SBDC Offers Training for Entrepreneurs

April 26th, 2018

Did you start a business, but have no idea how to create a business plan? Do you have a business idea, but not know how to make it a reality? If you answered yes to either question, then the Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) just might be for you! The ETP is offered by the Wisconsin Small Business Development Center at UW campuses statewide, and it provides the tools you need for business idea testing and business model improvement. Through instruction, guest speakers and coaching, the course serves those who are considering starting a business, owners of existing businesses and those who want to grow their companies.

Reasons to take the course:

- Form and maintain lasting relationships and support with classmates that goes far beyond the classroom

- Answer the question “Will people buy my product or service?”

- Appeal to more customers

- Quickly develop a business plan to show investors and lenders

- Use time and money in smarter ways

- Start a new enterprise

- Learn more about how to run your business

- Create a solid strategy for increasing sales and/or profits

The 10-week course is held at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Hudson Center (2501 Hanley Rd, Hudson) and is offered in the spring and fall.

Sessions will include:

- Business model canvas: Develop your business model

- Empathy map: Get to know your customer segment

- Customer development: Test your business with customers

- Bridging the gap: Proof of concept to business plan

- Analysis: Industry and competitive

- Operations: creating the framework

- Marketing: Target market and marketing plan

- Finance: Startup costs and projections

As far as the cost of the course, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is offering qualified applicants Entrepreneurial Training Grants that cover most of the $1,000 course fee. The grant covers 75% of the tuition, reducing your cost to $250. Click here to apply for the ETP grant online.

Grant recipients must meet attendance requirements, complete a business plan by six months after start of course and participate in at least one hour of no-cost business consulting with the Small Business Development Center providing the course.

(This article was reprinted with permission from the SBDC and River Towns)

For more information, feel free to check out the UW-River Falls SBDC website (http://www.wisconsinsbdc.org/riverfalls/attend/etp) or contact the Entrepreneurial Training Program instructor, Katherine Fossler.

Email: katherine.fossler@uwrf.edu

Phone: 715-425-0620