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Taking Applications
Calling all budding business owners!
Main Street Ottumwa has created an eight-class Business Fundamentals course covering the basic aspects of business. Learn from the experts in our community who are passionate about helping you build the business of your dreams.
We'll take you through the process of creating a business plan and elevator pitch. Talk to a banker about what you need to get approved for financing, a lawyer about protecting yourself from bad business structure and how to properly market your business. We'll hear from a local Accountant and an Insurance Agent to help you feel informed about what kind of coverage you need.
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Important: The Business Builder Academy is for you if you have been in business less than three years or if you have been in a brick and mortar location less than one year.
Class Schedule for 2023*
All classes will be held from 6pm-9pm at 334 E Main Street, Ottumwa, IA
*class topics are subject to change depending on speaker availability
Wednesday, August 30: Preliminary Meeting
Thursday, August 31: “Introduction to Small Business and Business Plan”with a team member from the Ottumwa Small Business Development Center
Tuesday, September 5: “Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising”with Lindsey Newland at The Newland Company
Thursday, September 7: “Tips and Tricks for successful entrepreneurship”with Kurt and Sarah Hopkins with Pizza Ranch, Mustard Seed, Hopkins Development, etc.
Tuesday, September 12: “Credit: How do YOU Score, and How Can You Build It?” with Dawn Benedict at South Ottumwa Savings Bank
Thursday, September 14: “Understanding Financial Statements, Your Business and Taxes: The Foundations for Success”with Brad Barnes at Bradley T. Barnes, CPA
Tuesday, September 19: “What is Legal?”with Paul Zingg, Attorney and “What Kind of Coverage Does Your Business Need?”with Tom Shafer at Farmers Insurance
Thursday, September 21:
Putting the final touches on your presentation: Optional Work Session
Tuesday, September 26: "Tour of Dreams" Tour empty spaces
Thursday, September 28: Class Presentations and Graduation
Taking Applications
Join the Class of 2024.
Fill out the form to join.