2025/26 Classes
Our on-demand, video-based courses allow you to learn at your own pace, making it easier to fit starting a new business into your busy life. Forget rigid schedules and classroom constraints; you have the freedom to own your day and tailor your learning experience according to your needs.
Are you currently underemployed or unemployed? Do you have a dream business idea but don’t know where to start? At Girandola Academy, we offer state-certified entrepreneurship training designed specifically for you. We arm you with the tools to take your next BIG idea into an income generating business - in record time. *
These classes are also SEAP certified, meaning it can be funded by certain federal funding programs and used as a part of the Employment Security Department Self Employment Assistance (SEAP) Program - because they work. *Many of our motivated students secure their first beta or paying customers within 90 days. The average income reported by our students is $259,000 annually post training.
2025/26 Classes
What’s Next 50+
Fifty is the new 20. A time to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. Encore entrepreneurs - small business owners over the age of 50+ - are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. Uncover Your “What's Next?” in this step-by-step introduction to entrepreneurship, life planning, and retirement considerations. This class was designed with funding from AARP and taught in Life Long Learning programs at colleges prior to COVID. Contact us if you prefer an in-person class in your area. This class combines the on-demand Idea to Launch class with a selection of guides customized to meet your personal goals.
Entrepreneurial Edge Small Business Toolkit
Each class uses the same workbook: McVeety, Tiffany. Entrepreneurial Edge Small Business Toolkit. Girandola Press. 2017. It is only available on Amazon.com. Think you need a newer book? Think again. It is still one of the best entrepreneurship training manuals with step-by-step guidance out there.
The Entrepreneurial Edge Idea to Launch and On Demand classes we cover chapters 4 - 6; while the What’s Next 50+ class adds six additional guides from chapters 1 -3.
Idea to Launch On Demand
Idea to Launch On Demand is our flagship class. This class provides you with simple solutions, strategies and step-by-step guidance that can help an existing business owner, or potential entrepreneur, navigate the intricacies of planning, designing, and launching an income generating business, a social enterprise, or a new product.
What makes this entrepreneurship class unique are the proven tools and personal insights from the trainer/author. The first employee of an angel-funded startup that went public, she brings you real-word experience.
In this class, you will learn: How to choose a BIG idea and get focused; How to select the right corporate structure to meet your goals (keep it small and keep it all or build it fast with OPM), and how to file your own formation docs saving thousands.
You will also master a time-tested and proven five-step tool to help you design a business model for a product, service or new venture that fits Your entrepreneurial goals.
You will learn to write a one-page business plan using The Executive Business Plan template that I learned while an investment banker raising over 50 million for startups like you.
If you have ever wanted to start a viable business on your own, or test the feasibility of your BIG idea - before you spend money on it - this is the class for you. 100% online and on your own time. Business technical assistance included (a workforce development term for coaching and help).
Entrepreneurial Edge Idea to Launch and
Turn your dream of self-employment into a reality with a practical and proven training program. This SEAP eligible class provides you with simple solutions and strategies to help you plan, design, and launch an income generating business. In-person workshops are supported with on-demand e-learning to support the successful launch of your new venture. Distance- and in-person business coaching support your entrepreneurial process as we guide you through core business principles and startup best practices. This class is only available in-person and when attendance minimums have been met. Please contact us if you are interested in this in-person class option.
What Now?
Your class will start the Monday after tuition is paid. After you receive your SEAP approval, you pay tuition online. (We use PayPal and PayPal can accept most forms of payment. If you prefer, we can email you an invoice. That is especially useful for academic institutions or funders paying tuition for their students.) Once tuition is processed, your class and all necessary documentation will be emailed to you at your preferred email address. Your Welcome Email includes all you need for your class and the textbook information (you still need to buy your book on Amazon). Once you complete the online video based training (12 hours of video over 22 modules that coincide with the Guides from the book then we meet for personalized coaching to help you meet your goals. Students usually meet with me no more frequent than every three weeks (there is some science to that). Some students never need me at all - your choice, not mine. The class is that good.
