Thieman

WAILUKU — Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.’s Business Development Corp. (BDC) will present a series of nighttime classes for entrepreneurs during January and February.

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, fix or grow your business.

New this year is the addition of one week following the 30-hour course, during which students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with BDC staff while putting the finishing touches on their business plans and/or cash flow projections, so they can present them on Banker’s Night/Graduation on March 1.

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

A free introductory class will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. The six-week series of classes begins on Tuesday, Jan. 18, and continues from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Feb. 24. All sessions will be held at MEO’s Family Center at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.

Registration is required for the six-week series. There is a fee of $275 for the course, but funding 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, extension 318.

MEO BDC has made more than 600 loans totaling more than $3 million in amounts from $500 to $30,000.

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