LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - More than 100 potential entrepreneurs gathered in person and online Tuesday night to learn about planning a successful small business.
The “VIP: Very Important Planning Small Business Academy,” presented by the Ohio Small Business Development Centers at Rhodes State College, is a six-week business development educational series. During the first session, the focus centered on the idea of being an entrepreneur, including traits, expectations and requirements.
Over the next several weeks, instructors will cover finances, marketing strategies, and profit and risk analysis. Students will use those lessons to craft their own business plans at the end of the program, all intended to carve a pathway to success.
"Businesses with business plans are 30% more successful than businesses that don't have one. Small businesses are the economic engines of our communities, and without small businesses, our communities can't thrive- and that's one of the reasons why we want to empower success," says Nicole Scott, Director, Small Business Development Centers at Rhodes State College.
After completing the series, participants can enter the “PitchFest” competition for a chance to receive grant funding to begin or build upon a business initiative. Scott also says it is not too late to join the Small Business Academy series. Call (419) 995-8172 if you are interested.
