Capital One accepting applications for free small-business training program

Ten small businesses from the Baton Rouge area will receive seven months of free business development training from Capital One Bank under its “Getting Down to Business” program, and applications are being accepted now through March 28. The program, which began in 2010 and graduated its first two classes last year, will begin April 17, with meetings taking place every other Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Capital One’s downtown offices. The program’s 14-course curriculum—which focuses on topics including credit, budgeting, marketing, business plans, financing, accounting best practices, networking, insurance and more—was developed by Capital One bankers and several local partners in the business community. Participating businesses will be eligible to receive a $2,000 savings account match upon completion of the program. For information on how to apply to participate in the program, email Cheri Ausberry at cheri.ausberry@capitalone.com, or call her at 381-8636.