Time to start your own business?
Learn how through classes at Community Action Partnership

March 12, 2009 - According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Dayton reported year-to-year quarterly job losses for 32 consecutive quarters through the fourth quarter of 2008. This is the longest streak of job losses among the nation’s 100 largest metro areas. The fourth quarter of 2000 was the last time Dayton added jobs from the previous year.

During times of rising unemployment, many people look to become self-employed. The number of self-employed persons increased in the early 1980s. However, the current recession includes a very tight credit market making it difficult for new businesses to get bank loans.

Even so, many people wish to pursue starting a business. Running a small business is challenging enough in a strong economy. In tough times, small business owners must pay close attention to planning, inventory, budgeting and marketing. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, business startups most often fail because of insufficient capital, lack of management experience, poor inventory management and poor planning.

The Community Action Partnership’s Micro-Enterprise Business Development and Training Program is helping prospective entrepreneurs start on the path to success. The first step is a solid business plan, says LaSandra Wright, Director of Micro Enterprise and Computer Literacy for the Community Action Partnership.

“It’s hard work to create a good business plan, especially if you are going into a new career field or perhaps trying to turn a hobby into a business,” says Wright. “However, we’ve found that people who don’t finish a business plan don’t make it.”
The Micro-Enterprise Business Development and Training Program teaches students to write a business plan from which they can start a small or home-based business. Experienced bankers, accountants and other business professionals teach managerial skills, marketing concepts and other information needed to start and grow a business. A computer lab is available for researching business topics and childcare is available on-site. Individuals completing a business plan may be eligible to apply for a low-interest loan.

The next ten-week class session begins Thursday, April 9 and continues through Thursday, June 11. Classes meet on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Community Action Partnership office, 719 S. Main St. in Dayton. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To pre-register, or for more information, contact micro@cap-dayton.org or (937) 341-5000, ext. 125.