Past: How to Start a Sustainable Rural Business course offered

Business planning is a part of any small business startup but in today’s world of quick decision

and information overload, the rural entrepreneurs are often felt left out for many reasons. Many rural entrepreneurs are having to look beyond the traditional farm business to new agra-based ideas to maintain their love of the land.

To help those entrepreneurs looking to stay rural based, a five part series class is being offered by the University of Missouri Cape Girardeau County Small Business Technology &

Development Center. Classes will be Jan. 9, 18, 23, 30 and Feb. 6, 2018. It will be held at the local MU Extension Center at 684 West Jackson Trail in Jackson starting at 6 p.m. each session.

The curriculum was created by the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture in 1996 and

has been used all over the nation. It addresses the evolving business planning needs of beginning and experienced rural entrepreneurs.

Richard Proffer, local extension business development specialist, will be the main instructor for this course. He is very happy that the SBTDC can bring this program to the area for the first time as a business offering.

The first session deals with what’s important to the entrepreneur and cover why do this venture and the expectations of the business by the owner. The second one will talk about how the agricultural business has changed and how new businesses can survive in the changing environment. The third night will deal with putting plans to the expectations to help make the business happen. The fourth class will cover how to evaluate your success and future planning. The final class finishes up the business plan and helps to guide the entrepreneur on where to go for funding.

The fee for the class is $200 and covers the notebook, rural business management software and an evening meal. MU Extension is seeking sponsors to help reduce the registration cost.

To register, please call (573) 243-3581 before January 2, 2018. If there is not sufficient

registration for this class, it will be cancelled. Any pre-paid registrations will be refunded. For

questions, please call Richard Proffer at the same phone number or email him at

profferrd@missouri.edu. BTDC/Extension business programs are also sponsored by the Small Business Administration and University of Missouri and are open to all interested residents. Requests for special accommodations will be considered if made two weeks in advance by calling (573) 243-3581 and asking for Richard Proffer.