Core Four Business Planning Program Graduates 20

Twenty students recently graduated from Maui Economic Opportunity’s Core Four Business Planning program. MEO photo.

Twenty students graduated from Maui Economic Opportunity’s Core Four Business Planning program on Oct. 20, 2015, where they received a Certificate of Achievement and a congratulatory dinner.

Councilmembers Gladys Baisa and Stacy Crivello, along with Mayor Alan Arakawa’s representative, Anthony Arakaki, participated in the graduation, encouraging the students to “keep their commitments and never give up on their dreams.”

Graduate Loke Kepano with MEO BDC director Craig Swift. MEO photo.

During the graduation, the soon-to-be entrepreneurs were also able to work with bankers from American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawai‘i, Central Pacific Bank and First Hawaiian Bank, who advised them regarding improving their business plans and what they can expect from commercial lenders.

MEO BDC’s Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information needed to start, operate and grow a business.

MEO BDC Committee Member Joseph Williams and his son, Jim. MEO photo.

The next core four classes will be held during the day, from 9 a.m. to noon starting Nov. 3. The six-week series will be held at MEO’s Family Center at 99 Mahalani Street in Wailuku.

One-hour introductory classes will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 9 to 10 a.m. at MEO’s Family Center, and also at the Maui County Business Resource Center (Maui Mall) on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1 p.m.

Council Member Stacy Crivello and American Savings Banker Chuck Doado with two core four graduates. MEO photo.

Registration for the six-week series and can be completed at the introductory classes or any weekday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center.

For more information about the entrepreneurial training course, call MEO at 249-2990.

Funding from the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Central Pacific Bank Foundation help to make tuition assistance for students of the Core Four Business Planning classes possible.