How to Set Up a Job Training Center

With millions of displaced workers in America today, starting a job training center can be a great business opportunity and also provide the community with a much needed service. Starting a center may seem overwhelming, but with a little help from valuable, trusted resources such as the Small Business Administration and the Chamber of Commerce, it can make things much easier to get started. 

• Contact the Small Business Administration. If this is a first-time business venture then the Small Business Administration can help with grants, loans and marketing tips and tools for the training center. 


• Contact the local Chamber of Commerce. The business needs to be registered with the appropriate agency which depends on the state of residency. The Chamber of Commerce can provide direction to which agencies a job training center should be registered with. 


• Contact the Internal Revenue Service. Obtain a tax identification number and "Doing Business As" license for the business. 


• Decide on the curriculum. Figure out the various types of job training the center will offer. The training offered can range from basic to advanced.


• Locate a building. Find a building that has adequate space to run the job training center. Select a location with lots of traffic.


• Hire competent staff. This includes teachers, instructors and other experts in the vocational arena. There should also be someone that is designated as a program manager.   


• Purchase the needed equipment for the training center. This will include computers, software, desks, tables and other training materials.


• Start marketing and advertising. Purchase radio time and contact the local television stations asking them to do a feature on the new job training center to draw interest from the general public.


• Create a website. This will drive additional traffic to the job training center, especially for those that have become displaced from work and are looking to learn a new skill or trade. Make sure that the site is user friendly and lists contact and enrollment information.