ND SBDC Venture Launch Series Announced for 2010
by SBDC Staff Posted on 12/9/2009
The Fargo SBDC Regional Center is kicking off a new series of start-up business training events titled Venture Launch starting in February of 2010.
"When we took a serious look at today's economic times and considered the options available to the unemployed and self-employed we saw a gap." says Donovan Wadholm the Regional Director and Venture Launch founder. "While there are one on one services and individual training events for entrepreneurs, there isn't a single event that will take you from 'I have an idea' to 'I'm in business'."
The Venture Launch series is targeted to those entrepreneurs who are ready to take control of their own economic future. Using skills and ideas they already have to create a plan of action that includes the tools and resources needed to be successful.
"This series is not about starting another restaurant or retail store, although those attendees would also benefit from the event," notes Donovan, "it's about test marketing new ideas for products or services without diving off the deep end, financially speaking. It really aimed at self-employment, micro businesses and small business alike."
To that end technology companies are also a target with a separate series called "Tech Venture Launch" that is planned to be offered in the later part of 2010. The Tech Launch program will be aimed at software engineers, programmers, and IT professionals. During the events teams are formed and beta prototypes will be started and after the event the team leader will be able to continue on the idea and their team members if they choose.
"I believe our mission statement conveys what this program is all about; 'To develop and launch successful business ventures that build wealth, empower entrepreneurs, and employ people in the process.'
In other words, we are all about starting businesses that will create not only a salary for the entrepreneur but also build companies that will create jobs and grow our local economy in the years to come.
