Center for Educational Leadership – Working to Make Your Business Reality

By Michael Downer

Upland, CA --- Do you have a great idea that you think could be a successful business, but just don't know how to get started? Perhaps you have already begun your journey as a small business owner, and find yourself in need of assistance in overcoming specific challenges. Have no fear.  The Center for Educational Leadership (CEL) just may be the key to your success.

Born and raised in Maryland, CEL was founded by Jerry Johnson in 2004, after a successful 20 year career as an information technology executive working for large and medium size businesses and non-profits enterprises, CEL’s goal is to introduce the community to training and information on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.  Its aim is to educate and inform on the need for sound financial and business planning for aspiring business owners as well as consumers.

OK, so you saying with the economy less than ideal; now is not the best time to go into business for yourself.  However, it might interest you to know that challenging economic periods have consistently been one of the best times to start a new business. In fact, according to CNN, 16 of the 30 companies whose stocks make up the Dow started during recessions. If you are thinking of starting your own small company, now is the time to act on it…with the proper guidance of course.

Funded by the Verizon Foundation, CEL offers a 10 week program which may at first glance appear to be much like that offered by one of the many Small Business Administration Business Development Centers.  However, on closer inspection they are quite different.  Working with in a collaborative effort which brings together students, teachers, administration, community based organizations, local governments, colleges and foundations, CEL provides an opportunity for an intense hands on learning experience that provides practical experience for its students, while supplying the community with low to no cost economic project assistance.

 “What we offer is a structured program, that walks the individual entrepreneur through the ABC’s of the day-to-day operation of a successful business,” says Johnson.  “Our focus has been on the current economic and social crisis. We understand that an individual must have other alternatives to employment in today’s market. Gone are the days of grunted employment. We are here to provide the skills, methods and techniques necessary to navigate this unstable climate through entrepreneurship and financial literacy training.”  

Currently launching their first series of classes, this unique program, begins by examining the viability of the business a person wishes to start.  By assessing each idea in an effort to discover if the resources, both internal and external are present, CEL stresses the importance for would-be business owners to have the professional experience necessary to be successful.  Through their partnership with local cities, they are also able to determine if there is indeed a market need for a specific type of business.

 “I cannot stress the importance of being financially literate as a key to success,” states Johnson. “Many times our personal business short comings in finance are transferred to our business as well. As a result, we provide a holistic approach to placing you on sound financial ground.”

 Amassing a team of partners made up of mentors with extensive experience to lend support and answer questions within in their professionals in the field. CEL receives financial support from the Verizon Foundation, Southern California Edison, the Inland Empire Credit Union and the Norris Foundation.  Looking toward the future, CEL plans to offer training through the Pomona Unified School District as part of its Regional Occupational Program (ROP), as well as the Abundant Living Family Church Kingdom Business Development Ministry.