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

If you’re thinking about starting your own business, you might want to ask yourself the following questions: How do you solve problems? How do you manage time? How do you handle stress? What will be unique or different about your business?

How you answer these and other questions can make the difference between success and failure. 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 of the Greater Dayton Area.

“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 goals of the Micro-Enterprise Business Development and Training Program are to provide motivated and committed entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive business training, and obtain needed start-up capital and technical assistance,” says Wright.

The next ten-week class session begins Thursday, Sept. 10 and continues through Thursday, Nov. 12. 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. Visit www.capdayton.org/programsinyourcommunity/montgomerycounty/business_ development.html for more information. Space is limited and preregistration is required. To pre-register, contact micro@capdayton.org or (937) 341-5000, ext. 125.