A local incubator space is launching a new program aimed at the most nascent entrepreneurs as part of an effort to make Camden a competitor to Philadelphia in the startup space.

Camden CoLab is teaming up with one of its tenants, the nonprofit Hopeworks 'N Camden, to offer a six-week course for budding members of the business community.

Set to start in April, the curriculum is open to applicants who are at "phase zero."

"They have a concept," explained Suzanne Zammit, the CoLab's executive director. "Now they are ready to learn what they need to do to get that business started."

"They could be 16. They could be 96," added Dan Rhoton, executive director of Hopeworks, a youth development nonprofit that offers education programs in technology and entrepreneurship. "Are you ready both mentally and commitment-wise to take this next step to starting your own business?"

"Camden is the next tech hub," Rhoton said. "The location is there. The real estate is there."

With the two nonprofits' new joint course and Hopeworks' established programs that teach youths ages 14- to 23-years-old website design, GIS visualization tools, and customer and sales development, Rhoton says the various curriculum will help entrepreneurs launch new businesses and prepare their future employees.

To learn more about Camden's plans to become a tech hub, click here: https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/morning