Bilingual Academy RSRecently, 65 entrepreneurs graduated from an intense 11-week self-employment training that taught them the basic skills necessary to start and grow their own businesses. The entrepreneurs were from the communities of Espanola, San Juan, Chamita, Santa Clara, Chimayo, Pojoaque, Santa Fe, Nambe, La Madera, Ojo Caliente, Penasco, and our International neighbor, Mexico. This graduation was unique in that it was a collaboration of Mexican Nationals and the New Mexican Natives partnering to make their business dreams come true!

The training was hosted by Northern New Mexico College and the Espanola Small Business Development Center and was funded by the County of Rio Arriba, Los Alamos National Laboratory Major Sub Contractor Consortium (LANL MSC), New Mexico Community Development Foundation, LANL Foundation, and Owl Peak Farm. SBDC client Ross Griego facilitated the Academy.

"Truly this is the most diversified group of business people making a difference in their community! Class Empezando is a culmination of a group of students that want to start their businesses in Rio Arriba County and Santa Fe County," says Ross Griego.

In 11 weeks participants learned how to develop a successful business through an aggressive intense 3 hours per week, Bilingual, self employment training course. Local business professionals shared their expertise. Local bankers and the Loan Fund also talked about how the lending institutions can help entrepreneurs with their financing.

Participants attended business workshops each week which included the following topics:

  • Orientation, Course Objectives
  • How to Start a Small Business, Writing a Business Plan, Loan Preparation
  • Setting the Stage for Business Development, Time Management, Dress for Success, Public Speaking
  • Business Entities, Permits, Business License, Business Description
  • Intro to Marketing, Market Research, Competition, Industry Analysis
  • Marketing Analysis & Market Competition, Business Name, Name Branding
  • Personnel and Operations Management
  • Financial Statements, Cash Flow Projections
  • Leadership, Passion, Executive Summary
  • Vision Board Presentation
  • Graduation

Participants also took part in a fundraising project for the local crisis center in an effort to not only practice their selling skills but to give back to the community that will be supporting their business.

Professional Development Certificates from the Espanola Small Business Development Center were handed out at graduation.

SBDC Clients RSSBDC Clients: Rosa Cervantes, Rosa's Fashions & Patricia Montoya, Leave Your Cocoon, Inc.