GNEC and the Passaic County Community College have collaborated with the Paterson Housing Authority Entrepreneurship & Small Business Incubator Program to launch an 11-week entrepreneurship certification program for the local Paterson community. The program supports the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Act that is intended to assist low income individuals and small businesses. Those receiving certification will have gained the critical skills and training to be placed in priority consideration for employment and contracting opportunities created from HUD funds.
The program will direct individuals through the early and advanced stages of the entrepreneurial process. Upon completion, participants will be eligible to enter into the Small Business Incubator Program which grants to them 12 months of office space, workshops, coaching and the opportunity to begin the task of operating a business. Key elements to turn their business idea into a success.
GNEC Executive Director Steven Gomez, explains how such a comprehensive program for entrepreneurship came about. “This program is only possible due to a dedication to the city of Paterson in the county of Passaic by the hard work of the Paterson Housing Authority…specifically June Smith Bryant Section 3 Coordinator/Job Developer and Irma Gorham, Executive Director. They had the vision to bring in collaborative partners to bring this entrepreneurial program to Paterson.”
Classes for the certification portion of the program will begin on Wednesdays, beginning October 7, 2015. The cost of the 11-week program is $100.00. More information may be obtained by visiting, www.patersonhousingauthority.org.
