
Entrepreneur Training Program
Join Our FREE Entrepreneurial Training Program
Dreaming of starting your own business?
ICON CDC’s Entrepreneur Training Program will equip you with the essential skills to successfully launch and grow your business!
ICON CDC hosts free quarterly business courses in both English and Spanish for all residents in the City of Los Angeles. Classes are available in-person or virtual. For more information about the Entrepreneur Training Program, contact our office at (818) 302-6114 or info@iconcdc.org
Join a Community of 750+ Successful Graduates from Our Entrepreneurial Training Program!
Throughout this 8-week program, entrepreneurs gain essential skills in innovation and business development. Participants learn how to identify viable startup ideas, validate market potential, and take the initial steps toward launching and sustaining their businesses.
No prior experience in entrepreneurship is needed. The program covers everything from obtaining necessary permits to business setup, understanding credit, and accessing capital, providing participants with a comprehensive foundation to successfully navigate the entrepreneurial journey.
Upcoming Dates
Español
Julio 1 – Mentalidad Empresarial y Plan de Negocio
Julio 8 – Licencias y Permisos
Julio 15 – Taxes y Contabilidad
Julio 22 – Marketing y Ventas
Julio 29 – Recursos Humanos y Administración
Agosto 5 – Crédito y Finanzas
Agosto 12 – Acceso a Capital
Agosto 19 – Graduación y Presentación de Negocio
English
10/1 – Business Planning
10/8 – Licenses & Permits
10/15 – Taxes & Bookkeeping
10/22 – Marketing & Sales
10/29 – Human Resources & Administration
11/5 – Credit & Finances
11/12 – Access to Capital
11/19 – Graduation
Entrepreneurial Training Program Curriculum
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Business Entities
This discussion will go over what constitutes and differentiates each business entity; sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and LLC. This allows you to understand its liabilities and taxes.
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Licenses & Permits
We will then discuss in detail the different licenses and permits needed to start a business in the City of Los Angeles and how to obtain them. Licenses and permits covered will include Business Tax Registration Certificate, seller’s permit, DBA Fictitious Business Name, StreetsLA permit, Employee Identification Number, Health Permit, and information on ITINs.
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Cost-Structure & Credit
Next, presenters will provide information on two important topics for small businesses; COST-STRUCTURE, what it is and how to determine it for your business, and what CREDIT is, how to find out your credit score and how personal credit affects your business finances.
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Bookkeeping & Taxes
This training will introduce the basics of bookkeeping and best practices for small businesses. Taxes will also be covered comprehensively including to who and how to understand how much taxes are to be paid.
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Marketing
Attendees will be introduced to marketing for their small business including an in-depth focus on branding, social media, websites, and how they affect and produce sales.
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Management & HR
Here we will focus on management and human resources for small businesses. Attendees will learn about the hiring process including where to look for prospective employees, interviewing, managing, and supervising employees and their records in addition to learning the difference between a W2 and 1099.
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Access to Capital
Next, you’ll gain knowledge and information on the process of access to capital. You will learn the basic requirements needed to prepare your small business for access to capital and all the steps in loan packaging.
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Graduation
Finally, the culmination of the Entrepreneur Training Program. This is where participants present their completed business plan and business sales pitch. This day also gives the opportunity to network with our city representatives that support our economic development programs.
ICON CDC Celebrates Graduation of New Entrepreneurs
ICON CDC hosted a graduation ceremony for their Entrepreneurial Training Program, which was held at the Van Nuys Seventh-day Adventist Church on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
ICON CDC recently celebrated the graduation of 53 entrepreneurs from its Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP). This diverse group, representing industries such as technology, retail, and food services, completed an 8-week program that equipped them with key business skills.
The event featured inspiring speeches from community leaders, including CD6 Councilwoman Imelda Padilla and Economic and Workforce Development Department Assistant Grants Administrator Rosa Penaloza. With nearly 50% of the graduates being women, this cohort reflects ICON CDC’s commitment to inclusivity and the importance of supporting small businesses in building stronger communities.
These graduates are now equipped with the tools needed to grow sustainable businesses, focusing on leadership, marketing, and financial management.



