A popular program that assists potential and existing entrepreneurs in preparing a solid business plan will be offered in Merrill at the T. B. Scott Library this fall through the Lincoln County UW-Extension and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The Merrill ETP class will be taught by Art Lersch, Community Natural Resources and Economic Development Agent for Lincoln County Extension. Sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 13-Oct. 13, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., T. B. Scott Library.

Vicki Lobermeier, director of entrepreneurship at the SBDC since 1996, says the time may be right for consideration of the self employment option.

“Entrepreneurship and self employment are becoming options for some who have lost their jobs or who are having difficulty securing employment,” she said. “The timing is good for the training as the Department of Commerce funds 75 percent of the cost of the class for those who have approved applications and prepare a formal business plan upon class completion.” With the state subsidy, the class fee is only $250. There may be additional coverage of class costs from the Workforce Investment Act through local workforce development offices or Job Centers.

Guest speakers from the community will share their expertise on entrepreneurship, including legal structure, personnel, market identification and research, finance sources, cash flow budgeting and record keeping. The class assists entrepreneurs in starting new and growing existing businesses. The SBDC’s Entrepreneurial Training Program has quite a success record, says Lobermeier, with over 510 graduates and 280 businesses started or maintained.

Information and registration materials are available online at www.uwsp.edu/conted/sbdc or by calling Dorothy Snyder at 715-346-3838 or 800-898-9472.