GREAT FALLS, MT–March 31, 2015 – Conrad will open its doors to an amazing group of resources for startup and growing businesses on March 31st. Representatives will convene in Norley Hall, 400 North Virginia Street, starting at 5:30 pm. Organizer, Jeremiah Johnson says “We will mix a lot of socializing, with some valuable education for the business community”.

During the Entrepreneurial Spirit Tour, attendees will have an opportunity to build relationships with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration Montana District Office, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, Pondera Regional Port Authority, local banks, Small Business Development Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Great Falls Development Authority, Montana Department of Commerce International Trade Bureau, MDT Disadvantage Business Enterprise Program, and various other local resources.

Entrepreneurs and business owners with any questions are encouraged to attend.

“In over 10 years of working one on one with entrepreneurs, I have seen that 75% of people have no idea where to start. That could be in starting, growing, financing, hiring employees, finding new markets, they simply are overwhelmed and need a coach” indicated Rebecca Engum, organizer for the event.

The education portion of the event will feature a panel on getting money, as in Engum’s experience, 90 percent of assistance requests from entrepreneurs are related to funding, and another that will feature opportunities for revenue diversification. There will be two presentations as well, one on improving operations which will reduce costs and one on managing finances in order to make better overall management decisions. “The stories that a business’ financials tell is amazing.The concerning issue is, not every business owner knows the tricks to unlocking that story,” says Jason Nitschke, Small Business Development Center Director.

The formal education portion of the event is from 6 pm – 8 pm, however, anyone who is interested in attending is encouraged to show up early and stay late to network. If you would like to attend, or have any questions, you can email or call Rebecca Engum with Great Falls Development Authority to RSVP at REngum@GFdevelopment.org or 406-771-9032. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided and any local resource wanting to have a table at the event is encouraged to contact Rebecca to secure a space.

 

More From KSEN AM 1150