Missouri SBDC to Offer 4-session LaunchU Course For Entrepreneurs

The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at State Fair Community College is offering launchU sessions to help aspiring entrepreneurs and new business owners gain knowledge and information that will help them set up their businesses for a solid start or improve businesses in early stages.

The course is sponsored by Marshall-Saline Development Corporation (MSDC).

The 4-session course will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays starting April 5 and concluding April 26 at MSDC, 1455 W. Arrow, Marshall. Cost is $300 per person; light breakfast and lunch included. Partial scholarships are available to Saline County residents and businesses only. Application deadline is March 15.

LaunchU offers instruction from a certified facilitator and a startup handbook; feedback in small group activities; and insight from local experts. Participants will receive access to LivePlan cloud-based business planning software and access to SFCC’s Missouri SBDC market research database. Support from a network of coaches and peers is another launchU benefit.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will have completed a Small Business Association approved business feasibility plan and determined if their business concept is workable. Participants can develop and perfect their business pitch and compete in an in-class pitch competition.

To apply, go to www.bit.ly/launchUMarshall. People also may call (660) 530-5822 or email thelearningforce@sfccmo.edu. For more information, contact Kelly Asbury, State Fair Community College SBDC director, at kasbury1@sfccmo.edu or (660) 596-7350.

The Missouri SBDC at SFCC is made possible by a funding partnership through the federal Small Business Administration, the University of Missouri Extension and State Fair Community College’s The LearningForce.