The Coconino County Community Services Department’s Basic Business Empowerment (BBE) program, which assists potential entrepreneurs the fundamentals of jumpstarting their own business, is taking applications for the next series of courses that beginSept. 14.
Since the program began in 2012, 49 participants from the county have completed the small business training course and 34 business new businesses have opened their doors.
“This program has been a success since it first began,” said Program Coordinator Kim Crugnale. “By aiding our budding entrepreneurs, we are helping each of them to invest in the local economy and serve the communities in which they live.”
County’s Community Services Department is certified to offer small business development training using the Kauffman Foundation’s Operation Jump Start Curriculum. The program provides a step-by-step process in which participants learn how to create a feasibility plan that defines their product or service and how to analyze the local market and competitors. The program also teaches students how to project future cash flow and profits for a three-year period of time.
Coaching through the BBE program continues for participants, as needed, after graduation. Upon completion of the program, participants will have a completed business plan, which is ready to be presented to a lender, private investor or grantor.
Some participants may also be available for Individual Account Match Saving grant funding. Those eligible to participate in this program can open an Individual Development Account (IDA), which can triple their start-up or expansion money for an at-home or small business.
Through the grant-funded program, every dollar up to $2,000 that an entrepreneur saves in an IDA may be matched with two dollars from federal and other sources totaling $4,000. However, the grant program is restricted to eligible lower to moderate income community members.
Recently, the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NACET) and several other local sponsors held a business plan competition for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Two of the top-five finalists were graduates of the BBE program, including Paul Taylor, owner of Volcano Ukuleles, was awarded more than $7,500 in business-related startup and consulting funds; and Aaron Gencarelle, owner of AV Monkey a Multimedia Consultant and Developer, was also included in the top five finalists.
For additional information regarding the BBE program and the Individual Account Match Saving Grant, call 928-679-7458. BBE classes beginSept. 14 and class size is limited.
