Series focuses on starting small business
October 2, 2008
Jamie Busen
Have what it takes to
start your own business?
If so, then
Registration has begun
for its REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) Entrepreneurship
Small Business Series, which will begin Oct. 13.
Co-sponsored by the
Great River Economic Development Foundation and the
Instructor Brad Hoyt
attended a one-week institute by REAL Entrepreneurship to qualify to teach the
program. The course content was designed by REAL Entrepreneurship, a not-for-profit
organization offering hands-on, experiential classes in 44 states.
Participants will
assess their interests and skills, identify and develop necessary business
skills, analyze the local community and the economy for small business
opportunities, and prepare a comprehensive business plan that includes a
marketing plan and financial projections.
“This is a new way at
getting out old information,” Hoyt said. “The focus of our series is flexibility
and self-discovery.” He said the hope was to have attendees walk out with concrete
action plans.
“Hopefully this will
either solidify people’s decisions to start their own business ... or talk them
out of it,” he said.
People contemplating opening a business could
benefit from all sessions, Hoyt said. Those who are already established might
want to visit one or a few, he said.
“That’s the beauty of
it,” he said. “This curriculum has been designed to work in a variety of
different ways.” Over time, he said, he expects the series to turn into something
more.
“We’re trying to make a
commitment to have it every semester and build upon it,” he said.