opportunity to meet and ask questions of professionals in various fields.
Tips on “easy” bookkeeping.
Free business counseling after the training program.

CAN I APPLY FOR A LOAN AFTER I FINISH THE PROGRAM?

This program has an exclusive agreement with Well Fargo Bank which combines ETP with an SBA loan for start-up businesses. ETP and Wells Fargo do NOT guarantee loan funding, but it does guarantee a special review of the loan application.

HOW MUCH WILL ETP COST?

The Entrepreneur Training Program will cost $60 (checks made payable to

WHO IS SPONSORING THE ETP?

The ETP is a Little Tokyo Service Center program of the Small Business Administration, the Wells Fargo Bank and the Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program.

WHO WILL BE TEACHING THE ETP?

Nancy Kikuchi, former Little Tokyo Business Counselor, will be teaching the class as well as professional guest speakers from various fields, including banking, law, accounting, retail, insurance and food handling.

WHEN, WHERE and WHAT TIME IS THE ETP?

The training program will start on Saturday, May 19 at 9am to 1pm and will continue on Tuesdays Thursday and Saturdays. Please see below for the detailed schedule. The ETP will be held at the Little Tokyo Service Center, 231 East Third Street, Los Angeles, 90013. We will also be holding a couple of sessions at the DISKovery Center, Community Technology Center, at 353 E. 1st St. The two Saturday sessions will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. The Tuesday and Thursday sessions will start at 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO SIGN UP?

There is no “official” deadline. However, to ensure that you’ll receive the program syllabus and ETP materials, you are encouraged to sign up by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 9th.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Call me at 213-473-1658 or e-mail me at nkikuchi@LTSC.org. If you’d like to sign up by mail, please address the envelope, as follows:

SCHEDULE

Joe Araki is the Little Tokyo area Business Counselor for the Little Tokyo Service Center, a Community Development Corporation. He assists business owners in drafting marketing plans, packaging loans, and dealing with government agencies. He puts on seminars regarding tax matters, health department issues and accessing capital. Each month he highlights a particular business, service or business owner in Little Tokyo. Mr. Araki can be reached at 213-473-1658 and jaraki@LTSC.org.