Take Your First Step To Becoming an Entrepreneur

Free Start Your Own Business Workshop Series Begins in Boone October 6, Registration Deadline October 2

Story by Sam Calhoun

Have you ever thought about starting your own business, but didn’t know where to start? Working for yourself can open a new world of possibilities, including financial independence, flexibility in scheduling and the ability to make a living doing something that you enjoy. The ASU Center for Entrepreneurship, Watauga County and the Committee of 100 are collaborating to help open the door to that world of possibilities through the Start Your Own Business Workshop Series, which begins Tuesday, October 6. Admission is free.

The workshop series is open to anyone wanting to start or grow his or her own business. All workshops take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Appalachian Enterprise Center, located at 190 Poplar Grove Connector in Boone. Participants are asked to attend all workshops to complete the series. Space is limited to the first 30 registrants.

The registration deadline is Friday, October 2. For more information, email James Perez at perezje@appstate.edu or call 828-262-7747. Online registration is available by clicking to www.business.appstate.edu/syobwatauga. Information brochures are available at area businesses, banks, community centers or grocery stores. Fax the registration section of the brochure to 828-265-8685.

The workshop series is part of the Rural Entrepreneurial Outreach program, designed to support and develop local entrepreneurs, small businesses and the community. Two entrepreneurship professors from ASU’s Walker College of Business developed the course material, which will be taught by ASU faculty and staff.

The workshop schedule begins on Tuesday, October 6, with Business Idea Development. The workshop will help participants evaluate the pros and cons of entrepreneurship and focus on business idea development. Participants will create and assess various business ideas according to their skills and interests along with how the ideas align with the needs of the community.

The series continues on Tuesday, October 20, with Key Elements of Running a Business. During the course, attendees will learn about the key components of running a business, such as human resource management, marketing, finance, planning and risk analysis, and begin developing their own business strategy and plan.

The series concludes on Tuesday, November 3, with Making It Happen. The course will teach attendees how to put knowledge, ideas and skills to work to start their own business. Participants will learn how to assess markets with the help of existing entrepreneurs and community leaders. Each participant will be paired with a mentor who will review and give constructive feedback on business plan drafts.

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