Program designed for entrepreneurs begins in September at Elevate Branson

By K.D. MICHAELS, Staff Writer

Elevate Branson is set to begin another new and innovative program – this one geared towards those hoping to start their own business.

The kick-off event for Elevate Entrepreneurs was held June 24 on the campus of Elevate Branson.

“The launch event was well attended,” said Elizabeth Hughes, representing Elevate Branson as the Director of Elevate Entrepreneurs. “We estimate 60 community members – ranging from folks interested in attending as students to area economic development champions to caring individuals from the community eager to see how they can get involved – attended the event.”

Hughes explained that Elevate Entrepreneurs is “essentially a start-up boot camp with a threepronged approach.”

The first aspect of Elevate Entrepreneurs is the Community Business Academy. Those interested in successfully opening and running their business – either a part-time or full-time business would benefit from attending this 12-week course. It covers business principles and management, and meets one night per week. This course lays out the fundamentals, such as budgeting, marketing, pricing, etc. Those completing the course will have a fully formed executive summary for their new business. The CBA course is taught by Dr. Hayden Head (retired College of the Ozarks professor) and Mr. Jim Freeman (Career Development Director at College of the Ozarks).

Following the completion of the CBA course, students will be paired with industry expert coaches, including a start-up coach, a finance coach, and a marketing coach, who will help them set and accomplish goals to get their business doors opened, either physically or virtually. The coaches are volunteers with industry-specific and business knowledge. Coaches will commit to six hours over a 90- day period; however, students can repeat the coaching until all goals have been accomplished.

The final phase of the Entrepreneur Class is Credit to Capital. This segment is ongoing, as instructors and volunteers work with students to help them understand credit and how to connect with lenders to obtain the necessary capital to start their business. The inaugural class of Community Business Academy will begin September 6 and run through November 22. Classes will be held each fall and spring, with the Spring 2023 Academy set to run January 3 through March 22.

“This program is geared toward any person living in Stone or Taney County, age 18 and above, who wants to increase their household income, either have a clear business idea or an existing business, and the initiative to make their dream happen,” said Hughes.

The cost for registration and materials for the Community Business Academy is $150; however, upon completion of the class, graduates will receive $100 of that fee back to put towards their business. Those who feel that the $150 registration fee would create a financial hardship have the opportunity to work to offset up to $50 of the registration fee.

Said Hughes, “The first step to apply for Elevate Entrepreneurs is to attend an information session. There are four upcoming info sessions. Prospective students need only attend one. They will be on July 14 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m.; August 3 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 pm. There is no cost to attend the info sessions.”

Hughes continued, “The goal of Elevate Entrepreneurs is to build a healthy entrepreneurial ecosystem of and for entrepreneurs. As such, there are multiple ways businesses and individuals can get involved.”

Those wishing to help with the Elevate Entrepreneurs program can become a business coach. A business coach meets with the student six times, with a total time commitment of six hours, to accomplish goals set out in their business plan. Coaches should exhibit industry-specific skills, such as marketing, budgeting, graphic design, etc., as well as general business knowledge.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with facilitating the Elevate Entrepreneurs classes, which are held each Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. Volunteers who have business experience will be called upon to share their knowledge and insight with students, while volunteers without industry experience are valuable in helping to facilitate the classes.

Community catalysts are also needed to support Elevate Entrepreneurs by hosting conversations, helping connect graduates to resources, and providing additional means of assistance and support.

For more information on Elevate Entrepreneurs or to register for the information sessions, please visit their website, www. elevatebranson.org or contact Elizabeth Hughes at Elizabeth. hughes@elevatebranson.org or by phone at 417-527-0399.