REDCO Launches Second Business Certification Program in Partnership with MCC
February 16, 2022
Program to benefit owners of small- to medium-sized local businesses
ROCHESTER, NY — Rochester Economic Development Corporation (REDCO) has partnered with Monroe Community College (MCC) to once again offer the REDCO Business Certification Program to startup entrepreneurs and small-business owners in the city of Rochester. Launched last year, this program is based on the nationally known Launch Your Business! series offered by MCC and is tailored to Rochester-based small businesses and startups to help them fully understand business ownership, strategies, responsibilities, and compliance.
The program begins on Wednesday, Feb. 16, and continues through Thursday, April 21. This program provides learners with 13 immersive and comprehensive sessions of instruction covering strategies to start and grow one’s own business and provides tailored mentorship of the startups and scale-up businesses via local members of SCORE, a network of volunteer and expert business mentors. SCORE is a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Courses are offered in a virtual format, and certification is based on the successful completion of the program and passing all associated tests.
Participants in the program will develop comprehensive business plans, learn small-business finance, develop a marketing plan, and participate in a business launch simulation.
Those completing the program are eligible to compete for startup funds, exclusive access to business mentorship, and more.
“The success of our first cohort made it an easy decision to offer the program again,” said Baye Muhammad, CEO of REDCO. “We’ve continued to work with MCC to refine and advance this program, and the participants will benefit from a world-class curriculum tailored to all aspects of advancing a business and giving it the very best chance of success.”
The program funding has been made possible by M&T Bank and ESL Federal Credit Union. In addition, students receive reconditioned laptops in support of the program, provided by The Shore Foundation. MCC’s Economic and Workforce Development Center provides access to LivePlan, an intuitive business planning and management toolset, as part of the program.
REDCO plans to continue their partnership with MCC by offering additional Small Business Certification programs in the future. More about this partnership and future offerings can be found on REDCO’s website.