The Greater Freeport Partnership Community Business Academy (CBA) is an experiential, interactive learning program for aspiring and current business owners. The CBA is a place to learn basic business skills, develop enthusiasm for your business idea and connect with a community of ambitious entrepreneurs. During the course, participants will become familiar with local permitting process(es) and connect with financial, accounting, insurance, and legal professionals to build a solid foundation for a successful business.
The Partnership will hold our first virtual informational session about the CBA this Wednesday, July 20th from 6-7:30 pm. Please visit our website to register for the session. A second virtual information session will be held in early August. To be considered for the Community Business Academy, individuals must attend an information session. This free, informative orientation provides insight into the CBA program and outlines expectations of the classes and applicants. Interested parties will complete and submit an application that allows the Partnership staff to evaluate each applicant and their business on an individual basis. The academy consists of 12 consecutive, three-hour long virtual sessions taking place once a week on Tuesday evenings beginning September 13th. The final class will conclude in December with a graduation ceremony to follow.
The Greater Freeport Partnership Community Business Academy has come to fruition because of a $15,000 grant from the National League of Cities to work with Rising Tide Capital to facilitate the Community Business Academy (CBA). The Partnership has been able to access this program because the City of Freeport is a participating member of the National League of Cities.
Please visit our website for more information. 
Andrea Schultz Winter is the Development Director for the Greater Freeport Partnership. She can be reached at awinter@greaterfreeport.com or 815-233-1354.
