Business owners can learn fresh marketing skills, shore up their business plans and increase revenue at the Small Business Leadership Academy, presented in partnership by Cox Communications and Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business. The class runs from Tuesday, June 4 to Tuesday, July 30.
The nine-week program, taught by business professors from Strome College, provides attendees education and strategies to grow their small businesses. Participants will develop skills critical for development, learn how to improve performance and increase revenue and be introduced to additional resources that can create new opportunities while interacting with Cox and Strome Business subject matter experts.
Anil Nair, a professor in the department of management at Strome College, serves as the director of the program.
“It is a testament to the outstanding job done by our faculty that we are getting ready to launch the fourth edition of this program,” Nair said. “The program aligns with our broader strategic focus on entrepreneurship among historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.
“Strome COX SBLA complements our Hudgins Lab initiatives to serve such entrepreneurs. In addition to outreach activities, we also have established a global reputation for research in this domain.”
Vendors and business representatives admitted to the academy are eligible to receive a scholarship to cover 100 percent of the tuition of the program, courtesy of Cox. Participation requirements include:
- Existing for-profit business with a Federal Employer Identification Number.
- Open to all businesses and vendors, with priority given to registered Cox Communications vendors and Cox Business customers.
- Women, LGBTQA, disabled, veteran and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply.
Topics include marketing and digital marketing, negotiations, emotional intelligence, accounting, taxes and business plan review. Instructors include Andrew Bennett, Ryan Klinger, Michelle Carpenter, Sam Johnson and Jennifer Vaziralli.
First and last sessions are in hybrid format, but in-person attendance is strongly recommended. All sessions meet on Tuesdays from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Applicants must register at this link by Monday, May 27.