22 Entrepreneurs Complete Training

The Valley Economic Development Center Inc. is graduating its latest class of participants in its award-winning entrepreneurial training program today at its headquarters in Van Nuys.

The program, which is funded this year by a $145,000 grant from the city Community Development Department, was begun in 1992. About 600 small-business owners have graduated from the program. Only companies that have existed from six months to five years qualify for the free classes.

The current graduating class of 22 includes owners of such businesses as a tire repair shop in Sun Valley, a North Hollywood mortgage company, a Canoga Park construction firm, an advertising agency in Van Nuys and a Chatsworth air-conditioning service business.

During the 10-week program, the participants received instruction in strategic planning and implementation as well as individual consulting and peer-group discussions. One class involves employees in business planning.

“The whole focus of the program is to help the small businesses so they can hire more people,” said Wilma Berglund, a vice president for the group. “It’s very implementation-oriented.”

Before signing up, each participating business person must commit to hiring at least one additional employee within one year after completion.