LBCC's SBDC Partners with Kimco Realty Corporation for Startup Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs

Kimco Realty Corporation and the Long Beach City College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) are partnering to produce a three-day entrepreneurship training program for startup entrepreneurs and first-time business owners to help them develop a strong growth plan.

“The StartUp Bootcamp is open to any small business owner who is interested in developing a better business plan and learning more about operating their own retail store or restaurant,“ said Mike Daniel, Director of the Long Beach City College SBDC. “Up to 30 people will be able to participate in the program this fall, and we hope that they will use their business plan to advance their companies - whether by applying to the KEYS program or for their own internal use.”

Recently, Kimco launched the Kimco Entrepreneurs Year Start (KEYS) program, an innovative incubator program for entrepreneurs seeking to launch their first retail venture, service operation or restaurant. Interested KEYS applicants will need to submit a written business plan with specific goals and objectives and demonstrate adequate funding for their venture and participate in a formal interview.   Accepted participants will be placed into Kimco shopping centers with one year of free rent and additional benefits. 

 “As a strong supporter of new business entrepreneurs, we are very excited to be partnering with Long Beach City College California SBDC on this initiative and believe that the Kimco KEYS program provides a valued service needed to kick-start your business,” said Conor Flynn, Kimco’s Western Region president.  He continued, “The intent of KEYS is to build partnerships with entrepreneurs that have proven their desire and passion for their business model, but need some additional resources to prepare them for launch. The KEYS program can provide you, the entrepreneur, with those tools, and it’s our desire to ensure you are set up for success”