BlackEnterprise.com And Dell Launch 'Small Business University'

NEW YORK, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, BLACK ENTERPRISE, the leading small business resource for African Americans, along with Dell, a worldwide provider of innovative technology and business solutions, announced the launch of the Black Enterprise Small Business University Powered by Dell, an eight-week, online video course offering expert advice to entrepreneurs looking to start and grow profitable small businesses. Housed exclusively at www.blackenterprise.com/sbu, the Small Business University includes customized gamification features that allow registrants to compete for a total of more than $50,000 in cash and prizes throughout the program. Small Business University registrants are eligible to win a grand prize package that includes $5,000 in cash, a $10,000 Dell Office Setup, a free one-on-one consultation with a small business development expert, a profile in BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine and 1-year gift subscription to the publication. A runner-up prize of a $6,000 Dell Office Setup, a free one-on-one consultation with a small business development expert, a profile on BlackEnterprise.com, and 1-year gift subscription to BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine will also be awarded. 

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Registration for Small Business University launches on Monday, April 23rd powered by Janrain, a leading user management platform for the social web.  The sites gamification features will be powered by Bunchball, a leader in engaging users by applying the same principles that inspire people to play games – achievements, status, and rewards – to websites and other online experiences.

Kicking off on Monday, April 30th with "Your Small Business Checklist: What Every Business Needs to Get Started," the Black Enterprise Small Business University Powered by Dell aims to assist entrepreneurs in three different stages of business development: the aspiring start-up, the part-time entrepreneur, and those with an already established enterprise. The eight-week course will consist of three original tutorials per week featuring a team of rotating business, marketing and technology all-stars including 'SmallBizLady' Melinda Emerson, Buzz Marketing Group CEO Tina Wells, Young Entrepreneurs Council founder Scott Gerber, 'The Money Coach' and personal finance expert Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, SocialPeople.tv Founder James Andrews, digital lifestyle expert Mario Armstrong, Mel Parker, DellVice President and General Manager, Consumer, Small Office and Member Loyalty, North America, and many more. In addition, our experts, along with the award-winning BLACK ENTERPRISE editorial team, will be available across all Black Enterprise social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Google+ and Pinterest to connect directly with participants, answer questions, and provide additional resources.  

"Black Enterprise remains as committed as ever to our core mission of encouraging minority entrepreneurship," said Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. "The path to entrepreneurship can be a difficult one to navigate, and many get lost along the way.  With the enthusiastic support of Dell, a company which has set the bar in helping small business excel through innovative and practical technology solutions, services and support, we're able to share the vital lessons of our Small Business University by way of a virtual classroom. We're excited to partner with Dell on this opportunity to assist our audience in achieving their dream of starting a new business or taking their existing enterprise to the next level."

The week-by-week schedule for the BlackEnterprise.com Small Business University Powered by Dell is as follows:

For a steady stream of additional information, tools and resources regarding small business success, be sure to visit www.blackenterprise.com and to follow the conversion on Twitter @BlackEnterprise using Hashtag #SmallBizU.    

BlackEnterprise.com is the leading website for Money, Small Business and Career development. Providing executive and entrepreneurial resources, information, and profiles on the topics of money management, employment, career and start-up development, BlackEnterprise.com features expert resource articles, original video packages, and blogs, customized to empower its niche audience while consistently providing universal resource-value.

BLACK ENTERPRISE, your ultimate source to build Wealth for Life, is the premier business, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. Since 1970, BE has provided essential business information and advice to professionals, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and decision makers. Every month, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine provides 4 million readers with information on entrepreneurship, careers, and financial management. A multimedia company, BE also produces television programming, business and lifestyle events, Web content, and digital media.

SOURCE BLACK ENTERPRISE