Turn your passion into profit

12-weeks / # hours per week / 3 credits

  • Business Fundamentals

    Teaches business fundamentals like budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping, and financing.

  • Hands-on

    Our experiential learning design and built-in community features will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and work with your peers.

  • Bilingual

    Classes are taught in both English and Spanish.

Welcome Video

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Course curriculum

  1. 1
    • Navigating our Learning System

    • Welcome to the Community Business Academy!

    • Getting Help

    • Communicating with Your Instructors

  2. 2
    • Mindset and Your Why

    • Passions and Interests

    • Skills and Experience

    • Market and Timing

  3. 3
    • Preparing for Learning

    • Using the Discussion

    • Completing Homework on a Computer

    • Completing Homework on Another Device

    • Checking Your Understanding

  4. 4
    • Getting Ready to Zoom

    • Welcome to our LIVE Orientation (Zoom) (LINK)

  5. 5
    • You did it and thank you!

    • Remember to get 100% completion!

Meet Your Instructors

We're here to help

CBA Instructor

Simeko Hartley

Simeko Hartley is an award-winning entrepreneur, a licensed cosmetologist in NJ & NY, a master trainer, and a business coach who has managed and owned several successful salon businesses over the course of her career. With over 25 years of passion, dedication, knowledge, and experience in the natural hair care industry, Simeko has come to be known and loved as one of the top experts in her field. Her work has been featured worldwide on various media platforms, including Essence Magazine, Sophistic Black Hair Care & Walmart ad campaigns.

FAQ

  • What's 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 $150 to $375. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify.

  • 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: [EDIT]

  • Who are the instructors?

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

  • What do students receive?

    Entrepreneurs who complete the program receive: [EDIT]