Community Business Academy

How do I know that the CBA is the right program for me?

• Do you have a passion to start your own business?
• Do you have a strong business idea, and experience in your chosen industry?
• Do you own a business but think you could be more successful if you learned how to better manage it?

If you answered YES to any of these questions then the CBA will help you jumpstart your vision of business ownership.

What is the cost?

Tuition for the Community Business Academy is valued at $3,000 per student. Thanks to our generous supporters and donors, tuition is waived for every student accepted into the program. All participants, however, must pay a small materials and registration fee towards the course. Based on your household income, **your fees are calculated on a sliding scale ranging from $100 to $300. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify.

What are the classes like?

Our curriculum is based on Adult Participatory Learning methodology, which means that we place an emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning and reinforcement of key concepts through guided exercises, business simulations, field trips, and group discussion. You’ll be immersed into a community of entrepreneurs where you’ll learn as much from your classmates as you do from your instructors. You’ll also have a lot of fun testing your business ideas in a safe space with people who become invested in your success.

What will I learn?

The homework assigned in class is designed to help you gather the basic information required in a business plan. You work actively on planning for your own business by learning how to answer the most important questions:

• Who are my customers?
• What should I charge?
• What are my costs?
• How much money will I make?
• How can I beat my competition?
• How much money do I need to get started?
• Where can I get the money I need?
• How do I register my business?

By graduation, you will be able to write a basic business plan answering these questions—and more!

Who are the instructors?

Our instructors all actively own or run small businesses and have been through an intensive training program geared towards maximizing their experience as entrepreneurs in teaching small business concepts.

What do graduates receive?

• A certificate of Graduation from the Community Business Academy
• An individualized Action Plan outlining “next steps” to help meet their business goals
• Discounted and exclusive enrollment in Business Acceleration Services
• Graduates join our alumni network of Urban League Entrepreneurs.

How do I get started?

Prior to applying to the Community Business Academy, you must attend a free information session. Attendance at this session will guide you through expectations and the application process. The date of the 2025 upcoming sessions are February 20th, March 6th and March 13th. We also require a completed program inquiry form. Click here to get started!