FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Strong, 920-980-9053
        
Record enrollment of entrepreneurs begin journey to building a successful business plan
 
DCEDC's Entrepreneurial Development Program (ETP) is collaborative effort with Small Business Development Center
 
 
DOOR COUNTY, WI - January 21, 2020 -  For the 19 th  consecutive year, many prospective Door County entrepreneurs have started the new year by enrolling in an eight-week program that helps catalyze business start-ups, expansions, and acquisitions.
 
This year, a record 22 business plan enrollees started their journey toward the development of a sustainable business plan on January 20. This level of participation not only shatters the record for Door County, but it is believed to the largest ever for the Small Business Development Center statewide.
 
"This year's record enrollment not only demonstrates the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape that exists here in Door County," stated DCEDC's Executive Director Jim Schuessler. "It also serves as testament for the leadership that Tom Strong has shown since he assumed the role of Business Development Specialist for Team DCEDC."
 
Strong works with entrepreneurs individually to provide triage for their initial concept and helps place them on the correct path to advance each individual's business needs to ensure success. He joined the team as Operations Manager, but after distinguishing himself in that role was recently promoted to his new position.
 
The Entrepreneurial Training Program (ETP) provides eight efficient sessions for an entrepreneur to develop a plan for a thriving, profitable business. In this program, entrepreneurs learn to identify customers, determine their needs and analyze that information that is developed into a feasible plan for starting or growing their business.
 
  • Organizing and better managing a business
  • Identifying opportunities and marketing a business
  • Understanding and developing business financials
  • Achieving funding for a business
  • Writing a detailed, comprehensive business plan
  • Networking with other entrepreneurs
  • Developing a network with small business support services
 
The course is taught by Tara Carr, who serves as Director for the Small Business Development Center at UW-Green Bay. Students also have the opportunity to work with David Stauffacher, Business Counselor and Chuck Brys, Adjunct Professor. For many years, both Brys and Stauffacher have worked with entrepreneurs and helped support the launch of many successful businesses that are now part of the Door County business community.
 
The program will conclude in late March. Each entrepreneur must then submit their completed business plan to qualify for a grant. They are also encouraged to enter their business plan in the annual DCEDC Business Plan Contest to be eligible to win a $1,000 prize, which is made possible by donations by Associated Bank, Bank of Luxemburg, and Nicolet National Bank.
 
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Photographs: Class in session, 1-20-2020; Tara Carr, Director SBDC at UWGB,
Tom Strong, Business Development Specialist, Team DCEDC