New York State’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (“EAP”) was created in 1987 by the NYS Omnibus Economic Development Act. Since its inception, the EAP initiative has helped entrepreneurs create new businesses and has provided in-depth assistance to minorities, women, dislocated workers and individuals with disabilities interested in starting a business.
The EAP establishes centers in local communities to provide instruction, training, technical assistance and support services to individuals who have recently started their own business or are interested in starting a business. The program’s EAP centers are strategically located throughout the State.
EAP assists new and aspiring entrepreneurs in developing basic business management skills, refining business concepts, devising early-stage marketing plans and preparation of action plans. In addition, the program actively assists EAP client efforts to obtain business financing. Two thirds of the centers operate or are formally affiliated with a micro-loan fund.
This is one of the centers who currently offers two different loan funds to all of its attendees. We offer the Minority and Women Owned Business loan fund, and the Mid-Hudson Valley Loan Fund.
A typical EAP center provides the following in-depth services to owners and operators of start-up businesses:
- Counseling on the feasibility of starting a business
- Assistance in refining a business concept and developing a business plan
- Education in established management principals and practices
- In-depth business counseling in product development and marketing
- Guidance in exporting, contract procurement and licensing
- One-on-one counseling in identifying and accessing capital and credit
- Access to business support networks
- Ongoing and continued technical assistance to program graduates including linkages to other small business services.
Our 60 hour (10 week) Business Course starts throughout the year. Click here to check the current schedule of classes.
If you’ve ever wanted to start a new business, or find ways to grow your business…this 10 week course is perfect for you. Click here to learn more about the EAP course.
