Business development courses available through extension

I have mentioned earlier about our plan of work process that was used to identify needs related to the six state program areas. These are agriculture and natural resources, business development, community development, 4-H youth development, human environmental sciences, and continuing education.

Locally, the plan of work development process identified a number of issues that citizens will be looking to MU for programming, support and expertise. The Dunklin County program plan has been reviewed by the Extension Council and local program efforts are now under way.

During our planning process several themes were constantly being discussed as being important for educating our citizens. In the area of business development, two themes mentioned often were starting a new business and planning for business growth.

Our regional business development specialist, Richard Proffer, headquartered in the Cape Girardeau County Extension Office in Jackson, has planned three business development programs that will be held in Dunklin County in October and early November.

These are the "Listening to your Business (How to Envision and Plan for Your Business Growth," October 25 at the Bootheel Education Center 700 N. Douglass, Malden, 6 p.m.-9:30 pm; "Starting a Small Business: The First Steps" on October 26, Southern Missouri Bank, 301 First Street, Kennett, 8:30-11:30 am; and on November 7 at the Kennett Higher Education Center-Kennett, 1230 First Street, room 111, there will be an employee retention program in conjunction with the Missouri Training Institute and Southeast Missouri State University Small Business Development Center.

The Listening to Your Business program will help you to evaluate and measure your personal as well as business strategies for growth. This course is specifically designed for entrepreneurs and business managers. Those attending will walk away with practical methods to (1) determine your three year vision, (2) determine your business life cycle, (3) use planning tools to help you grow, and (4) to plan for the growth transition for your business. The cost is $50, late registration after October 20 is $75 (materials and refreshments included in the fee).

The Starting a Small Business: the First Steps is a three-hour program that will provide an overview of the critical first steps in starting a business. It is designed specifically for those thinking about starting a new business venture. Participants will assess their strengths and weaknesses in terms of business ownership, learn about the importance of planning, discuss legal and regulatory requirements, and identify sources of funding. At the end of the program, you will be able to (1) identify resources that will assist you in starting a business in Missouri, (2) identify areas in which you need additional training or assistance for the operation of your business, and (3) find out if business ownership is for you. The cost of this program is $30. Late registration after October 20 is $40. The fees include materials and refreshments.

The employee retention program is a 3-hour program. Organizations are comprised of three components: their product or service, their financial assets, and their employees. Employers will learn methods to reduce new employee turnover. The cost of this program will be $50. Late registration after November 3 will be $75. The fee includes materials and refreshments.

To register for these programs or for more information, call Richard Proffer at the Cape Girardeau Extension Center at (573) 243-3581. Registration for the Listening to Your Business and Starting a Small Business can be completed online at www.missouribusiness.net.

University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all.

Dr. Michael R. Milam is an agronomy specialist and county program director for University of Missouri Extension in Dunklin County.