Mountain BizWorks will be offering a business training information meeting January 21 at the Cooperative Extension office in Columbus at 6 p.m.

Local residents can take advantage of the next business training sessions by attending an information session where participants will learn about crafting a solid business plan: developing a mission statement, estimating startup and overhead costs, setting profit goals, projecting cash flow, marketing, licensing and record keeping.

Mountain BizWorks is a non-profit organization that provides training, financing and opportunities through business development and capital.

The mission of Mountain BizWorks is to inspire entrepreneurs who have viable business ideas and the discipline to follow through and to build economic opportunities through business training and capital.

Mountain BizWorks has assisted many new business owners, but this session, although open to everyone, will have a special emphasis on agriculture.

Agricultural businesses can vary from on-the-ground farm operations to value added products and agritourism to services for the equestrian operations. An effort is being made to reconnect the residents and local businesses to an agricultural and economic heritage.

Since agriculture, including the equestrian operations, is the biggest business in Polk County, every effort should be made to enhance existing operations.

Finally with the current trends to buy local healthy foods and encourage small businesses, agriculture can prove the base for new business development. It is expected that the number of agribusinesses will increase over the next several years. Everyone that is interested in starting or expanding their business is encouraged to attend.

The business training is conducted in a peer group environment and the ideal training environment is to have a variety of business ideas so the feedback precipitants receive from one another is more comprehensive.

For more information or to register call Jo Ann Miksa-Blackwell at 828-894-5096.