Business Employment/Education Center

The Business Employment/Education Center (BEC) is designed to meet the initial and continuing training needs of participants by providing the knowledge, tools and resources to assist them to successfully make the transition from the informal business sector to professional micro-enterprises and food service occupations. There are three areas of specialized instruction: Business Management and Professional Development; Food and Kitchen Management; and Neighborhood Health and Safety.

Specialized business management and professional development instruction include:

• Start up business assistance
• Marketing assistance
• Business management
• Financial assistance
• Joint purchasing and marketing networks.

Specialized food, health, and safety instruction will include:

• Introduction to the Kitchen
• Kitchen Math
• Sanitation and Safety
• Food Preparation and Job Opportunities
• Food Handlers Permit Certification

Instruction consists of classroom and hands-on-training. Classroom training include workshops and seminars conducted by instructors within a designated classroom area. Hands-on training provides on-site instructors who provide instruction and supervision to trainees. Instruction and supervision consists of hands-on lectures and related discussion concerning the topics covered in "Introduction to the Kitchen” and "Sanitation and Safety in the Kitchen". Participants prepare foods and use related equipment while training at Mama’s Hot Tamales Café.