Programs and Services

If your goal is to start a new business, expand and/or diversify your current business and develop new skills to help you run your business, the Business Development Center (BDC) has a program that will fit your needs. In cooperation with the Frank G. Zarb School of Business, the BDC provides a comprehensive package of expertise and services promoting economic development and job creation for the Hofstra community, Long Island, and the region. The BDC has the benefit of having all of the resources of Hofstra University at its disposal. Combining the most respected members of academia and an impressive student body with our business community and governmental agencies, the BDC can provide the resources and services to fit your individual and specific needs. A partial listing of services includes:

Community Support and Economic Development

Community Support and Economic Development Programs are geared toward small businesses and individual proprietors.

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program
Provides assistance for starting, maintaining and expanding a business. Workshops provide "nuts and bolts" skills for successful business development and creation of a business plan. An Entrepreneurship Certificate may be earned by completing the requirements. The Program is offered annually in the Spring and Fall. For a current schedule of dates, please visit our Events page.

Application Form | Program Schedule | March 8, 2012 Awards Luncheon

Operation Downtown
Sponsored by Capital One Bank, these seminars provide small business owners and entrepreneurs from Nassau, Suffolk and Queens an opportunity to hear informative and experienced speakers at no charge. Past presentations included "Successful Business Strategies", "Develop Powerful Selling Techniques" and "Key Components of Successful Marketing."

More Info/Application Form

QuickBooks Certificate Program
Provides skills for utilizing the accounting software program to create and customize a complete recordkeeping system. Topics include creating a new QuickBooks company, tracking credit card transactions, invoicing customers, setting up inventory, tracking and paying sales tax and customizing QuickBooks sales forms and more. The program is offered annually in the Spring and Fall. For a current schedule of dates, please visit our events page.
Application Form

Corporate and Executive Programs

Corporate and Executive Programs are geared towards large companies, as well as prestigious business and government leaders.

Market Research & Polling Center
Offers custom market research and public opinion polling geared to meet the specific needs of the client.

Distinguished Lecture Series
These lectures are designed to bring together the elite of Long Island's business community and offer them the opportunity to interact with some of the country's most powerful and influential thinkers in fields ranging from science to politics to investments. Capital One Bank, Farrell Fritz, P.C., North Shore-LIJ, the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency and Local Development Corporation and Veolia Transportation are the sponsors. Attendance is by invitation only. The 2011-2012 series has featured the following speakers:

Business/Corporate Training
Customized programs and seminars are developed and delivered on-site or at the BDC. Topics may include branding, communicating, conflict management, customer service, team building, time and project management, strategic planning, stress management and more.

Business Seminars
Presentation of the complete event – topic, speaker, facility, mailing, database, catering, administrative support, moderator, and analysis of evaluations. Rental of large/small conference rooms accommodating 10 to 150 people.

Special Projects and Programs

Conference Center Services
Hofstra University's Scott Skodnek Business Development Center, centrally located on a beautiful 240-acre campus, offers large and small conference facilities, accommodating groups of up to 140 persons. State-of-the-art business technology labs, including videoconferencing and large group display systems, are also available. All rooms have Internet access, conference phones, and catering services.