MEDB Workshop: Using Census Data to Build a Business Plan

Jerry Wong

The Maui Economic Development Board will offer a new workshop, “Just the Facts: Using US Census Demographic Data to Build a Business Plan,” on Friday, Oct. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. in Ste. 5 of the MEDB Malcolm Center in Kīhei.

The seminar, presented by Data Dissemination Specialist Jerry Wong, will provide a hands-on look at three apps available from the US Census Bureau to give small businesses and startups the edge they need to explore the demographics of potential markets.

The recently released Census Business Builder, Census Reporter and OnTheMap can work together to obtain the data needed to create and/or refocus a business plan.

Attendees will also learn how the American Community Survey can provide useful information to assess the past and plan for the future.

Admission is $20 per person, which includes lunch. Advanced reservations are required; space is limited. For more information and to register online, visit http://www.medb.org/us-census-workshop/ or contact Frank De Rego Jr. at [email protected] or call (808) 270-6807

Schedule

8:30 to 9 a.m.: Registration

9 a.m. to noon: “Exploring the 3 Census Apps” seminar

noon to 12:30 p.m.: Lunch and Talk Story

12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: “A Hands-On Look at the American Community Survey”

1:30 to 1:45 p.m.: Closing and Participant Feedback

Wong, who currently serves as data dissemination specialist for the Census Bureau’s Los Angeles Region. Over the course of four decennial censuses in 37 years of service, Wong’s experience has been extensive in both the Census Bureau’s missions of collecting and disseminating information. He has also supervised five of the Bureau’s ongoing health surveys in the Los Angeles Region.

For over 20 years of his career, Wong has served as an Information Services Specialist where he worked with community groups, businesses, elected officials, planners, other organizations and the media and 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 which involves the use of statistical information. 

“This is an ideal opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn how the US Census Data can enhance their strategic business decisions and planning,” said Frank De Rego Jr., director of Business Development Projects at Maui Economic Development Board. “Having accurate data and demographics of potential markets is an important tool that forms the basis for many important decisions that can ultimately put one on the road to success.”

The workshop is sponsored by the County of Maui; the Maui Economic Development Board, as part of its Technical Assistance Series; and the U.S. Census Bureau.

MEDB’s Technical Assistance Series is a grassroots effort to help small businesses establish strong systems, processes, tools, and best practices to build a solid foundation for success.

The MEDB Malcolm Center is located at 1305 N. Holopono St.