Be Your Own Boss

Do you dream of owning your own business? Being your own boss? Setting your own schedule? Did you know we have several professional training programs that will set you on the path to do just that?

The economy and job market are shifting with more people starting their own businesses or working as an independent contractor or freelancer. Inc.com stated that 63% of people in their 20s either own their own business or want to someday, and of those who were not already entrepreneurs, 55% hope to be in the future. Today, a new form of entrepreneur is emerging.

Georgia Among America’s Most Entrepreneurial States
Did you know Georgia is ranked the No. 9 most entrepreneurial state? The Atlanta Business Chronicle published an article based on a study by NerdWallet — a personal finance and information service.

Several of our courses pave the way for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Culinary
Our Culinary Apprenticeship program provides essential training for individuals who desire to work in restaurants or catering companies. Several students aspire to become executive chefs or business owners. Two of our recent graduates are prefect examples of this.

Edgard Sanchez is a 22-year military veteran. He used his remaining VA Education Benefits to enroll in our culinary program.

The skills he learned proved instrumental in his efforts of launching his own food truck business which has garnered a significant amount of local and national media exposure.

His truck’s French name of “C’est Tout Bon 2 Eat” means “It’s All Good To Eat.” Its eye-catching exterior was crowned Mobile-Cuisine.com’s 2015 Best Food Truck Graphic Design of The Year. Edgard’s Cajun menu is a tribute to New Orleans, where he spent most of his childhood.

Another Culinary graduate, Margaret Karidza, successfully reinvented herself. After spending 15 years in corporate sales, she followed her true passion of cooking.

“When I’m cooking, I don’t feel like I’m working,” she said.

Margaret has opened her own restaurant called Spot 364 in Mableton. The establishment mixes her favorite tastes from Africa and America that features several signature burgers and sandwiches.

Social Media Marketing
#Success: Derek Brott implemented the skills and knowledge he learned in our Social Media Marketing program and started his own business.

“I knew taking this class would be a great way to learn how to promote my services and market myself,” he said.

Derek says one of the most challenging things people face is how to market and brand themselves. His social media marketing business aims to assist clients in website design, social media consulting and blogging.

Meeting & Event Management
After qualifying for military benefits through MyCAA (for spouses of active duty and activated National Guard and Reserve Service members), Pat Davis enrolled in our Meeting & Event Management program. The education and experience she received in the course led her to join the Georgia chapter of MPI (Meeting Professional International) and start her own conference and meeting business called Realized Events.

Gerontology
Our Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate program fields a very diverse group of students. Individuals from all walks of life enroll in the course for a variety of reasons. Many are seeking to start or build their current business designed to work with older adults.

Chris Foster said the class gave him the opportunity to expand his knowledge and keep his competitive edge in the Atlanta market.

“I own and operate one of the largest non-medical home care agencies in Atlanta,” he said. “This course helped me understand my clients and how my caregivers will interact with them on a daily basis and has allowed me to communicate better with my staff, clients and their families.”

You Can Do It
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? What’s your next move?