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The Class of 2025 is Full
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.
2025 Class Schedule*
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
Thursday, August 28: Preliminary Meeting
Tuesday, September 2: “Introduction to Small Business and Business Plan” with Darell Sarmento at SBDC and IHCC Regional Entrepreneurship Center
Thursday, September 4: “Tips from a Successful Entrepreneur ” with Tucker and Sarah Black with Crossfit 23:20
Tuesday, September 9: “Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising” with Brooke Handy, Media Executive at KYOU
Thursday, September 11: "Credit & Capital: How Your Personal Finances Affect Business Funding"
Tuesday, September 16: “Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Legal Tips for New Business Owners” with Paul Zingg, Lawyer, and “What Kind of Coverage Does Your Business Need?” with Tom Shafer, Insurance Agent
Thursday, September 18: “Start Smart: Building a Business with a Solid Tax Foundation” with Brad Barnes, Accountant
Tuesday, September 23: “What is Economic Development?” with City of Ottumwa and “What is Main Street Ottumwa?” with Kris Patrick.
Take a tour of some downtown properties to see what is possible.
Thursday, September 25: Class Presentations and Graduation
Class is now full