Business Planning Series Helps Maui Entrepreneurs Get Started

MEO BDC Core Four Business Planning February cohort graduated 41 students earlier this year. Courtesy of MEO BDC.

By Sonia Isotov

Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. Business Development Corp.’s (MEO BDC) popular “Core Four” Business Planning course will start in early September with two introductory classes.

In this 36-hour, 6-week long business planning course will focus on writing a business plan, including cash flow and financial projections, as well as providing the information needed to start, operate and grow your business. Existing small business owners and budding entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend.

Last February, MEO BDC graduated 41 student from the Core Four program and 17 students graduated from the program in the June cohort.

There will be two introductory classes on September 4 and September 6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The course itself starts on Tuesday, September 11 and continues from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through October 23. All sessions will be held at MEO’s Family Center at 99 Mahalani Street in Wailuku.

Pre-registration is required for the series and can be done weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center. This business planning course is offered 10 times a year on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Financial Aid is available through grants from Maui County Office of Economic Development.

MEO Business Development Center, (MEO BDC) provides microenterprise loans, business planning classes, and consultation services.  Established in 1997, MEO BDC has helped create more than 700 new business, 700 loans (more than $4 million), 900 jobs, and train 2,000 entrepreneurs.

MEO BDC offers loans ranging from $500 to $25,000, for startup operations or expansion of existing small business. Emergency loans are also available for special situations.

For more information or to enroll in Core Four, please contact MEO BDC at (808) 249-2990.