Below, you will find detailed descriptions of all of our courses. Click on the links below to jump down to course descriptions and details.

First-come, First-served Courses

*Not offered regularly. See details for next sessions.

Application-based Workshops

First-come, First-served Courses

10 Pasos Para Comenzar  su Propria Empresa

¿Quieres Abrir una Empresa en la Ciudad de Nueva York?

Aprenda Sobre los Siguientes Temas:

• Determine su estructura legal
• Número de Identificación Patronal (o EIN inglés)
• Cómo Obtener los Permisos, Licencias y Seguros
• Certificado de Autoridad
• Ayuda Financiera para Pequeñas Empresas Cursos Empresariales

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10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business

Learn what it takes to start your own business! 
This course provides a basic overview of the steps you'll need to take to start a business and how NYC Business Solutions can guide you through each step along the way. Total course hours: 1 session, varies by Center from 1.5-2.5 hours.

You will learn about:

• How to develop a business plan
• How to determine your legal structure
• How to set up your bookkeeping
• How to get permits and licenses
• How to obtain financing

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Business Planning Basics

Learn about the key components of a strong business plan in just three hours!
This course will teach you how to organize your business idea into a structured plan, identify and promote your business to potential customers, fulfill the legal requirements of starting your business, and develop your financial projections. Total course hours: 1 session, 3 hours.

You will learn about:

• Components of a strong business plan
• Interconnectivity of marketing, finance, human resources and operations
• Strategies for reaching your target customers
• Developing a break-even analysis
• Tools and templates that will assist you with the planning process

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Business Planning Basics

Aprenda lo que se necesita para comenzar su propia empresa. Este curso le enseñará los componentes involcrados en escribir un plan de negocio y se enfocará especificamente en el análisis del mercado y sus proyecciones financieras.  Cómo organizar su idea empresarial en un plan estructurado.

Aprenda Sobre los Siguientes Temas:

• Cómo identificar su mercado.
• Cómo determinar cuanto capital va a necesitar.
• Cómo comunicar efectivamente los objetivos de su negocio.

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Entrepreneurship Bootcamp

Learn how to take your business plan to the next level.
This course will give you guidelines on creating a business plan, analyzing your current business model, and managing your business. By the end of this course you will be well-versed in the fundamental business planning steps. You’ll cover topics related to marketing, operations, legal structures, and financial management.  Total course hours: 3 sessions, 7.5 hours.

You will learn about:

• Analyzing your market and defining your product
• The pros and cons of different price and promotion structures for your product or service
• The legal requirements to open your business and manage employees
• Developing business strategy and establishing a sustainable competitive position
• Essential financial documents for your business and how to use them
• Different financing options

Note: This course covers financial statements in a similar manner to the Business Financial Management course. If you have previously taken that course, you may find this portion of the class familiar.

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Restaurant Management Bootcamp

Learn the laws and regulations of running a restaurant in NYC!
To run a successful restaurant you must know how to manage your employees and expenses, as well as which licenses you may need. This course will help you understand all of the basic requirements to get your business up and running. Total course hours: 1 session, varies by Center from 1-2 hours.

You will learn about:

• How to avoid large fines by knowing the laws regarding minimum wage, overtime vs. shift pay, uniforms, worker’s compensation, discrimination, health and sanitation, and other common issues
• How to manage your employees more efficiently and effectively
• What to know to apply for right licenses and permits correctly
• How to use a new online license information system, Business Express

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Business Financial Management

Bookkeeping is an essential function in every business, large and small. 
This course will review the purpose and benefits of bookkeeping and help business owners determine whether to perform bookkeeping in-house or hire external help.  Total course hours: 1 session, 3 hours.

You will learn about:

• Basic accounting terms and processes
• How to read and use financial statements
• The importance of bookkeeping to running your business
• Methods and principles of bookkeeping

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Business Finance Roadmap

Whether you are just starting up or expanding an existing business, this course will help you learn about credit and financing opportunities for your small business. Additionally, the course will give insight on what lenders are looking for in the current credit environment so you can be best prepared when applying for financing. Total course hours: 1 session, varies by Center from 1.5-2 hours.

You will learn about:

• What type of financing product and lender is the best fit for your business
• What steps are involved in the process of obtaining financing
• What to consider when preparing a financing application
• How lenders will evaluate your application
• How you can best meet the requirements for today’s lenders
• What additional resources exist for understanding and improving your credit history

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QuickBooks

Learn the key features and benefits of this accounting software!
Business owners need to monitor their spending and expenses in order to maintain a healthy profit. QuickBooks can help you keep track of daily transactions, as well as develop financial reports such as Income Statements, Balance Sheets, and Cash Flow Statements. This course will teach you how this software program can help you track your business financials effectively and efficiently. Total course hours: 5 sessions, 10 hours.

You will learn about:

• Setting up your chart of accounts
• Recording purchases, bills and accounts payable
• Recording your sales, receive payments and make deposits
• Creating reports that help you understand business performance

*NOTE: This course is designed to teach businesses how to use the software application. In order to benefit from this course, you must have a basic knowledge of business financials and computer applications.  If you are not familiar with concepts such as: categorizing revenues and expenses on an income statement, using a balance sheet, creating and using a cash flow statement, and accounting and bookkeeping methodology, you should register for Business Financial Management as a prerequisite. 

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Understanding & Improving Your Credit

Having a good credit score is important to starting a new business. Learn what to look for on your credit report and the actions to take to build up your credit. Total course hours: 1 session, 2 hours.

You will learn about:

• How to get and obtain your credit report
• ow to dispute discrepancies on your credit report
• How to improve your credit

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Como Entendar y Reparar Su Credito

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Mastering Marketing

Learn how to get the best customers for your business! When you start a new business, you need to become visible and attractive to your target customers. What do you do to catch their attention? What do you need to tell them so they will want to try your product or service? This course will provide answers to your most pressing marketing questions. Total course hours: 3 sessions, 7.5 hours.

You will learn about:

• The importance of marketing in an entrepreneurial venture
• Integrated marketing strategies that include: direct mail, Internet marketing, publicity, and b2b marketing
• Marketing research to help you better target customers
• How to prepare a creative brief that will inform your marketing strategies
• The 4 P’s: product, price, place and promotion

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Marketing 101

Learn how to understand your customers’ needs!
The essence of marketing strategy is to understand your customers’ needs and develop a plan that meets those needs. With this course you will learn the fundamental components of a successful marketing strategy that will maximize impact while minimizing costs. Total course hours: 1 session, 1.5 hours.

You will learn about:

• What is the role of marketing in your business
• How to develop a sound marketing strategy
• How to identify your target audience
• What is the importance of establishing an online presence

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Website Fundamentals 

Make your business known on the World Wide Web! Websites are a great way to inform customers about your products and services. In this high-energy, fast-moving course, you’ll learn basic information needed to develop a website that best suits your business needs. We’ll guide you through how to uses website to build your brand and sell your products and services. You’ll also hear about the various steps involved with getting your website up and running. You’ll leave this course feeling energized, and prepared to take action on creating your business’ website.

You will learn about:

• The importance of website for your business
• The difference between hiring and creating a website on your own
• The domain name registration process
• The selecting a web hosting company
• The tools for maintain and tracking your website activity

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Introducion Al Mercadeo

La esencia de una estrategia de mercadeo es de identificar las necesidades de sus clientes y adaptar un plan que le ayude con esas necesidades. Aprederá los componentes fundamentales de una estrategia de mercadeo para que sea exitosa y le provée el máximo impacto al costo minimo.

Aprenda Sobre los Siguientes Temas:

• Cual es el objetivo de una estrategia de mercadeo en su negocio
• Cómo desarrollar una estrategia de mercadeo eficiente
• Identificar su audiencia ideal
• La importancia de establecer una presencia en los medios sociales

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Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Workshop 

There are now more opportunities for certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) to bid on public contracts, increase their capacity and effectively contribute to the City's economy. This workshop is conducted by trained certification analysts who will guide you through the certification process so you can get your application right the first time!

What you will learn:

• Answers to all your certification application questions
• Avoid common certification application mistakes
• Learn about other programs your business may qualify for

How your company will benefit from being certified:

• MORE opportunities to bid on contracts and subcontracts under $1 million
• FREE advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Companies
• FREE assistance with bids and proposals

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Selling to Government

Learn how the government can become your customer!
Each and every day, the government buys from private and non-profit firms. This workshop offers an introduction to government contracting and prepares businesses to locate opportunities in their area of expertise. Come and learn how your business can begin to pursue contracts at the city, state, and federal levels. Total course hours: 1 session, 2 hours.

What you will learn:

• Purchasing Practices
• How to register with various government agencies
• How to identify your target market
• Where to find procurement opportunities
• The bidding process from the beginning to the end
• How to assess your company’s potential for success in government contracting

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I'm Certified Now What?

Congratulations on your M/WBE certification!  

Now take the next step towards contracting with the government. Learn how to take advantage of the benefits of certification!  Please join us for a new, two-part workshop focusing on all the information you need to know about NYC contracting:  

• How do I find out about City contracting opportunities?  
• How do I market my business to City agencies?  
• How do I prepare for a networking event?  
• How long does it take for a contract to be awarded?  
• How do NIGP Commodity codes affect the way my business is viewed by City agencies?  
• What is VENDEX?

 The workshop has a panel on procurement with City Agency Contracting Officers and breakout sessions based on industries.

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Corporate Skills Training

Small businesses and M/WBEs in NYC, come learn from the very best in the private sector! To further help certified firms and small businesses do business with the private sector, participating Corporate Alliance Program (CAP) corporate partners are presenting workshops that provide insight on how to do business with them. Topics will include Fundamentals of Strategic Sourcing, Joint Venturing & Firm Collaboration, Responding to Bids and RFPs, and more! Accenture, American Express, AXA Equitable, BNY Mellon, Citi, Colgate-Palmolive, Columbia University, Credit Suisse, IBM, and National Grid will be participating in this program.

Attend any of our nine 2-hour workshops

• Basic Corporate Procurement Principles (All Partners) - October 2011
• Fundamentals of Strategic Sourcing (IBM) – December 2011
• Pitching Your Business (SBS) – December  2011
• Responding to Bids and RFPs (Colgate Palmolive) – January 2012
• Sustainability Practices (Citi) – February 2012
• Succession Planning and Risk Management (AXA Equitable) – March 2012
• Going Global (SBS) – May 2012
• Sub-contracting and Tier 2 Buying (SBS & Corporate Partners) – June 2012
• Joint Venturing & Firm Collaboration (SBS & NYC Teaming) - June 2012

To sign up for any of these sessions, please register here for the session of your choice. You will receive an email confirming your registration, which you should bring to the session. The deadline for submission for each workshop is up until the day of the workshop.
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Application-Based Courses

FastTrac GrowthVenture

Take your business to the next level!
Dozens  of business owners have grown their companies as a result of FastTrac® GrowthVenture™. It can give you the tools and support to get your business to the next stage of growth.

In this free workshop, you’ll create an actionable plan for strategic growth, receive one-on-one assistance from experienced entrepreneurs, and join a learning community of peer entrepreneurs.  The benefits last long after the workshop is over.

Don’t take our word for it – 99% of past students say they’d recommend FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ to other business owners. Total course hours: 8 sessions, 32 hours

You are eligible for FastTrac GrowthVenture if your business:

• Has been in operation for one or more years 
• Has achieved sales targets and has demonstrated market potential
• Provides a well thought out argument for how FastTrac GrowthVenture will benefit your company
• Has access to a computer to complete assignments
• Commitment to attend all sessions (approximately 30 classroom hours) and complete prep
  work

Can more than one person from the same business apply to FastTrac GrowthVenture? Given the volume of applications and limited number of seats, only one person per business can apply and be accepted to FastTrac GrowthVenture. If there is more than one business owner/partner, only one person should apply.

For more information, please Contact an Account Manager.  You can also see our FastTrac FAQ (in PDF) to learn more.

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FastTrac NewVenture

Make your business idea a reality!
Just because you are an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you have to figure everything out on your own. Our free workshop, FastTrac® NewVenture™, can put you on the path to success. 

With the guidance of successful entrepreneurs, experienced coaches and a supportive peer community, FastTrac® NewVenture™ will help you refine your business concept, identify the components of a strong business plan, and access the appropriate resources to complete your launch. The benefits of FastTrac® NewVenture™ will last you long after the workshop has ended and into your role as a start-up business owner.

Don’t take our word for it – 99% of past students say they’d recommend FastTrac® NewVenture™ to other entrepreneurs. Total course hours: 7 sessions, 49 hours

You are eligible for FastTrac NewVenture if you meet the following criteria:

• Have a well thought-out idea for a new business
• Two years of work experience
• Access to a computer to complete assignments
• Have conducted some market research
• Commitment to attend all sessions (approximately 50 classroom hours) and complete prep work (approximately 15-20 hours per week)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Given the volume of applications and limited number of seats, applicants are encouraged to apply early. This is a competitive program, so please be sure to submit a thoughtful and complete application.

For more information, please Contact an Account Manager. You can also see our FastTrac FAQ (in PDF) to learn more.

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Strategic Steps for Growth
Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program

A premier executive education program for M/WBEs in NYC
Strategic Steps for Growth is a nine-month executive business management education program designed for M/WBE-certified firms, offered by the New York City Department of Small Business Services and the NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.  The program gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through classes, using their own businesses as real-life business case studies and advice from business leaders and other entrepreneurs.

Results of our first Strategic Steps for Growth cohort to date:

• Three cohorts of 41 entrepreneurs have completed the curriculum
• Average increase in firm revenues of 41%
• Government contracts won totaling over $24 million
• New hires: 100 full-time and 60 part-time employees
• Firms secured a total of over $1.6 million in new financing

For more program details, please see our Strategic Steps for Growth M/WBE Program FAQ (in PDF). For any additional inquiries, please email us.

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Strategic Steps for Growth
Media and Entertainment Industry Program (NEW!)

A premier executive education program for Media & Entertainment-related businesses in NYC

Strategic Steps for Growth is a nine-month executive education program designed for media- and entertainment-related firms, offered by the New York City Department of Small Business Services, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME), and the NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business’ Entertainment, Media and Technology Program.  This education program provides entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience through classes, the study of real-life business cases and advice from industry leaders and other entrepreneurs.

The benefits that media and entertainment industry firms will receive from this program include:

• Learning to better manage your company
• Networking with industry experts on new media and technology
• Connecting to Media and Entertainment business events
• Developing a Three-Year Strategic Growth Action Plan^TM to implement in your business

Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 MOME cohort, for classes starting September 25, 2012.  The deadline for applications is June 22, 2012.  Apply Now!

Find out more information and meet the program instructor, NYU Professor Al Lieberman, and NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Katherine Oliver at our OPEN HOUSE on June 5, 2012, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Click here to register.

For more program details, please see the Strategic Steps for Growth MOME Program FAQs  (in PDF). For any additional inquiries, please email us. 

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Corporate Coaching Program

Professional service M/WBEs in NYC, come learn from the very best in the private sector!

In order to help M/WBE certified firms grow, SBS is offering four new programs with the help of twelve corporate partners in the Corporate Alliance Program (CAP). Eight of these partners: Accenture, American Express, AXA Equitable, BNY Mellon, Citi, Colgate-Palmolive, Columbia University, and IBM have joined together to offer the Corporate Coaching Program for certified professional service firms. Professional companies such as marketing & communications, accounting, and legal firms are invited to apply to this competitive coaching program. Selected firms will be paired with senior executives at partner corporations  so they learn from these partners’ extensive experiences.

Participants will:

• Attend five 2-hour workshops from November-June
  • Pitching Your Business – November 2011
  • Fundamentals of Strategic Sourcing (IBM) – December  2012
  • Sustainability Practices (Citi) – February 2012
  • Joint Venturing & Teaming (SBS) – April 2012
  • Developing Your Business Plan – June 2012
• Be coached by an assigned senior executive from a CAP corporate partner, such as American Express and Credit Suisse, for five monthly one-on-one sessions, starting on January 4, 2012

In order to be eligible for the program, professional firms must meet the following criteria:

• Is a professional services firm with at least 3 years in business
• Is City-certified as a Minority or Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE)
• Has a record of continual growth over the past two years
• Has minimum annual revenues of $250,000
• Has an existing business plan

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Corporate Alliance / Columbia University M/W/L Construction Trades Certificate – Mentorship Program

Construction M/WBEs in NYC, get the inside scoop on contracting opportunities! In order to help M/WBE certified firms grow, SBS is offering four new programs with the help of twelve corporate partners in the Corporate Alliance Program (CAP). Five of these partners: BNY Mellon, Con Edison, Goldman Sachs, National Grid, and Columbia University are helping to offer the CAP/CU Mentorship Program for certified construction firms. This program expands on a successful three-year partnership with Columbia University, resulting in 48% of participating firms winning City & Columbia contracts totaling over $32 million.

Participants will receive extensive construction management training modeled after Columbia University’s Masters of Construction Management program, and will also have greater access to opportunities with the five corporate partners.

Participants will:

• Attend 36 academic sessions on construction management from January 2012 - June 2013, offered by Columbia University School of Continuing Education.
• Spend the following six months (July 2013 – December 2013) getting exclusive insight into how to do business with each corporate partner!

In order to be eligible for the program, construction firms must meet the following criteria:

• Have annual revenues between $100,000 and $5,000,000
• Be certified as a Minority or Women-owned firm with the City of New York or be a small business with a principal headquarters in the 13 county footprint*
• Be in business a minimum of 2 years

*The business must either be located in the five boroughs of New York City, or in one of the following counties: Nassau, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester counties in New York, or Bergen, Hudson, or Passaic counties in New Jersey.

This program is currently not open for application

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