Hofstra offers entrepreneur training program

Hofstra University will hold a free information session about its Entrepreneurial Assistance program on Wednesday, March 5, at 6 pm. The program teaches skills to start your own business, including competitive analysis, marketing, financing and insurance.

The 60-hour program will be offered from March 17 to May 14 on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 pm for $495 including course materials and textbooks. Scholarships are available.

An Entrepreneurship Certificate is earned upon completion. Participants can compete in a "Hofstra Shark Tank" Business Plan Competition sponsored by Capital One Bank with prizes totaling $5,000. A networking luncheon in June unites graduates from both spring and fall.

To register and for directions, call (516) 463-5850.

Since 1991 the Hofstra program has enrolled 1,200 students, and helped launch more than 388 businesses and 890 new jobs, according to the university's website. It was cited for excellence in 2013 by Empire State Development Corp.