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Start Your Own Business

Join us in a comprehensive program to support new entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in Watauga County. The Appalachian Regional Development Institute (ARDI), Watauga County business people and service providers, and the ASU Walker College of Business can help you gain basic management, marketing, and finance skills to develop a successful business. This program is designed to assist individual entrepreneurs and establish a long-term supportive culture for entrepreneurship and small business development. This includes forming a core group in the community, jump-starting a group of potential entrepreneurs, and creating an ongoing support structure. Mentoring and instruction will come from successful entrepreneurs and business experts. Key elements of the program to help you succeed include:

  • Training in entrepreneurship & basic business skills
  • Mentoring by successful local business people
  • Continuing networking opportunities & ongoing business strategy guidance

This program is offered at no cost to participants!!

Workshop Information

One of the core elements of this program is a series of workshops designed to help you organize and start your own business. These workshops are offered as a set and cannot be taken individually. All participants must attend the first meeting in order to successfully complete the course. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 25th, 2008.

All workshops are from 6-9 p.m. in the Appalachian Enterprise Center, on West King Street, 1/4 mile past the Watauga County Courthouse at the intersection of King Street and Poplar Grove Connector next to the Department of Human Services and the Senior Center.

Register Now!!

Business Idea Development

April 1, 2008
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
(Please plan to arrive at 5:45 p.m.)

The first workshop deals with discovery and evaluation of new business ideas and practical information about starting and operating a small business:

  • Assessing participant interests and skills
  • Discussing the pros and cons of entrepreneurship and self-employment
  • Evaluating business ideas
  • Reviewing business needs in the community

Key Elements of Running a Business

April 15th, 2008
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
(Please plan to arrive at 5:45 p.m.)

The second workshop includes the basic elements of running a business:

  • Production
  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Business Planning
  • Assessing Risk

Making It Happen!

May 6th, 2008
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
(Please plan to arrive at 5:45 p.m.)

The third workshop, including participants and their mentor teams, will present an overview of market analysis and business planning:

  • Reviewing the basic business plan components
  • Refining the business plan with participants and mentor teams
  • Identifying next steps to turn plans into viable businesses

Register Now!!

For more information or questions email Chilton Rogers or call her at (828) 262-6662 or email Joe Furman or call him at (828) 265-8043