UW-Stevens Point: Entrepreneurial training programs scheduled for central Wisconsin

A popular program that assists potential and existing entrepreneurs in preparing a solid business plan will be offered at several area locations this fall through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) will be offered in:

* Merrill – Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 13–Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., T. B. Scott Library

* Waupaca E-Seed program – Wednesdays, Sept. 15–Nov. 17, 6–9 p.m., Fox Valley Technical College Waupaca Regional Center

* Wausau – Wednesdays, Sept. 29–Nov. 17, 6–9 p.m., UWSP Center in downtown Wausau

* Stevens Point – Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 5–Nov. 11, 5–7 p.m., Wisconsin Learning Center in the Portage County Business Park.

Vicki Lobermeier, director of entrepreneurship at the SBDC since 1996, says the center is adding these ETPs at different locations and times of day to meet demand. She adds that the time may be right for consideration of the self-employment option.

“Entrepreneurship and self-employment are becoming options for some who have lost their jobs or who are having difficulty securing employment,” she said. “The timing is good for the training as the Department of Commerce funds 75 percent of the cost of the class for those who have approved applications and prepare a formal business plan upon class completion.” With the state subsidy, the class fee is only $250. There may be additional coverage of class costs from the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) through local workforce development offices.

Entrepreneurial training includes information presented by experts in legal structure, personnel, market identification and research, finance sources, cash flow budgeting and recordkeeping. The class assists entrepreneurs in starting new and growing existing businesses. The SBDC’s Entrepreneurial Training Program has quite a success record, says Lobermeier, with over 510 graduates and 280 businesses started or maintained.

Information and registration materials are available online at http://www.uwsp.edu/conted/sbdc or by calling Dorothy Snyder at 715-346-3838 or 800-898-9472.