Last Updated on Friday, 07 May 2010 12:41

Twenty-five unemployed workers are getting another chance to make it in the business world by taking part in an ambitious program training them to own their own companies.

The Westchester Entrepreneurship Initiative, fully funded by federal stimulus dollars, will provide 15 weeks of classes introducing the participants to the benefits of owning and running a small business. The program is run by Westchester Community College’s Professional Development Center in cooperation with the Women’s Enterprise Development Center and Westchester County’s One Stop Employment Center.

The initiative, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and held in White Plains, aims to give displaced and unemployed individuals the skills to build a profitable business as well as expand the economic development of the county through the creation of more start-up businesses. Classes started May 6.

"I have tremendous respect for any individual starting their own personal journey towards business ownership," said Laurence Gottlieb, Westchester County's director of Economic Development. "That is why the County -- in partnership with leading educational and workforce development organizations -- must match their entrepreneurial spirit with the right training resources and critical support systems necessary for ensuring the stage is set for their long-term success."

The students get to learn the fundamentals of business ownership including accounting, marketing and sales, as well as hear from guest speakers who have started their own businesses and can talk about funding sources.
Almost 60 applicants applied for the 25 slots, submitting personal statements and resumes.

“The Westchester Entrepreneurship Initiative is a tremendous opportunity to give individuals who have always thought about starting their businesses the necessary skills to take that leap,” says Harry Horowitz, director of the Professional Development Center. “This partnership between the county and college will help to bolster economic development and give people greater control over their own incomes.”

The educational component of the program will be managed by the Women’s Enterprise Development Center and will include operations management, access to capital, cash flow planning and market planning.

The Professional Development Center has a long tradition of working with the entrepreneurial community. This fall, Westchester Community College will launch the Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies in the new Gateway Center. For the past 11 years, the PDC and The Business Council of Westchester have run The Academy for Entrepreneurial Excellence, Westchester’s premier program for already existing entrepreneurs.  Among the graduates of the program are Cathy Pinsky of Pinsky Studio, Alicia Kelligrew of Coffee Labs Roasters, and Linda Rey of Rey Insurance (pictured).

“Years later I am still using the skills that I learned in the program,” Pinsky says, “There is no doubt that this type of superior entrepreneurial programming is a necessary component for business success.”

For more information on the Westchester Entrepreneurship Initiative or how to apply for the next session, please contact Harry Horowitz, Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (914) 606-6669.