CORNERSTONE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM To enhance your opportunities to grow a successful business in Palm Beach County, the Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) has arranged for you to obtain a minimum of 12 hours of FREE business training and counseling. This management and technical assistance is a requirement for new business owners who have been in business less than one year and are seeking County certification as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE). The program is designed to help your business be profitable. HERE’S HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: Training: You may choose from a variety of live courses offered by the Small Business Development Center at Palm Beach State College (Palm Beach State). The classes are 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours long and you will need to register on‐line at http://www.palmbeachstate.edu/x16992.xml. You will be able to access the complete schedule of upcoming classes. You may choose any combination of classes however; marketing, finance, procurement and business planning classes are recommended. If there is a fee for the class, it will be waived if you bring a copy of the receipt for your County SBE certification application to the class. You may also choose to take free classes on‐line through the Small business Administration by visiting www.sba.gov. For proof of completion, retain a copy of the agenda. Another option is to take fee based classes on‐line at various education sites such as: www.va‐interactive.com/sbdc/ot/modules.php?state_name=fl. Counseling: You may combine training with individual,confidential counseling by making an appointment with a Certified Business Analyst at Palm Beach State Small Business Development Center. Each hour of counseling will apply towards your 12 hour requirement. Counseling is available on a wide variety of topics related to business start‐up and growth, including business planning, financing, marketing, government procurement, international trade, accounting, quality management, incorporation and more. Completion: Once you have earned your 12 hours of training and/or counseling, you will be issued a certificate of completion by the Palm Beach State SBDC and you will be prepared to continue on with your County SBE certification application. For more information on this program or to set an appointment, please contact: • Allen Gray, Manager, Palm Beach County OSBA at 561‐616‐6840 or agray@pbcgov.org • Ted Kramer, Palm Beach State Small Business Development Center at 561‐862‐4784 or kramere@palmbeachstate.edu • Carole Hart, Palm Beach State Small Business Development Center at 561‐862‐4784 or hartc@palmbeachstate.edu