Business Plan Workshop scheduled for Sept. 21

SIDNEY -- Businesses have a better success if the owner, entrepreneur, has an objective or plan.

Business owners, or those with an idea but no idea or to start, are invited to a Business Plan Workshop Thursday, September 21.

"We are hosting a Business Plan Workshop next Thursday, September 21, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Sidney WNCC campus, located in the I & E (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) Center, which is right outside of my office. What that is, a few things: it's an opportunity to meet some resource partners, and then an opportunity to work on your business plan," said E3 Navigator Alisha Juelfs. 

Resource partners will include WNCC and a talk on the advantages of the I & E Center, including free rent for office space. One of the requirements to be considered for office space at the I & E Center is the applicant must have a business plan. Juelfs said taking part in the I & E Center requires a business plan. Nebraska Business Development Center will also be at the Business Plan Workshop with two representatives. 

"The service that they provide to Nebraska businesses is a platform to write your business plan called 'Life Plan' and they're going to give a demo on what that looks like. It only takes a few minutes to get registered. After that, you have a web log-in, and you can work on your business plan anywhere," she said.

The college's computer lab will be reserved for the event, and printed sheets -- business plan outlines -- will be available. 

Juelfs said the programs offered do not have to be used to write a business plan, but E3 does want the business community to know there are programs available. A representative from Grow Nebraska will also be in attendance to talk about a new grant for businesses that have been open five years or less. Juelfs said the grant is geared towards low to moderate income individuals. In addition, Cheyenne County Chamber President/CEO Toshia Jones will be in attendance to explain what the Chamber offers.