SBDC Small Business Certificate Program at The College of New Jersey and Middlesex County College

What Is It?

The New Jersey Small Business Development Center, Middlesex County College and The College of New Jersey are proud to present a completely new program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of small business owners. If you currently own a small business, or are planning to start one, this program will help you meet your goals.

Courses

To qualify for the Small Business Certificate, you must complete the following seven courses:

Legal I-ABC's for Business Start-ups 

The workshop provides basic knowledge of the laws affecting business. Business owners will learn how to choose the appropriate business structure, assess business risks, provide adequate protection and establish proper record keeping and controls. 3 hours

Legal II-The Basics of Business Ownership

The course will provide the basic understanding of contract law, legal ownership of a business, stock and partnership agreements.  3 hours

Marketing Strategies for Business Success

The workshop offers an introduction to all phases of a marketing plan, beginning with extensive research and target market identification followed by the development and implementation of a marketing action plan. The program will also offer a n overview of a myriad of up-to-the-minute marketing tactics, including: networking, referrals, public relations, events, promotions, media resources, and advertising. 3 hours

Intro to Paying Small Business Taxes

Learn which type of entity is best for you to structure your company: as an LLC, Sole Proprietor, Partnership, S Corporation or C Corporation.  You will also receive information about your tax responsibilities based on the entity you choose, including estimates taxes, sales tax, payroll taxes and corporate taxes. In addition, the course will cover tax deductions you are entitled to and would not want to miss. Participants are encouraged to bring any questions with them to the class. 3 hours

The Business Plan

Business plans are a necessary tool for every phase of business operations, from start-up to expansion. A sound business plan will help you manage your business more effectively, and is a requirement for any business seeking financing. Using a business plan to chart your course will improve your chances for success. The workshop covers all components of a business plan. 9 hours

The Essentials of Small Business Record-Keeping

Learn what records you need to keep, how to do your own bookkeeping and use your records as a management tool. Key topics include: manual and/or recommended software to use, inventory control, cash flow management, end of month summary procedures, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, cash disbursements, profit and loss controls, internal controls and back up needed for tax deductions 3 hours

Understanding Financial Statements

Learn to enhance and clarify your bottom line. Topics include spreadsheets, understanding revenue and expense, structure and relationships, meaningful forecasts and projections, break-even analysis, balance sheets, P&L and cash flow.  3 hours

NOTE: These courses may be taken individually or as part of the certificate program. They may be taken in any order and each provides a complete learning experience. Take all seven classes to earn your certificate.

ECP Schedule

To Register