There is a patently American idea of the “self-made millionaire,” the person who created something out of nothing and became rich in the process, and most importantly: that they did it all by themselves. I hate to spoil the illusion, but the myth is actually a lie. Behind every success, you’ll find a network of support that helped that dream become a reality. Luckily, we have such a support system already in existence in Owatonna, and the success stories to prove it. That is why this fall we are focusing our efforts at the Owatonna Area Business Development Center (OABDC) on growing and connecting our community even more around inventiveness, innovation, and starting businesses!
The newest addition to our program lineup is exactly that: creating a new network of connections. With our “Innovators & Business Owners Connect-Up,” we want to share ideas, help others improve their businesses, and generally make Owatonna an even better place to live. This new event is taking place on the second Thursday of every month at 8 AM at Torey’s. Our kickoff meet-up is easy to remember: it’s this Thursday, 8/8 @ 8! Have an idea that you want to practice pitching in front of a group of supportive peers before getting in front of investors? This is the place for you! Want additional accountability to help you hit the goals you’ve been struggling to meet? Come on out! Need feedback on a concept you’re testing out? We are here for you! We’re launching this gathering in collaboration with Owatonna Business Partnership because we’ve seen a need for connections within the broader business community, and this is a first version of addressing it (remember continuously improving?). With this kickoff event, if you RSVP via email to info@owatonna.biz, you even get a free continental breakfast, supported in part by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). We’re building this community from your input, so the people who show up are the ones who will help decide the direction the group takes. Don’t miss out – we’re looking forward to you participating!
With our “Get Your Business Started Workshop,” which uses the successful Co.Starters curriculum, we aim to help folks get their ideas out of their head, onto paper, and in front of potential customers so that they can start building a business successfully. These workshops have proven to be immensely helpful as a starting point for entrepreneurs, with collaboration with the other participants helping generate ideas that wouldn’t have been thought of otherwise. Our next “Get Your Business Started Workshop” is on Saturday, 8/10, from 9 AM – Noon. You can register for free at Owatonna.biz.
And last but not least, with our fall Small Business Academy courses, we take you step-by-step through honing your concepts, building a foundation, and launching your business. Starting the third week of September, we’re offering both English AND Spanish classes! Just like our workshops, this courses are powered by Co.Starters, and really take advantage of working in a group to tease out your ideas and approaches. Best of all, you’ll start engaging with your customers and the wider community, building the ideal solution to their problem. We have a network of ten graduates already in Owatonna, several of whom you can see along Cedar Ave. on Downtown Thursdays. Both of our facilitators are graduates of the program as well! While the cost of the materials for the Small Business Academy courses is $199 upfront, you get your money back upon completing the course. We also have scholarships available if you’re not able to pay for the materials out of pocket, so reach out to us at info@owatonna.biz if you need support, and visit Owatonna.biz to learn more and register via the link on the Programs page. These courses are offered in partnership with Owatonna Community Education, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, MN DEED, the SBA, and the Southeast Minnesota Small Business Development Center.
Through all these fall offerings, we’re building a wider, more-connected business community in Owatonna to support you as you start and grow your business. We hope you’ll join us, so that we can help you become the next success story!
This article was originally published in the Owatonna People's Press.