Basic Entrepreneurship Program

Centro’s Basic Entrepreneurship Program is a 9-session training program for entrepreneurs in the idea stage of their business and who want to create a business plan to help them launch their business.

Program STRUCTURE

  • 27 hours of in-class training on basic business competencies

  • 2 hours of one-on-one coaching session with one of our experienced business trainers

  • Graduation celebration and entrepreneur panel discussion (in-person only)

  • Delivered using Centro's Business Planning App

  • Create a basic business plan

  • Workshops available in English and Spanish

BENEFITS

  • Gain basic knowledge of business concepts

  • Develop your business concept

  • Improve your critical and creative thinking skills

  • Develop your decision-making skills

  • Increase confidence and self-awareness

  • Broaden your professional network

  • Get and provide live feedback from 6 to 10 diverse local entrepreneurs

Basic REQUIREMENTS

  • Display a genuine dedication to starting or growing a business

  • Seek profit and provide social benefit to your community

The program is intended for all, regardless of your level of education or experience.

Looking for an Advanced Program for Entrepreneurs?

Our Advanced Entrepreneurship Program is designed to help small businesses grow, and it might be just the right fit for you.

Upcoming 9-session Basic Entrepreneurship Programs

locations

For those interested in joining Centro’s programs and who are not in California, New York or Miami, we have a growing network of Centro Affiliates in the United States and abroad.

Please connect with them directly and they will follow up with the details of their admissions process and any additional requirements they may have.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please see our FAQs section or contact our Community Engagement area at help@centrocommunity.org.

Testimonials from Former Participants

““In the Centro Basic Business Program I learned more deeply about myself and what I actually want to do with my business. I learned how to price my services in a way that reflected my value and loved the diversity of thought from my fellow entrepreneurs in the program.””
— Jorge Castro from Compliance Network - a company creating technical solutions for hospitals to be safety compliant. Age 23.
““Before I came to Centro Community Partners, a friend of mine sent me a 30 page document on how to create a business plan. I was so overwhelmed. When Centro gave me a call, I was elated to receive help. I love that the Centro Program broke down how to write a business plan step by step with direct one on one support from an experienced business owner and trainer. The Centro Program has provided me with the confidence I need to move forward in executing my dream of opening a salon in Oakland.””
— Kellie King Beauty Salon - a natural multicultural hair salon in Oakland. Age 51.
““Everyday after class, I felt like I could start a business right then and there no matter who I was or what my background was. I felt like my business idea was possible and that Centro would be there to help each step of the way.””
— Marcel Haynes from True Believer Bar - a comic book bar. Age 38.
““The Centro Community Partners Basic Entrepreneurship Program was awesome. I now have a toolkit on how to start my business - to think about where I am going with my business, how I can actually get funded, and how I can think about capital no longer in a stressful way, but in an abundant way.””
— Binta Ayofemi from Black and Brown Market - a company repurposing empty lots in urban areas with markets for black and brown makers. Age 30.