Frequently Asked Questions
LEARN
What is LEARN?
Learn stands for Launching Entrepeneurs Across Rural Networks. LEARN is a grant program that provides training and coaching to help dislocated workers interested in starting a business. It is being offered to rural Alabama residents from 2009 through 2012.
How does LEARN help dislocated workers?
WIA eligible dislocated workers from North, Central and South Alabama who have lost their job have the LEARN program as another option for self-employment. LEARN is a program that offers entrepreneurship training and one-on-one business counseling for those who want to start their own business.
Where is LEARN being offered?
LEARN is offered to dislocated workers throughout Alabama.
What exactly is LEARN offering?
LEARN will provide a limited number of grants for training and one-on-one business counseling. This grant offers free training in business classes that will help participants gain the knowledge needed to start their own business. Those who are selected for the grant will receive the following:
- Individual skills assessment.
- Training in business classes.
- Business counseling during and after completing training.
*Unemployment benefits will still be offered during the training through a work search waiver.
Who is eligible for LEARN services?
- Interested candidates must be dislocated workers (lost a job through no fault of their own due to a business closing or layoff).
- Candidates have to be eligible for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.
- Candidates must be 19 or older and eligible to work in the United States and have a legal business idea.
- Interested candidates for LEARN must complete an orientation session and apply for the LEARN grant.
Registration
How can I register?
- Rapid Response on-site visit.
- One Stop Career center
- Mailing a manually filledo ut form to the LEARN office.
- Call LEARN office at 1-866-968-5525
Can I call back later and register?
Yes. Call 1-866-968-5525 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm). You can also register online at this Registration link.
Will this program cost me anything?
No, it is free for LEARN participants. Also, while enrolled in this program you will be eligible for your unemployment benefits as long as you are still an active participant in the program.
Orientation
How can I attend orientation?
The orientation video can be viewed during a group session at a service provider location or online at http://www.learnala.org.
How will the LEARN program help prepare me to start my own business?
The program will give you an assessment of your skills, and then create a custom training classes that will be tailored to give you the skills that you currently lack. We will then assign you to a business counselor that will be able to help answer any further questions that you may have while beginning your business.
How long will these phases take to complete?
The time frame for each phase will depend on how many classes you need to take. If the classes are available online, the timeframe will depend on the amount of work that you are willing to put in your classes.
How long will I be able to meet with the consultant?
For as long as you have questions that you need answered by the trained professional.
Application
Why do I need to fill out an application form?
In order to be considered for the program, a potential participant must apply for the LEARN grant. The grant ensures training is recieved at no cost to the participant.
How long will it take before I hear back from someone regarding my application?
The application should take no longer than a week to process.
How will the potential participant know if he or she got the grant?
Once the application is submitted, the potential participant will be notified by the LEARN office.
Assessment
Will I be kicked out of the program based on a poor assessment?
No, the assessment is given strictly to determine what skills you may need to improve before you are ready to start your own business.
Who will train me on the skills that I lack?
You will be scheduled into your own personalized training program that will teach you all of the skills that you need. This program could possibly be either online, or at a community college or other accredited teaching location.
Will this cost me anything?
No, all of the cost will be covered by the LEARN program.
Training
Will my classes be in person or online?
The classes can be either, or a combination of both. Some will be taught in a group, classroom setting, but others will be an online based class.
What happens if I miss a class, will I be kicked out of the program?
No, but if you miss 3 consecutive sessions, then you will be removed from the program.
Will I have to pass a test in order to stay in the program based on the classes that I am taking?
No, you will be given an assessment at the end of the class, but that will be to assess the effectiveness of the program and give you a better understanding of how your skill set will match up with what is necessary to start your own business. If you do not pass a class it will be up to your discretion whether or not you wish to continue even though you may still lack some necessary skills.
Business Counseling and Technical Assistance
Will this service be free?
Yes, the counselors that you will be assigned to meet with are being paid by the government, so their advice will be free of charge to you.
What services will the business counselors provide me?
The counselors will be able to help you with your business model, as well as any necessary regulatory paperwork that needs to be filled out. They will also be able to answer any unforeseen questions that you may have at any period during your path to entrepreneurship.
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