UNIVERSITY NEWS - DECEMBER 2003

MEDIA CONTACTS: Milca Ambroise, 954-762-5272 or
Venesia Thompson, 954-762-5697

Business Development: A New Year's Resolution for Many

Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 8, 2003) - With the beginning of a new year and the economy on the rebound, many individuals are gearing up to become the next group of Florida entrepreneurs. However, not many potential business owners understand the process of starting or managing a small business. Improper planning, resulting from a lack of experience and knowledge, is one of the main reasons businesses fail. Individuals looking to start their own business in the coming year can enroll in Florida Atlantic University's "hands-on" Microbusiness Training Program offered through the Center for Urban Redevelopment and Education (FAU-CURE).

Participants in the Microbusiness Training Program will spend two hours per week for 15 weeks where they will become familiar with key business concepts such as legal corporations, marketing, taxation, financing, insurance, credit counseling and business plan development. In addition, FAU-CURE will team up with the library systems in the tri-county area to provide trainees with an opportunity to visit and learn more about library resources for market and product research.

FAU-CURE is supported by agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (Taxpayer Education and Communication Department) and the Florida Insurance Board, who provide guest speakers for one-on-one counseling. The training is held at accessible locations throughout the area and is offered in English, Spanish and Creole.

The next session of the Microbusiness Training Program is scheduled to begin January 12, 2004. All classes are offered in the evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The investment fee for this 15-week business experience is $50. There is limited space at each location, so the public is encouraged to register early by calling 954-762-5270 or toll free at 866-328-2879 or email faucure@fau.edu.
-FAU-

FAU-CURE is an applied research and community outreach center based at Florida Atlantic University in the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs. The Center's mission is to provide training and education relevant for enhancing the quality of life of residents in its community.