Empowering Entrepreneurs: The Small Business Leadership Academy Brings Together Cox Communications, Old Dominion University and Historically Marginalized Businesses

The Small Business Leadership Academy, presented in collaboration with Cox Communications and Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, is a nine-week program that offers business owners the chance to enhance their marketing skills, strengthen their business plans and increase revenue. Taught by professors from Strome College, the program provides education and strategies to aid in the growth of small businesses, with a focus on skill development, performance improvement, revenue increase and access to additional resources.

Anil Nair, a professor in the department of management at Strome College serves as the director of the program. The program’s emphasis on entrepreneurship among historically marginalized and underrepresented groups aligns with the college’s broader strategic goals. Eligible vendors and business representatives admitted to the academy can receive a scholarship to cover 100 percent of the tuition, courtesy of Cox. Priority is given to registered Cox Communications vendors and Cox Business customers, with a focus on women, LGBTQA, disabled, veteran and minority-owned businesses.

The program covers topics such as marketing, digital marketing, negotiations, emotional intelligence, accounting taxes and business plan review. Instructors for the program include Andrew Bennett