Would you like to create a new business, or make an existing one more successful? If so, here is an opportunity to do so, right on the Rock! Business Development Trainer James Dunn will be coming to Lopez on Jan. 10 and 11. He’ll lead a two-day workshop to help examine the feasibility of your new business idea or look at ways to improve your existing business. The class has been popularly coined the “Two Day MBA.”

Dunn is a Business Development Trainer for Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help, a nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington. C.A.S.H provides hands-on education, in-depth support, and access to capital needed to launch and grow successful small enterprises. After starting several failed businesses, James discovered some key ideas to starting great businesses, and he loves sharing that knowledge and enthusiasm to motivate others. In addition to his work for Washington C.A.S.H., James’ specialty is online businesses, and he is currently developing startups in the areas of education and green services.

James enjoys working with new and existing business owners to help them develop intelligent plans to create successful businesses. “James has that rare combination of being extremely well informed about his topic, amusing and very insightful about the participants’ ideas and proposals. I’m still quoting him whenever I can,” said Teri Murray, an Orcas Island resident and class participant when James last taught on Lopez two years ago.

The “Two Day MBA” will include interactive discussions focused on topics such as defining your business, sales and marketing, profitability, cash flow, records organization, taxes, licensing, legal, and other practical issues related to running a business. Over the 2 days there will be 4 individual sessions. Get maximum benefit by taking them all, but some spots will be allocated for those who cannot take all sessions. Each three-hour session is $25, or participants can take all sessions for $65. Registration closes on Friday, Dec. 20.

The workshop is part of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Employment and Life Skills Program. The LIFRC is committed to helping islanders gain self-sufficiency through education and training. Classes are sponsored in part by the San Juan Economic Development Council, and in collaboration with the Lopez Island Library.

Classes are open to all San Juan County residents, and the Resource Center will help with ferry pickups and drop-offs if needed. Pre-registration by December 20th is required, and can be done online, over the phone, or in person at the LIFRC office. To register online, go to www.lifrc.org and click the “Register for Classes” link. For questions, call Patsy Haber, Lopez Island Family Resource Center Program Coordinator (468-4117).