Thieman

WAILUKU — Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Corp. will present a series of evening classes for entrepreneurs during September and October.

The Core Four Business Planning Classes cover how to set goals, do market research, determine pricing, make the sale, understand and create cash flow projections and write a business plan — everything you need to know to start or grow your business.

Susie Thieman, who has more than 30 years of experience in starting and managing small businesses, serves as the primary instructor for this class

Two free introductory classes will be held on Sept. 7 and 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.

Another introductory session, “The ABC’s of a Business Plan,” will be presented on Sept. 9 at noon at the Maui County Business Resource Center.

These introductory classes are free and open to the public.

The five-week series of classes begins on Sept. 14 and continues from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 14.

Graduation, also known as a “Banker’s Night,” will be held on Oct. 19.

 Registration is required for the five-week series. There fee is $275 for the course, but grants from the county Office of Economic Development and state Office of Community Services make financial assistance available for most students.

For more information, call Evette Lau at 249-2990, ext. 318.

MEO BDC has made over 600 loans totaling just over $3 million in amounts from $500 to $25,000. 

According to MEO, these loan recipients and the 1,350 business planning course graduates have created or retained more than 1,450 jobs in Maui County.