Small Business Hopefuls to Get Guidance in Port Charlotte

Feb. 8, 2013 - PRLog -- The Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute hopes to increase the number of successful small businesses in Port Charlotte and throughout the Southwest Florida region.  The program, which provides small business training and opportunities for individuals with low-to-moderate income or are disadvantaged, will begin a new session on Thursday, February 28, 2013.  Applications are available online at www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise.

Program participants will complete a six-week training course, made up of three-hour classes, two nights a week. Mentors will work directly with participants to help these potential small business owners prepare a business plan.  Since the launch of the program in 2010, 109 entrepreneurs have graduated from the program.

“MicroEnterprise opened the door for me,” says Natalie Valencia, a November 2012 graduate from MicroEnterprise. “This class made me feel like a million bucks. I took a lot of notes and I’ll be reviewing them when I’m working on my business.”

At the end of the six-week program graduates will have the opportunity to apply for microloans to help launch their new business ventures. Program managers hope that by providing small business training and avenues for funding, The Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute will spark economic growth in our community.

The Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute is administered by Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. All classes will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursdays and Mondays, with the graduation taking place on Wednesday, April 3. The session is sponsored by Florida Community Bank. Persons interested in applying to the Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise project, or who would like to mentor future small business owners may call (239)995-2106 ext. 2219.  Visit www.goodwillswfl.org/microenterprise for more information.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. serves Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties, and helps people with disabilities and disadvantages overcome their barriers to employment and independence.  Programs supported by Goodwill include Job-Link, career training and placement, the L.I.F.E. Academy Charter School, income-subsidized housing for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and others.  More information is available at www.goodwillswfl.org.