New businesses can get help from local center

By Jewels Phraner

Published Oct. 17, 2006

Whether you're looking to revamp your childhood lemonade stand or start a new adult business, the University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will offer business-related resources for MU students, faculty and Columbia residents.

The center will offer three new classes as a way for students and other community members to learn how to face a variety of issues that entrepreneurs might face.

"It is part of our mission to offer entrepreneurial education to the community, which includes faculty and students," the center's director Mary Paulsell said.

This education is part of the center's goal to bring business-related resources together in an accessible location, according to the center's Web site.

The classes include "Make Your Entrepreneurial Dream a Reality," a 10-week course aimed at developing a business concept, completing a business plan and analyzing entrepreneurial visions. It will begin Oct. 24 and costs $249, which will cover the cost of all materials, a three-month membership with the James J. Hill Library in St. Paul, Minn., and a follow-up individual counseling session.

"Understand Your Accountant's Paperwork" is a one-day course that will help participants understand the true health of their business by understanding what their financial statements are saying. This class will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday for $49 to the general public and $39 for MU employees and students.

Finally, "Yes, You Need a Business Plan" is aimed at teaching all the elements of a business plan and the data needed to make it work successfully. It is offered at 6 p.m. Sunday for $39.

Registration for any of the classes can be found at the center's Web site.

In addition to the classes offered, the center offers individual counseling, free of charge, to mid-Missouri businesses.

The center conducted one class already this semester on Saturday. "Quickbooks for Small Business" was a one-day session for entrepreneurs to learn how to track cash flow, set up customers and vendors, track accounts payable and receivable, create reports and set up budgets.

"We can help anyone from traditional main-street businesses to high-technology and life science firms trying to commercialize new technology with a variety of issues like business management, marketing and finance," Paulsell said.

The center is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.