OXFORD,
Miss. – In this tough economy, it might seem risky to think of starting
a business. But for those who are ready to be their own boss and are
confident leaders, the Mississippi Small Business Development Center at
the University of Mississippi has scheduled seminars during January to
help make those dreams a reality.
Two First Steps seminars, scheduled on the UM campus and in Tupelo, offer participants information on starting a new business, including financial projections and needs, collateral, personal financial statements, business loan application procedures and business plan outlines. A third seminar on writing a business plan is scheduled in Jackson.
The First Steps sessions are scheduled for Jan. 6, 1-2:30 p.m., SBDC at B19 Jeanette Phillips Drive at UM-Oxford; and Jan. 7, 6:30-8 p.m., at 398 East Main St. in Tupelo. The first session is led by Don Fischer, SBDC director and business counselor; Frank Wiebe, SBDC business counselor, leads the second session.
First Steps is more important now than ever, said Lynn Sykes, SBDC business counselor.
“For people who want to start their own business, especially in this economy, need cautioning with regard to availability of money, market determination and various other aspects of small business startups,” Sykes said.
The Jackson seminar on how to write a business plan is scheduled Jan. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Jackson State University. SBDC business counselor Henry Thomas will discuss the step-by-step process of testing the viability of the business venture, writing the marketing, organizational plans, executive summary and mission statements. The program benefits new and existing businesses.
Interested participants can register online at http://www.mssbdc.org, by calling 662-915-1291 or e-mailing umsbdc@olemiss.edu.
For more information, go to http://www.mssbdc.org.