Class deals with business plan development

Business success depends less on bringing a good product to market than having the know-how to carry it through to profit. Failure to realize that is one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make, said Kathy Carrico, state training director for the Small Business Development Center.

"Even a simple business -- if you don't know things like how to file returns, keep consistent cash flow and work on the figures, it can go down," she said.

It's a growing concern in Carson City, where growth is bringing entrepreneurship, and business owners have questions. The center is starting a drive this year to teach local business people the ins and outs of building a business from idea to profitability.

The center, a partner of University of Nevada, Reno's business program, is offering a 14-week course in Carson City starting Jan. 29, and it is looking for students.

The class helps entrepreneurs develop business plans with instruction by guest lecturers and professional instruction. It is scheduled to meet every Tuesday from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Western Nevada Community College campus at a cost of $350. A textbook and workbook are included in the cost.

"We've had a lot of people driving up to Reno for classes, so we know there is a need for it in Carson," said Kathy Halbardier, owner of Tahoe Ridge Winery and one of the center's advisers. "We want to get the word out to people that we are here as a resource."

After three years operating mostly in Reno, the center is spreading into more rural areas. In addition to offering the Carson City class, Halbardier is periodically available for business consultation at the Chamber of Commerce offices at Fairview and Carson streets and has plans to expand to the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe chambers.

With the class students get specific instruction where traditional academia leaves off. Professionals talk about their experiences in dealing with things like government bureaucracy, capital acquisition and payroll. It's presented in an interactive setting, so students benefit from each other's knowledge and ask instructors about specific issues.

"You want to teach the curriculum, but you don't want to focus strictly on the curriculum," Carrico said. "You want that interaction."

She said during the course, even seasoned business professionals find themselves changing their business plans as their knowledge grows. The class is open to anyone interested in entrepreneurship.

Enrollment is limited to 28 students. For information call 784-6879.