Entrepreneurship Training Project

The Entrepreneurship Training Project at The University of Texas-Pan American provides comprehensive entrepreneurship training to individuals residing in Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy Counties that have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn.

Led by business professors and entrepreneurship experts from The University of Texas-Pan American and South Texas College, this training will take eligible individuals through all aspects of business ownership and provide them with the tools to succeed in a competitive market.

The training will take place in half-day sessions, tailored to the needs of the modern entrepreneur. Each participant will receive training in core business skills, and can pick and choose areas for further concentration.

Training tracks include:

1. CORE Entrepreneurship Training - Owning a business requires a range of skills and a 360° perspective. This training boot camp will help you develop skills that are essential for successful entrepreneurs, including: essentials of entrepreneurship, start-up steps and regulatory compliance, business planning and feasibility, budgeting and bookkeeping, pricing, small business marketing, communications, networking and negotiations.
    
2. Reaching the Market - Learn how to form a marketing & sales strategy for your business, research your industry, develop an online presence, and plan for growth.
    
3. Financing and Funding - Understand basic concepts to manage the financial health of your new business, including financing your business, accounting, reading financial statements, and taxes.
    
4. Business Management & Operations - Develop skills to manage various aspects of your business’ performance, including leadership, customer service, human resources, purchasing and logistics, technology, and legal issues.

Schedule:

Each training track will be presented multiple times through August, 2012.

For a current list of scheduled trainings, please view the Calendar of Events.

Eligibility:

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting new program, and to see if you are eligible to participate, please fill out the questionnaire below. For assistance in filling out the form, please call us at 956/665-7535.

Further Eligibility Guidelines:

Eligibility criteria for this project is determined by the Texas Workforce Commission, and limited to Texas individuals who have been negatively affected by the economic downturn. In order to participate in this training project you must be:

• 18 yrs of age, or older
• Be a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with current legal status
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Have registered for Selective Service, if required

In addition, eligibility is limited to Texas individuals who have been negatively affected by the economic downturn, including:

• WIA-eligible Dislocated Workers
• Individuals who were formerly self-employed and are currently unemployed
• Current small business owners who have experienced negative effects from the economic downturn.

Each participant will be required to provide documents verifying that they fit one of the eligible groups listed above. For a listing of acceptable documents to verify project eligibility, please click on the link below:

Eligibility Documentation

Disclaimer:

The Entrepreneurship Training Project is a component of the Business Development & Innovation Group at UTPA. Its main office is located at 2412 S. Closner in Edinburg. ETP is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with The University of Texas Pan-American and Texas Workforce Commission-an equal opportunity employment program. Program eligibility requirements have been established by Texas Workforce Commission. Program participation is subject to approval and does not affect Unemployment Insurance benefits. All publicly-funded services will be rendered on a nondiscriminatory basis, and no individual will be excluded from the program because of race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, or national origin. Reasonable arrangements will be made for persons with disabilities, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Assistance for the hearing impaired can be attained by calling the TDD line at (956) 665-5071.