The Latina Entrepreneur Academy celebrated 18 new graduates of its eight-week course on Nov. 5 at Miami’s Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester. This was its sixth group of graduates since it was founded in Cincinnati in 2017.

Now one of the most successful programs of the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Miami Regionals, the academy has had a total of 151 graduates since it began, helped launch 31 new businesses over the years, and served 59 already existing businesses.

Karla Boldery, business development director for the SBDC at Miami Regionals, designed the program to bring education and resource connections together so Latina(o)s can start, run, and grow their businesses efficiently and effectively.

The academy’s 20 hours of concentrated study involves a sequence of courses including developing a business concept and testing its feasibility, market and competitor analysis, plus business organization and legal requirements.

Startup costs, financial reporting, and accessing capital follows. Participants then turn to marketing, sales, and networking before learning how to develop a business plan in the final class session.

Presentations from area experts and agencies are central to the academy's success and its graduates. Presenters and support for the academy were provided by Fifth Third Bank, La Mega Media Inc., Growthwheel International Inc., Cincinnati Compass, Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley, and Angel Colon.

The next Latina Entrepreneur Academy will begin in July. For additional information and to register, visit latinaentrepreneuracademy.com. 

Formerly known as the Butler County Small Business Development Center, Ohio SBDC became part of Miami's Commerce Hub in the fall of 2019. A part of the Miami Regionals Department of Commerce, the SBDC has since expanded its reach with new satellite offices in Clermont, Brown, Clinton, Warren, and Hamilton counties.

Photos from the Academy graduation are available online.