Got an idea for a business? Want to turn a hobby or a new product into something more? Lycoming College and the Industrial Modernization Center will host a series of workshops in January and February to help young entrepreneurs develop business plans as a first step on the way to starting a new business.
"We know that there are people in the Williamsport area with great, creative ideas for new businesses and we want to make sure we give these people every chance to succeed," says James Shillenn, director of the IMC. "These workshops are free, and those attending will receive very personal, hands-on attention."
Members of the Lycoming College faculty will lead a series of five hands-on workshops designed to help people who may be thinking about starting a business turn their ideas into workable plans.
"These sessions are designed for anyone with an inkling of a product idea who wants to make it into a reality," according to Bonita Kolb, assistant professor of business at Lycoming, who will be leading the workshops. "We can help people put together the kind of business plan that they can literally take to the bank."
The workshop will talk about product definition; competition; consumer segmentation; marketability; promotion and start-up funding; including revenue, cost and capital estimates. While all business ideas are welcomed, emphasis will be placed on developing small manufacturing-oriented or product-based businesses. Those who complete the workshops will be referred to additional sources of assistance and finance to take the next step in their business development.
The dates for this month's workshops are Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Each workshop will start at 6:30 p.m. and will be held in the first-floor conference center of the faculty wingof the Academic Center at Lycoming College. Anyone interested in starting a new business is welcome to attend. To reserve a space, please contact Anne Landon at 321-4257 or by e-mail.