Entrepreneurial and Small Business Development Strategies
Date: April 7-8, 2011
Location: Phoenix AZ Metro Area
http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Training_ESBDS_AZ

This course is conducted in partnership with the Arizona Association of Economic Developers (AAED).

Entrepreneurs and small businesses stimulate job creation, develop crucial innovations in both products and services, and promote the diversification of the economic base. As large businesses downsize, communities must encourage new business startups and design viable support systems for smaller businesses. In this course, you will learn the financial and managerial tools economic developers use to create a climate that encourages entrepreneurial and small business development. Also, practitioners will examine the barriers they face and how communities can leverage their economic development resources to help entrepreneurs and small businesses network and grow.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS:
• Characteristics of entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Identifying and addressing the needs of entrepreneurs
• Providing technical assistance to small business owners
• Development and management of business incubators
• Urban- and rural-focused entrepreneurial and small business development
• Micro-lending programs, SBA programs, venture capital and developing the right financing tools to encourage entrepreneurship and small business growth

INSTRUCTORS:

Sergio Bento
Director
Center for Innovation at Arlington

Sergio Bento is the Director of the Center for Innovation at Arlington, an umbrella non-profit corporation affiliated with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the University of Texas at Arlington. He also manages the incubation activities of the Center for Innovation, which includes energy, medical device and software development companies. Sergio is responsible for the strategic plan development and creation of the Center for Innovation at Arlington, Arlington Technology Incubator, the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Industrial Connection Network.

Kedrick Ellison, CEcD, MBA
City of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ

Kedrick Ellison joined the city of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department in 2001, and has been responsible for the administration of an U.S. Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant-funded small business assistance program. Kedrick has collaborated on various entrepreneurial and small business projects with community partners including the Arizona Department of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, and Service Corp. of Retired Executives that have resulted in business retention and job creation.

Daniel C. Henderson
Economic Development Manager
City of Gilbert, AZ

Mr. Henderson is currently the Economic Development Manager for Gilbert, Arizona and is responsible for attracting and retaining business and industry to the community. Prior to his employment with Gilbert he was employed by the City of Tempe as an Economic Development Specialist where he was responsible for implementing projects and programs that support commercial, office, and industrial expansion. In that role he provided financial and economic information to existing businesses including the availability of state and local incentive programs, workforce/job training initiatives, and financial assistance programs.

Erik R. Pages Ph.D.
President
EntreWorks Consulting

Erik R. Pages is President and Founder of EntreWorks Consulting, which is an economic development consulting and policy development firm focused on helping communities and organizations achieve their entrepreneurial potential. EntreWorks works with a diverse base of clients including state and local governments, Chambers of Commerce, business leaders, educational institutions, and non-profits. These customers all share a commitment to innovative economic development strategies that build wealth and build communities. He previously served as Policy Director for the National Commission on Entrepreneurship (NCOE), where he directed the Commission's research and policy operations.

ACCOMMODATIONS/TRAINING LOCATION
Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort
6160 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Phone: (480) 991-1414
Website: www.scottsdalecottonwoods.com

IEDC Room Rate: $95 single/double
Cut-Off Date: March 7, 2011

Training course webpage: http://www.iedconline.org/?p=Training_ESBDS_AZ