Features Editor

Opportunity is knocking in Pike County and entrepreneurs and business owners just might want to open the door.

This is an opportunity that doesn’t come around often, and to miss it, might cause regret down the road.

A small business training series is being offered by the Troy State University Small Business Development Center (TSU-SBDC), South Alabama Electric Cooperative and the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, beginning Aug. 21.

The program, NxLeveL Business Start-Up Training, has been very successful in other communities around the area, said Janet Kervin, director TSU-SBDC.

"Everywhere the training series has been offered, it has received high marks for its outstanding curriculum and its relevance to both entrepreneurs and to owners of existing businesses," Kervin said.

The 10-week training series is a comprehensive course geared toward assisting entrepreneurs with developing a business plan for the day-to-day operation of the business and securing financing for the business.

"The NxLeveL Business Start-Up Training is designed to teach the skills needed to create, develop and strengthen successful business ventures," Kervin said. "It addresses the special needs of entrepreneurs by providing a practical, hands-on and common sense approach to developing their business. It is also a great opportunity for business owners to define or redefine their business plan. The curriculum is outstanding – the best I’ve ever seen for small business development."

The keys to any successful business are hard work and careful planning.

"This training program leaves no stones unturned," Kervin said. "The NxLeveL training program was developed by the Western Entrepreneurial Network at the University of Colorado. The training materials and curriculum are based on the feedback from more than 4,000 entrepreneurs in 12 states who have taken entrepreneurial training courses over the past two years."

The TSU-SBDC will provide the training Tuesdays from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m., beginning Aug. 21, at the South Alabama Electric Cooperative on Highway 231 south of Troy. Training is provided in 10 weekly sessions.

"Because of downsizing at Fort Rucker, we were able to get federal funding for the training series," Kervin said. "The program will be available at a reduced cost of $100 per participant. The fee is normally $500, so this is no only a good opportunity, it is a good deal."

The $100 fee includes the cost of the textbook, workbook and resources guide. Seating is limited and reserved for the first 25 paid attendees. Deadline for registering is Aug. 17.

Contact the TSU-SBDC at (334) 670-3771 for additional information or to register.