York Business Academy (YBA)
Team Leader: Tom Dignacco / Joe McElweeContact: tdignacc@ycp.edu / jmcelwee@ycp.edu
When: Saturdays from 9:30-11:30am
Aimed For: Business Owners and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Faculty Advisor: Jay Azriel
What is York Business Academy (YBA)?
SIFE runs the York Business Academy which offers local entrepreneurs six sessions of fundamental business courses for free. Working in collaboration with York City and the York County Economic Development Offices, we are able to identify entrepreneurs in need of direction. The YBA program consists of courses in strategic planning, financial assessment, promotional strategy, business and professional writing skills, legal issues, and developing a business plan. This unique project requires York College SIFE students to teach material to entrepreneurs and in some cases, to act as a mentor. The ultimate goal of this project is to provide inexperienced entrepreneurs in the York community with the tools and guidance necessary for them to develop and write their own business plans. More than 25 graduates of YBA are currently operating their own business. The York Business Academy classes will run from 9:30 - 11:30am each Saturday beginning in February. This year, we will help interested business owners apply for grants offered through SIFE companies. On September 20, 2011, York College SIFE and the York City Economic Development Department received an award from the International Economic Development Council for our strong partnership through the York Business Academy.