Do you have an idea for a new business? Or do you already own a small business? If so, this could be the class for you. The Lopez Island Family Resource Center, in collaboration with the San Juan County Economic Development Council and Washington CASH (Community Alliance for Self-Help), will be offering an 8 week class starting at the beginning of September. All San Juan County residents are welcome to participate. Classes will be scheduled to coordinate with ferries.

Julia Rogers, Lopez Island resident who participated in 2008’s class, commented, “I took the course last year and it was very helpful. It got me started in my business planning, but it also was very instructional in regards to my personal finances. Everything grows out of that; just getting my personal budget and myself organized to start a business was very productive.”

The course will cover the basics of how to start a small business as well as what it takes to keep a business sustainable. It is geared to individuals considering starting a business as well as already existing small businesses whose owners are interested in learning more about business basics. All participants should come with a business idea if they are not currently a small business owner.

The class will begin with personal finance, organization, and self-evaluation and apply these fundamentals toward developing a business plan. Additional topics covered by the course include financial goals and tools for measurement, market analysis, cost analysis, exploring profitability, feasibility analysis, marketing and operating plans, recordkeeping and taxes.

Workbooks with hands on exercises will be supplemented with lectures, discussions and business professionals invited in to share their expertise and answer questions. Graduates of the course will have opportunities to participate in other services provided by Washington CASH such as their micro lending group and business advisors.

If you are interested in the class or have questions, please contact Patsy Haber at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center by email at lifrc@rockisland.com or by phone at 360-468-4117.