Workshops Detail Business Plan Writing Process

nwi-sbdcThe Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center opens its business plan writing workshop with Session 1 from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 17 at the Purdue University Calumet Academic Learning Center, 9900 Connecticut Drive, in Room 233.

The session focuses on the first steps to moving forward with a business idea. Facilitator Todd Dickard will outline mission and goal setting, plan development strategies, market analysis and company description details.

Participants will be guided through the business plan writing process with topic-focused sessions that continue on the next three consecutive Saturdays: Sept. 24 and Oct. 1 and 8. Attendees can choose to participate in the series as a whole or only individual workshops.

The cost is $175 for all four sessions or $50 per session. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register, contact the NWI SBDC at 219-644-3513 or register online at http://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com, click on training events, choose Northwest under centers and follow the instructions.

Session 2 focuses on competitive assessment and sales. Session 3 showcases the operating plan and how entrepreneurs should organize. The final session concentrates on financing and cash flow.

Serving seven counties, the NWI SBDC offers free assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.

For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.