'Opportunity knocks' for entrepreneurs at Ivy Tech's BES Center

Ivy Tech Business and Entrepreneurial Services Center (BES Center), located on Ivy Tech's Greencastle campus, is partnering with the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Corporation (ISBDC) and the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce to announce the launch of a series of programs called "Opportunity Knocks."

The suite of programs was created to develop and enhance the business skills of individuals who are interested in starting a business, formalizing a business plan or developing a growth plan for an existing business.

For start-ups and innovators, the BES Center's "Starting Point" mini-workshop "is the opportunity to introduce and evaluate the first steps of a new venture," BES Center Director Ken Eitel said.

"This one-hour workshop is available to career changers, students, innovators, retirees and dreamers by appointment and provides a measurement of preparedness," Eitel added.

There is no charge for the Starting Point mini-workshop.

The heart of the Opportunity Knocks program is a series of four seminars to support starting and/or growing a business. The seminars cover how to build a strong foundation, develop and research your business venture, find your customer base and the essentials of business accounting.

Observing the importance of the seminar series to new businesses, Heather Strohm, regional director of WC-ISBDC, said, "The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates roughly 50 percent of small businesses fail within the first five years and with proper planning before opening your doors will drastically increase the chances of success. Existing businesses wanting to revisit their operational models or grow will also benefit from the seminar series."

The first seminar, Launch Your Own Business, is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $25 per seminar.

Subsequent seminars will meet in March, April and May with mini-workshops available monthly.

Interested persons may contact Brandy Anderson at Ivy Tech's BES Center by calling 653-7410 Ext. 5031 with questions or to register.