MBB Workshop: Using Census Data to Benefit Your Business

By Debra Lordan

Maui Business Brainstormers will offer two free workshops on how to use census data to benefit your business on 
Friday, July 24, at the Maui County Business Resource Center.

The workshops will be presented by Jerry Wong, a data dissemination specialist for the US Census Bureau.

The first workshop runs from 9 a.m. to noon; the second runs from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Whether you are in business or starting one, writing a grant, managing a project, already an elected officer or running for office, using local area data can help you in creating more effective strategies and set up more reachable goals,” said MBB Organizer Grace Fung.

Wong will discuss how to access and use census data for business, key US Census Bureau demographic and economic programs, and how the information from these programs can be used by entrepreneurs and businesses.

These interactive workshops are meant to demystify the process of accessing data and the purpose of Census Bureau questionnaires. For example, these survey results help officials to decide where new schools, hospitals and fire stations are needed, and aids in the development of programs focused on job training, healthcare needs and housing matters.

Wong is a frequent speaker on cultural diversity and demographic trends as a data dissemination specialist for the Census Bureau’s Los Angeles Region. He has served as the State of Hawai‘i’s Census Bureau trainer for over 20 years.

Wong has served and worked with community groups, businesses, elected officials, planners, other organizations and the media. He has trained thousands of individuals on the use of demographic and economic census data for market research, community analysis and planning, grant proposals and general decision-making that involves the use of statistical information.

The Hawai‘i Business Research Library, Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center, the US Census Bureau, Maui Business Brainstormers and the Maui County Business Resource Center are co-sponsoring this event.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops or other mobile devices for this workshop. WiFi will be provided. Attendees are advised to bring a pen, paper and drinking water.

Maui County Business Resource Center is located in the Maui Mall in Kahului. Complimentary self-parking is included.

Seats are limited. RSVP online at the following links:

Morning Workshop (9 a.m. to noon)

Afternoon Workshop (1 to 4 p.m.)

More information about this workshop is available online.