The first in a series of training and certification opportunities for Natchitoches Parish residents, will begin on Monday, June 17 through the Southern University Agricultural Research Center community outreach program.

Small business development will be the initial training session. This session will provide a thorough outline on the scope of a small business, a step-by-step process on how to become a small business owner, funding, growth and retention points.

The four sessions will be taught in a state-of-the-art mobile (bus) unit from Southern University and land-based demonstrations in the classrooms in the H.B. Barnum Educational and Life Development Annex at First Baptist Church, 1116 Amulet Street. For information regarding the effort, contact: The Rev. Thomas Carter, Sr. at the church, 318-352-3314.