Interise Announces Inaugural StreetWise 'MBA'™ Program in Lawrence

Online, September 1, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Lawrence - Interise today announced they will be offering their award-winning StreetWise 'MBA'™ program in Lawrence for the first time this fall. The program enables established small employers to achieve and manage the long-term growth of their company.

The program covers topics such as business development, strategic planning, access to capital, government contacts, financials, marketing and sales, and human resources. Classes will meet weekly from September 28, 2011 through May, 2012. The program will be facilitated by Pedro L Arce, Vice President, Business Banking Group, Eastern Bank. Mr. Arce immigrated to Lawrence in 1970 and has become a prominent figure in the community.

Each participating company is a live-case, using their own experiences as a case study. As business owners learn about each topic, they are able to instantly apply the lessons to their business and implement change. The program provides the time and framework for business owners to work "on" their business instead of "in" it.

"We were able to utilize much of the curriculum to begin strategizing and implementing goals, ideas, and methods from each module. By the middle of the curriculum, we'd increased personnel and began developing new marketing materials. By the end, we had acquired new contracts, moved to a new location, and implemented our final growth plan," said Gina-Marie Bernal of her experience with the curriculum.

In addition to gaining new knowledge, participants also create valuable connections with other business owners and experts. Working through similar business challenges with their peers removes that feeling of isolation and provides access to the resources, relationships, and structure needed to successfully scale their business.

At the end of the program, participants emerge with a certificate of small business and entrepreneurship and a Strategic growth Action Plan™ -- a three-year plan designed throughout the program outlining business goals and the specific action steps necessary to achieve them. Enrolling in the StreetWise 'MBA'™ also provides ongoing access to and inclusion in the Interise business directory, educational webinars, networking events, CEO Groups, seminars, and the Private Sector Network (PSN), Interise's "Instant Rolodex" of business experts and volunteers.

"Learning about proper financing, HR, marketing and sales strategies, as well as leadership skills, has made a huge difference in how I manage my company and my team. The program helped me look at the big picture and to build a plan to get there, so I am not just winging it anymore. I have implemented clearly defined goals and a strategy to achieve them. I can now move forward in growing my company with direction, poise and confidence," said Laurie Cote, CEO of DSI Marketing Communications.

The StreetWise 'MBA'™ is designed for existing small businesses - those that have:
• Been in business for a minimum of 3 years
• Annual revenues above $250,000
• At least one employee on payroll other than the CEO/owner
• A desire to grow their business.

The StreetWise 'MBA'™ tuition is traditionally $3,000, but with the generous support of Interise donors, recession-busting scholarships are available. In 2011, the StreetWise 'MBA'™ will be offered for $1,500.

For more information about the StreetWise 'MBA'™ program, contact Beecher Grogan at [email protected] or (978) 204-8734. For a link to our online application, please visit www.interise.org/2011.

About Interise

Interise takes an innovative approach to economic development in lower-income communities by helping existing small business owners plan, achieve, and manage the long-term growth of their business. The Interise method combines management training, peer-to-peer learning, and networking opportunities designed to facilitate business growth.

Interise's award-winning business development curriculum, StreetWise Steps to Small Business Growth™, is currently offered in 31 communities nationally through various programs including Interise's Massachusetts 'StreetWise MBA'™, the Small Business Administration's Emerging 200 (e200) Initiative, New York City's Strategic Steps for Growth, and the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office's DBE-SS III program.

By the end of 2011, nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs in 31 cities across the country will have completed the StreetWise Steps™ curriculum.

Interise is a non-profit organization based in Boston, Massachusetts. For more information please visit www.interise.org or contact Stacy McNary, Communications Coordinator, at 617.350.6335 or [email protected]