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Lee County, IA – BizStart is an eight-week program that helps participants develop a business plan.
Community Action of Southeast Iowa is developing the program so it can be offered to similar organizations throughout Iowa.
CASI's Ben Diewold says there are about a dozen people taking part in BizStart in Burlington. He says the classes will get started in Lee County on Oct. 12.
Diewold says the idea is to encourage and prepare potential entrepreneurs.
"Starting a business, there are no guarantees that anyone will be successful," says Diewold. "All we can do is walk them through a business plan and the business plan will tell them if that is a feasible business."
Diewold says business consulting will also be offered after the eight-week program.
Participants must meet certain income guidelines. Someone in a four-person household would have to make less than $66,150 to qualify.
There is also a $79 fee for materials.
Participants must also attend an orientation session.
Sept. 28 - LCEDG Community Room - Montrose - 6:00 p.m.
Oct. 2 - Fort Madison Public Library - 11:30 a.m.
The actual BizStart classes will take place for eight consecutive Tuesdays, starting Oct. 12. The classes will be held in Montrose from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Diewold says he should be contacted about attending the orientation sessions. He can be reached at (866) 251-7480 or ben.diewold@caofseia.org.