The Entrepreneurial Assistance Center (EAC) at SUNY Suffolk is dedicated to turning business ideas into reality. Founded to foster economic growth, we provide a supportive ecosystem for aspiring entrepreneurs and established small business owners alike.
Located at the Sally Ann Slacke Building at the Grant Campus, we serve as a vital bridge between vision and execution, helping micro-enterprises transform into scalable, growth-oriented companies. Whether you are launching a home-based startup or looking to expand your current operations, the EAC provides the expertise and resources necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.
What We Provide for Our Clients:
- Intensive Classroom Training: Hands-on programs like our signature 60-Hour Entrepreneurial Training.
- One-on-One Technical Assistance: Personalized guidance in financials, accounting, marketing, and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification.
- Funding & Financing Guidance: Specialist help in preparing for loans, grants, and “bootstrap” financing for those with limited resources.
Our Mission
The mission of the EAC is to increase business ownership among minorities, women, dislocated workers, and individuals with disabilities. We believe that by providing high-quality training and technical support, we can build a more inclusive and resilient local economy.
Our Strategic Objectives:
- Increase Ownership: We actively recruit and support underrepresented groups to start and own their own enterprises.
- Growth and Expansion: We aim to expand the sales and employment levels of minority- and women-owned firms, particularly during their first five “critical years” of operation.
- Sustainability: We work tirelessly to decrease business failure rates through continuous education and management coaching.
The “Gap” We Fill: Many entrepreneurs face a “knowledge gap” or a “resource gap.” We step in to provide the support required for complex business planning, basic skills development, and navigating the nuances of government certifications like the NYS MWBE.
Our Impact
At the EAC, we don’t just teach; we track and evaluate our clients’ success to ensure our programs are working. Our impact is felt across Suffolk County through the new storefronts, services, and jobs our graduates create.
Success by the Numbers:
- Launch Readiness: Participants in our 60-hour program leave with a comprehensive, ready-to-execute business plan and increased financial confidence.
- Job Creation: We focus on scaling micro-enterprises to increase local employment levels.
- Certified Success: We guide businesses through the NYS MWBE certification process, opening doors to lucrative government contracts.
- Financial Access: We assist clients in accessing capital through our network of partner institutions and “bootstrap” financing strategies.
Our Awards:
- NYS EAC 2025 Award of Outstanding Performance and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of NYS
- NYS EAC 2024 Award of Outstanding Performance and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of NYS
- NYS EAC 2023 Award of Outstanding Performance and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of NYS
- NYS EAC 2019 Award of Outstanding Performance and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of NYS
- NYS EAC 2018 Award of Excellence
- NYS EAC 2012 Award of Excellence
Our Team
Our team is comprised of seasoned business professionals and educators who understand the challenges of starting a business because they have lived them. At the EAC, you aren’t just a student; you are a client with a dedicated support system.
- Business Counselors: Expert advisors who provide individual counseling on business viability and plan development.
- Program Administrators: Our staff coordinates our outreach and ensures you have access to the right workshops at the right time.
- Instructional Experts: Our instructors lead intensive training sessions on topics such as accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, business taxes, and legal considerations.
Funded in part by the Empire State Development Corporation, we are a proud part of a New York State-wide network helping entrepreneurs make their business dreams a reality.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Us!
Phone: (631) 851-6214 | Email: eapcenter@sunysuffolk.edu