Business Planning Courses
Enrollment for our Business Planning Course is now open! You can secure your spot in the Fall cohort by applying through the link below.
Application Due Date: August 11th!
Business Planning
As one of the four pillars of The Welcoming Center’s Entrepreneurship Team Model—alongside Business Coaching, Business Lending, and Business Innovation—Business Planning is designed to support entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey.
Our 12-Week Business Planning Course for Entrepreneurs is ideal for individuals who want to develop a clear, actionable business plan. Whether you’re launching a new venture or refining an existing idea, this program equips you with the essential tools and knowledge to build a roadmap for success.
Throughout the course, participants explore key components of business development, including:
- Market research and competitive analysis
- Financial projections and budgeting
- Business strategy and operations planning
- Marketing and customer outreach
- Accessing funding and financial resources
With expert guidance and hands-on learning, you’ll gain the skills to transform your vision into a structured, investor-ready business plan. Inspired by the Build from Within Alliance model, the course emphasizes sustainable development, community engagement, and economic self-sufficiency—empowering entrepreneurs to create lasting, positive change in their communities.
This course is currently offered in English, with additional language support available through our network of partners and community resources.
Business Planning in English
- Sep 2, 2025 to Nov 18, 2025
- Every Tuesday
- 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- In-person at The Welcoming Center
- Taught in English
Business Planning in Brazilian Portuguese & English
- Sep 2, 2025 to Nov 25, 2025
- Every Tuesday
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- In-person in Northeast Philadelphia
- Taught in English and Brazilian Portuguese
Planificación De Negocios En Español
- Ubicado en el Welcoming Center
- Impartido en español
- 12 clases todos los miércoles de la semana, de 17:30 a 19:30 h | Del 14 de enero al 1 de abril
- Presencial en el Center City
- Un total de 12 sesiones de dos horas.
- Por favor postularse antes del 15 de diciembre.
Para cualquier pregunta sobre la clase de español, envíe un correo electrónico a nieves@welcomingcenter.org
Why Join?
- Hands-on Learning: Apply your new skills directly to your business or idea.
- Expert Guidance: Get personalized advice from experienced professionals.
- Collaborative Community: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Confidence Building: Leave the course with a strong, actionable business plan and the confidence to move your venture forward.
Requirements to Join:
- Intend to or already conduct business in Philadelphia
- You must be an immigrant entrepreneur or an entrepreneur apart of an underserved community
- Attend information session
- Submit application
Course Requirements:
- Dedicate 4 hours to the course per week (2 hours for the class, 1 hour for independent classwork, and 30 minutes to meet with a business advisor)
- All 12 classes must be attended IN PERSON
- Write a business plan by the end of the course
If you have any questions contact our Entrepreneurship Program Manager, johann@welcomingcenter.org



