East Orange Entrepreneurs Boost Financial Fitness at Thrive Leadership Institute Workshop
Jersey Desk/10297092

EAST ORANGE, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- East Orange business owners gathered tonight for a high-impact workshop titled "Financial Fitness for Business Owners," a featured session in the Thrive Leadership Institute's Professional Development Workshop Series. Facilitated by Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc., in partnership with financial expert Chevonne "Fazia" Cheatam, MBA, EA of Ultimate Financial Services, the workshop provided small business owners with actionable strategies to strengthen their financial management skills and secure long-term growth.

Designed with Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) entrepreneurs in mind, the workshop focused on core financial competencies often overlooked in the daily hustle of running a business: budgeting, cash flow management, expense tracking, cost-cutting techniques, and forecasting for future growth.

"Entrepreneurs don't just need vision—they need a financial system that keeps the vision alive," said Anna D. Banks, MAS, CHBC, Founder and Managing Director of Thrive Leadership Institute, Inc. "This workshop was about giving our business community the tools to take control of their numbers and create sustainability and success—not just survival."

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Chevonne "Faiza" Cheatam delivered an engaging, step-by-step presentation that helped participants understand how to:

• Create and maintain a realistic, goal-aligned business budget
• Track expenses and earnings effectively
• Adjust spending habits for improved profitability
• Manage cash flow to avoid shortfalls and maximize growth
• Forecast financial needs to plan confidently for the future

Participants also received insights on affordable tools and resources that can streamline operations, reduce overhead costs, and empower business decision-making.

"So informative and full of relevant insights! I'm leaving with real tools to fine-tune my business and plan for future success," said Jonathan Beckford, owner of Genesis Caribbean & American Restaurant, 333 Central Avenue, East Orange.

The workshop is part of Thrive's ongoing nine-week series, sponsored by the City of East Orange, the City Council, and the Office of Policy, Planning, and Economic Development, under the leadership of Mayor Ted R. Green. The initiative reflects the city's commitment to equipping local entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and skills that address the top challenges faced by urban businesses today.

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The next cohort of the Professional Development Workshop Series is scheduled for September 2025 and will continue to offer expert-led sessions on branding, leadership, customer experience, compliance, and financial literacy.

About Chevonne "Faiza" Cheatam, EA:
Chevonne "Faiza" Cheatam is the co-founder of Ultimate Financial Services, (www.myultimatefinancialservices.com) based in South Orange, NJ. As an Enrolled Agent (EA) and MBA, she helps entrepreneurs and individuals understand their financial landscape, minimize tax burdens, and plan for future growth. Known as "Your Favorite Tax Lady," she brings real-world clarity to financial strategy.