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Entrepreneur and Small Business Training Program

Goal: Promote sustainable healthy economic development through direct assistance to local entrepreneurs in learning the tools of the trade required to successfully launch and grow their small business concepts.

 

According to Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation in a statement in October of 2008, “More than 70 percent of voters say the health of the economy depends on the success of entrepreneurs, and a full 80 percent want to see the government use its resources to actively encourage entrepreneurship in America." The Entrepreneur Training Program is designed to help entrepreneurs and existing small business owners learn the steps needed to achieve their business development goals. The program is evaluated annually for modification and customization to the unique needs of the Maricopa business community.

 

Small Business Basics Training: Geared towards retail and service providers.

Are you a current or aspiring small business that would like to refine your skills for success? The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Maricopa, is providing a comprehensive program of critical skills training to the local small business community.

• WHEN: February 6 - March 9, 2012
• CONTENT: Course content includes comprehensive website development, marketing A-Z, finance and grant strategies, and planning for growth.
• COST: There is no direct cost to participants, and no requirement of Chamber membership. Any current or prospective business, with preference given to local businesses with licenses to operate in the city, are welcome to participate. Admission is first come, first serve.
• HOW TO ENROLL: Space is limited. Sign Up Online Today or contact the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce at 520-568-9573 for more details.

Tech Business Accelerator Program: Designed for specific industry types.

This advanced workshop series is geared towards current and developing founders/CEOs of businesses that are hardware, software, e-commerce, clean-tech or biotech based.

• WHEN: January - March 2012 (Jan. 9, 23; Feb. 6, 27: March 12)
• CONTENT: In addition to monthly workshops, 1:1 entrepreneurship coaching will be provided on an appointment basis for enrollees. Training will be provided by Stealthmode Partners and facilitated by the Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA).
• COST: There is no direct cost to participants. Participation is by application only as workshops are limited to businesses in the sectors described above that can provide a website or prepared executive summary of business operations for review.
• HOW TO ENROLL: Email jim@MaricopaEDA.com for an application form, and get more info about the program ONLINE.

Past Programs

In 2009/10, the program saw 29 participant graduates and the creation of eight permanent jobs with a total annual payroll of $260,000. The 2010/11 program has also seen significant success, graduating 23 businesses and creating an anticipated 18 new jobs in the community and over $500,000 in projected gross revenue.

 

For more information on these training programs or for continuing education and/or mentorship assistance, contact the City of Maricopa Economic Development Office at economicdevelopment@maricopa-az.gov or call 520/316.6990.