SCCC Entrepreneurial Assistance Center

10/08/2026

In her first year in business, Yolanda Valdes brought in $7,384.

Then came MWBE certification: New York State, New York City, Suffolk County, and Nassau County.

By 2022, Empower Contracting had $1 million in revenue and 12 contracts in a single year, including the biggest in the company's history, with the MTA.

Why does MWBE certification matter? In her words, "the dollars are tied to the contracts."

Our MWBE Certification Workshop Series (Saturdays, Oct. 17 - Nov. 7, Brentwood) walks you through it, hands-on. Just $75.

👉 Reserve your spot: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9mpvr47/lp/04039318-6a2d-478d-bda3-8b1bde2f93c6

10/07/2026

Ready to turn your idea into a real business? In two hands-on sessions, you’ll walk step by step through the entire registration process, from choosing your tax and legal structure to officially registering with New York State and the IRS.

By the end, you won't just understand how to register a business; you'll leave the room with your business officially registered.

What you'll learn:
Day 1: Setting up your tax structure & legal structure.
Day 2: Registering with NYS and the IRS.

Who it's for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners who are ready to move from idea to officially registered business and want expert guidance through every step of the process.

Schedule: 2 sessions held on Saturdays, November 7 and 14, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Location: Sally Ann Slacke Building, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood, NY 11717.

Investment: $75.00 for the complete three-part series.

Click the link here to register → https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9xa2agp/lp/de96127b-e4e5-44f0-a4b3-13fb9d3ea8b4

09/29/2026

Ready to compete for contracts and funding reserved for minority and women-owned businesses?

This five-part, hands-on MWBE Certification Workshop Series walks you through every step of the process, from application to procurement strategy. Whether you’re just learning about MWBE certification or ready to start your application, this series walks you through the process step by step with hands-on support along the way.

What you’ll learn:

What MWBE certification is and how it can open new doors for your business.
A step-by-step walkthrough of the full application process.
How to create your vendor profile and get your application started, with hands-on guidance.
Tools and strategies for securing contracts and procurement opportunities once certified.
How to build and use capability statements to win procurement opportunities.
Who it’s for: Minority and women-owned business owners seeking MWBE certification to access contracts, funding, and procurement opportunities they haven’t been able to compete for before.

Schedule: 5 weekly sessions held Saturdays from October 3 – October 31, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET.

Location: Sally Ann Slacke Building, Room 103, 1001 Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood, NY 11717.

Investment: $100 (payable by check or money order).

Click the link here to register → https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9mpvr47/lp/04039318-6a2d-478d-bda3-8b1bde2f93c6

08/28/2026

Still have a business idea sitting in your notes app?

Over 10 weeks, you'll go from "I have an idea" to "I have an actual plan", covering everything from business plan development to bookkeeping, legal basics, and taxes. No prior experience required.

📅 Sept 28 – Dec 9 | Mon & Wed | 7–10 PM
💻 100% virtual via Zoom & Google Classroom
💰 $225 (textbook & materials included)

We've helped over 2,000 New York entrepreneurs do exactly this. Now it's your turn, but seats are capped at 20 per class, so they go fast.

👉 Register today:

This 10-week entrepreneurial training program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs preparing to launch a business and small business owners seeking to grow and strengthen their operations. Classes meet twice per week for two hours, combining instruction, discussion, and hands-on activities. By the...

08/21/2026

This fall, we’re offering three hands-on Business Development Workshop Series built for small business owners who are done waiting and ready to build:

✅ AI for Beginners: Build your brand, content, and marketing materials with AI. No design background required. Starts Sept 19 | $75

✅ Business Financials 101: Learn to read your numbers, pay yourself correctly, and avoid the mistakes that sink new businesses. Starts Sept 19 | $100

✅ Launch Your Business Online: Leave with a live website, business email, and social presence built and published, not just planned. Starts Sept 26 | $100

These are hands-on, in-person sessions with only 15 seats per cohort. Pick your program and save your seat. 👇

Register Here: https://ce.sunysuffolk.edu/workforce-training/entrepreneurial-assistance-center/small-business-development/business-development-workshops-webinars/

Trusted by over 2,000 New York State entrepreneurs, the SCCC Entrepreneurial Assistance Center has helped small business owners turn "someday" into "day one."

Intensive workshop series focused on essential small business topics. Real skills, hands-on practice, built for business owners who are ready to move. Here’s what’s happening this fall: AI for Beginners (Sept 19 – Nov 7) – Build a brand and marketing materials with AI. Business Financials 10...

06/22/2026

Every day, people get caught off guard by scams, fake websites, and phishing emails that look completely real.

Our free in-person workshop, Pause Before You Click, will show you how to protect your personal information online, from spotting phishing emails to using privacy settings to keep your data safe.

📅 Wednesday, July 24th
🕐 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 20 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901
Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts Center
💰 Free (no cost, no catch)

Register Here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/tajcrgk/lp/8b3e5a24-18c6-4687-b337-5df2e34ff9d8
You can also give us a call to register at (631)-851-6224

No tech experience is needed. Just bring yourself.
Please note that spots are limited!

Workshops and training designed to provide participants with the foundational technology skills needed to navigate today’s digital landscape safely and confidently. FREE Technology & Digital Literacy Workshops (In-Person) (NEW!) June 17th & July 8th, 2026: Using AI to Create a Memoir (2-Part Serie...

05/18/2026

🖥️ Does technology ever feel like it's moving faster than you can keep up? You're not alone.

This June, we're hosting free technology workshops designed for anyone 55+.

Six sessions, starting June 3rd, covering everything from computer basics and online safety to social media, fraud prevention, and even writing your own memoir with the help of AI.

No experience needed. No jargon. Just friendly, patient instructors and a room full of people who get it.

📍 Suffolk County Community College, Riverhead, NY
📅 Every Wednesday, June 3 - July 8, 2026
💰 Completely free (seats are limited)!
👉 Register online below: https://ce.sunysuffolk.edu/workforce-training/entrepreneurial-assistance-center/career-pathways-for-adult-learners/career-development-workshops-webinars/
📞 Prefer to call? We'd love to hear from you: (631) 851-6224
✉️ Or email us: [email protected]

Tag a friend who might love this. 💙

Workshops and training designed to help you build credentials, strengthen your job search, and move confidently toward employment and long-term career growth. FREE Technology Workshops for Seniors (In-Person) (NEW!) June 3rd, 2026: Computer Skills for Seniors – Build confidence using today’s tec...

05/15/2026

You have a business idea. Maybe for a while now. This summer, let's actually build it. Our 60-Hour Entrepreneurial Training Program is back for Summer 2026.

Over 9 weeks, you'll go from idea to a complete business plan, with AI-powered planning tools, expert instruction, and 1-on-1 counseling built in every step of the way.

This is a hands-on program trusted by over 1,000 New York entrepreneurs, and it's designed around one goal: helping you actually launch.

June 2 - July 30 | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 AM - 12 PM
SCCC Grant Campus, Brentwood, NY | Only 20 seats available
$150 - all materials, software, and counseling included

Spots fill fast. Save yours using the link below, or drop a comment and we'll send you the details directly.

➡️ Register Below:

This 9-week entrepreneurial training program is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs preparing to launch a business and small business owners seeking to grow and strengthen their operations. Classes meet twice per week for three hours, combining instruction, discussion, and hands-on activities. By th...

05/04/2026

The Suffolk County Community College Entrepreneurial Assistance Center is hosting four free workshops this May, designed specifically for small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs who are ready to use AI as a real business tool 💻.

Here's what's included in the series:

📅 May 9 - Use AI to Work Smarter, Grow Faster (In-Person) Organize ideas, sharpen your strategy & make confident decisions with less stress and guesswork.

📅 May 16 - Use AI for Design & Branding (In-Person) Build a brand that feels intentional, aligned, and memorable - from visuals to messaging.

📅 May 28 - How to Use AI to Build Something Real (Webinar) Stop overthinking. Start moving. Develop ideas, shape your brand, and start moving toward real income.

📅 May 30 - Use AI to Build Offers That Sell (In-Person) Turn your ideas into offers that attract customers and create cash flow.
All four are completely free. All are built for real business owners. No tech background needed.

https://ce.sunysuffolk.edu/workforce-training/entrepreneurial-assistance-center/small-business-development/business-development-workshops-webinars/

👉 Reserve your free spot with the link above!
Please note that space is limited!

FREE Workshops (In-Person) Free workshops and webinars focused on essential small business topics designed to build your brand and take your business to the next level. 🆕 May 9th, 2026: Use AI to Work Smarter, Grow Faster – Learn how to use AI as your strategic business partner to organize idea...

04/13/2026

What would $100,000 do for your business?

New equipment. A real storefront. The runway to finally grow.

If you're a startup or early-stage business owner who's been figuring it out from home, or just needs capital to get to the next level, this workshop was made for you.

Main Street Funding Webinar: Built for Startups. Designed for Growth.
📅 May 13, 2026 | Free & Virtual

In this free workshop, you'll learn how to access up to $100,000 for your startup or early-stage business for runway capital, equipment upgrades, or your first commercial space.

🔗 Register free with the link below.

For entrepreneurs, startups & small business owners. Develop your skills, build your brand, and take your business to the next level. Spring 2026 Click on the course title to register FREE Business Development Webinars (Online) (NEW!) April 28th, 2026: Cash Flow Basics for Small Businesses – Learn...