Business Training and Consulting Services Expanded in Benzie and Manistee Counties

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2013

Media Contact:         Dan Boss, Program Publicity Specialist
                                    231-929-5047 or danboss@nwm.cog.mi.us

 

 

Business Training and Consulting Services Expanded in Benzie and Manistee Counties

 

MANISTEE, MI - Business owners and individuals considering self-employment will learn how to develop a business plan and start a business in two workshops offered by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) and the Alliance for Economic Success in Manistee. Both workshops will be taught by Betsy Evans, the new SBTDC Business Consultant in Benzie and Manistee counties.

 

Evans has Bachelor of Science degrees in Environmental Engineering and Teaching from Michigan Technological University. Her work experience includes environmental engineering; real estate; former owner of Nugent Ace Hardware; and current owner of Fortress Security in Benzonia. Evans is also on the Board of Trustees of Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital.

 

Evans will teach a Business Start Up workshop September 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Alliance for Economic Success, 395 Third Street in Manistee. The workshop will help aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options, and business planning will be introduced, along with necessary steps to getting started. 

 

There is no charge to attend the workshop but pre-registration is required at: northwestmichiganbusiness.com. For more information contact Sharon Gordon at: 231-922-3780 or sharongordon@nwm.cog.mi.us.

 

Evans will also teach "Venture Plan: Six Week Business Plan," which will start September 18 and meet for three hours every Wednesday through October 30 except for October 23. The classes will run from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Alliance for Economic Success located at 395 Third Street in Manistee.

 

“Most business owners never get around to writing a business plan because they just don’t know where to start,” said Mary Rogers, SBTDC Regional Director. “This class takes the pressure off how to write the plan and creates a systematic process with a six week deadline for results.”

 

The intense, six-week class is for highly motivated early-stage business owners creating a business plan. Participants will meet weekly with Evans and will spend time developing a winning business plan that will include start up costs, cash flow projections, market research, marketing strategy, and more. Expert guest speakers will join the class each week to share their many successes and failures of owning and operating their own small businesses, and to offer encouragement and insight to people taking the class. Participants may also meet with Evans outside of class for individualized work on their business plan.

 

"Venture Plan: Six Week Business Plan” costs $90 per participant and requires a non-refundable pre-payment. Registration and payment information is available online at: northwestmichiganbusiness.com. For more information contact Sharon Gordon at: 231-922-3780 or sharongordon@nwm.cog.mi.us.

 

The MI-SBTDC is a statewide business assistance program that provides one-on-one counseling, training and research support for Michigan small businesses. The Northwest Michigan Regional office is hosted by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.

 

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