Eligibility 

To be considered for the program, applicants must be the primary owner or co-owner of a business that generally meets the following criteria:

• Business revenues between $150,000 and $4 million in the most recent fiscal year
• At least four employees (including the applicant)
• Business has been in operation for at least two years
• The potential and desire to grow and create jobs in the community

 The program will be most beneficial for business owners who:

• Own an established business that is poised for growth
• Have a diverse base of customers
• Can demonstrate that they have thought critically about how to grow their companies

Exceptions to the eligibility criteria may be considered in cases where the owner and/or business has substantial opportunities for growth. In addition, applicants must:

• Submit required supporting materials, such as financial statements, with their application
• Be prepared, if selected as a finalist, to attend a 20-minute in-person interview at LaGuardia Community College in May 2012
• Be prepared to attend the program orientation
• Commit to attending all learning sessions starting on June 22, 2012
• Commit approximately 6 to 8 hours per week to completing bridgework in advance of each session and to participating in business advisory, and related services between classes, all of which are targeted toward working on participants’ businesses