Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Academy

Learn From the Local Experts How to Start and Succeed in Business

Starting a new business is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The Manatee Chamber of Commerce offers its Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Academy to those who would like to take a journey through the process of starting and operating a new business venture. This 10-week bi-annual program is held from 5:45 to 9:00 p.m. at the Manatee Chamber's downtown Bradenton office and at the Central Community Redevelopment Agency.  Students receive instruction by professionals from the business community and graduates receive discounts on their first year of Chamber membership.  The Academy also offers excellent networking opportunities through its students and faculty.

The Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Academy’s Mission

 “The Entrepreneurial Academy provides broad-based, fundamental business expertise to both potential and current entrepreneurs that will better enable them to startup, grow and prosper.”

Learn How To

• Start and run a successful business

• Write a business plan

• Avoid common pitfalls

• Compete in the business world

Course Outline

• Orientation

• Marketing

• Legal

• Business Plan & Financial Planning

• Management - Real World Problems & Solutions

• Buying & Selling a Business

 - Exit Strategy

 - 30-Second Commercial

• Resources

• Human Resources

 - Hiring & Firing

 - Product Liability

 - Property & Casualty (Insurance / Health Insurance)

• How to be Bankable

• Small Business Administration

Additional Benefits

• Instruction by experts who make their living working with small business owners.

• Networking opportunities with other business owners and faculty.

• One night per week – 10 weeks, 30 hours of training (graduation the 10^th week).

Manatee Chamber Entrepreneurial Boot Camp Testimonials

"The dream I've had since I was 12 is finally something I'm working at...what fun it is to learn about the real world of business.  I look at things differently now - I look at a strip mall and wonder, 'How did they start, how much is invested, and will they make it' - it's all good!

- Jody Lowry

"The Entrepreneurial Boot Camp is a must for any person, male or female, who is currently in business for themselves or for any person who is serious about carefully creating, maintaining, and growing a business.  The Boot Camp team of instructors / professionals from various areas of business, law, banking, finance, etc. presents a wealth of valuable information to assist participants (you) in making educated decisions. Each minute in class is exciting and thought-provoking!"

- Mari M. Zevin

Since graduating from the Entrepreneurial Academy in 2005, our business has seen a $3 million dollar increase in sales. The knowledge I gained at the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp has been invaluable in helping Mark and I and our partner Tony Woodard make important decisions in running Wilson Walls. We would like to thank the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce for making this resource available.

- Roy Wilson

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