Are you ready to start, grow or scale your business? The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC), in partnership with local economic development organizations, offers business training programs designed to help entrepreneurs thrive.
In 2024, 13 aspiring business owners completed the "Introduction to Entrepreneurship" course, the MPPDC’s comprehensive program designed to equip future entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and confidence to successfully launch and grow their businesses.
Now, it’s your turn!
About the Course
The "Introduction to Entrepreneurship" program is a hands-on, multi-week course that covers all the essential aspects of starting and growing a business. Cohorts meet weekly over two months, gaining invaluable insights into:
- Business Planning: Crafting a strategic plan that sets your business up for long-term success.
- Financial Management: Learning how to manage cash flow, investments and funding opportunities.
- Marketing Strategies: Understanding how to effectively reach your target audience and grow your brand.
- Legal Considerations: Navigating the legal landscape for small businesses, including contracts, permits and compliance.
- Networking and Mentorship: Building relationships with industry professionals and potential investors through structured mentorship and networking opportunities.
Each participant completes the course by developing a “Bankable Business Plan,” an essential tool for securing funding and guiding their business toward sustainable growth.
Why the MPPDC Training Matters
Put simply: it helps new and growing businesses make better business decisions. For some that could mean building a better business plan. For others, it could mean experiencing the a-ha moment that they are not ready to start a business. And for a few it could be because successful completion of the course grants access to MPPDC's financial assistance programs, including low-interest loans when available. These knowledge and potential funding resources provide a critical boost to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
Instructors
Instructors are sourced from across the region with an emphasis on deep business backgrounds. The 2024 cohort was led by Joe Syslo, an experienced adjunct faculty member at Rappahannock Community College with over 20 years of expertise in teaching Business Management, Leadership, Communications and Business Law. His practical, real-world approach made the course highly engaging and impactful for participants.
Looking Ahead
The MPDDC offers these entrepreneurship training courses as funding becomes available. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, these programs are designed to empower you with the tools to succeed in today’s competitive market.
Learn More and Join the Next Class
Are you interested in taking the next step toward realizing your business dreams? Stay tuned.
Empower your future. Start your entrepreneurial journey today!
The 2024 cohort of this training was funded in whole by a $24,000 grant from the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission.