Are you ready to grow or start your business?

Mountain BizWorks has developed “Lighthouse: Business Planning Essentials,” an innovative training designed to light the pathway to entrepreneurial success. Mountain BizWorks and the Jackson/Swain County Extension Center are partnering to offer the day long retreat on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Nantahala Village Resort.

For more information, contact Ashley Epling at 828-253-2834 ext. 27 or ashley@mountainbizworks.org.

Lighthouse guides business owners through an intense one-day training that covers critical business planning concepts. It is steeped in essential content needed for a successful business venture. Participants will study start-up, expansion and overhead costs, profit goals, cash flow, marketing, licensing and more. Attendees will also learn about the requirements of entrepreneurship and receive direct, supportive feedback on business ideas. Individuals starting or operating agricultural enterprises will receive an additional industry-specific resource packet.

“This class has been an eye-opening experience and gives me focus and direction,” said one Barnardsville participant.

Entrepreneurs who take time to build a business plan are better prepared to respond to the issues and challenges they will face in their businesses. Both prospective and current entrepreneurs can learn from this one-day intensive session.

Retreat participants will also enjoy valuable savings on lodging at Nantahala Village when mentioning the retreat. Within minutes of the resort, find whitewater rafting, canopy tours, trout streams and miles of hiking and biking trails.

With its long history of supporting successful business start-ups and expansions, Mountain BizWorks offers powerful resources, which are especially helpful in today’s economic environment. Mountain BizWorks staff work across Western North Carolina bringing courses, one-on-one coaching and lending opportunities to entrepreneurs.

– article submitted by Carol Lynn Jackson