Workshop Outlines Initial Steps to Business Ownership

nwi-sbdcThe Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center is presenting its Launch Your Own Business Workshop: A Sound and Proven Path from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday June 25 at the Regional Development Center, 1757 Thornapple Circle.

The workshop focuses on new entrepreneurs and aims to help them evaluate their business ideas, prepare a sound business plan, manage expectations and increase chances of accessing capital.

Workshop topics include: identifying personal objectives, skills and resources; describing your business idea and requirements; developing a sales forecast; identifying start-up expenses; estimating your operating budget; and analyzing your feasibility results.

The cost of the workshop is $25 and pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register, visit www.nwisbdc.org, click on seminars and events, the workshop, and follow instructions or call (219) 644-3513.

The workshop is based on the ISBDC's A Sound and Proven Path Towards Launching Your Own Business Workbook, available at all ISBDC offices. A free copy of this 60-page step-by-step workbook will be distributed to participants and used during the class.

Following the course, NW-ISBDC advisers will be available for no-cost one-on-one business consulting, which includes market research and financial diagnostic reports, to help new entrepreneurs implement their strategic plans and provide ongoing guidance as they grow their businesses.

Beyond in-person seminars, potential entrepreneurs can also follow a self-guided workshop online via the Web site for $25. Visit www.nwisbdc.org and click on “Seminars & Events” in the right upper corner and “Online Classes.”

Serving seven counties in the region, the NW-ISBDC offers no-cost assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.

For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.