The purpose of the Business Management Academy was to provide minority women business owners with step-by-step "how to" training on making the transition to an effective business manager and a successful small business owner. The academy was a six-week intensive executive type program, which included courses in Business Management, Marketing, Social Media, Business Best Practices, Business Finance, Business Development and How to communicate effectively in Writing and Verbally.  A total of 34 students successfully completed the Academy.

As part of the six week course students received homework assignments called “Tools for Success Package” which included having each student develop their elevator speech, biography, capabilities page and a short business plan.  The Tools for Success package submitted by the students will be evaluated by a panel and the best package will win a $500 gift card.  Also as part of the Academy students were professionally photographed and a copy of their headshot was provided to them.  On the last day a short graduation ceremony was held and students received a certificate of completion followed by an evening of networking.  Many of the students felt the Academy shifted their way of thinking about how they do business and felt they had new tools by which to revitalize and recharge their business.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors Verizon, Northwestern Financial Network and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, NLBWA-LA was able to offer scholarships and extend its reach to various organizations.

Congratulations to our 2010 Business Management Academy!