‘Starting Right’ program hitting the road

Wright State Lake Campus information

CONVOY — In collaboration with the Wright State University Business Enterprise Center, the “Starting Right” pre-business planning seminar designed to help individuals start a new business, will be offered at no charge on Tuesday, March 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Village Ministry Center in Convoy.

The two-hour workshop, designed to encourage new business development and job creation, is being sponsored by the County and City Loan Programs managed through the Ohio State University Extension/Van Wert County Community Development Office.

Each participant receives a “Starting Right” packet including legal, recordkeeping, tax and general business information.  A business plan questionnaire and cash flow projection worksheet is also included.  During the class, a business counselor provides an overview of the information as well as instruction on the basics of business ownership.

Those attending the class can use the information provided to participate in the annual Business Plan Challenge where budding entrepreneurs compete for business development funds, a Chamber membership, continued counseling and business courses.  A business counselor is available to offer guidance through this process and answer questions as necessary.  Personal business counseling services are free and no limit is placed on the number of appointments.  Business counselors assist with business financing for start-ups, business structure, planning and recordkeeping.

This introductory workshop is open to individuals interested in starting a business in Van Wert County and will be available at different locations throughout the spring.  Other workshops are scheduled to meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 8 at the Community Building in Middle Point, and on May 13 at the Village Hall in Ohio City.

Individuals can register by calling the Wright State University Business Enterprise Center at 419.232.2008 or the OSU Extension Van Wert County Community Development Office at 419.238.2999. The “Starting Right” pre-business planning seminar is also offered on the third Thursday of each month in Van Wert and Celina.