WAILUKU – Maui County Councilman Mike Victorino attended the Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Program’s graduation of 13 students from the Core Four Business Planning course on June 16. Victorino encouraged the entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and told them that their success would come from hard work and a “never give up” attitude.

The graduating students also received advice and guidance from commercial lenders representing Central Pacific Bank, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank. The bankers reviewed the students’ business plans and provided advice in launching a successful business. The graduating students received a Certificate of Achievement and a congratulations luncheon.

Core Four Business Planning is a 36-hour course on how to write a business plan while providing the information needed to start, operate and grow a business.

Those interested in learning more about the entrepreneurial training course can call MEO at 249-2990. You can also choose from three one-hour introductory classes to learn more about the course. These introductory classes will be held on Tuesday, June 30, and Thursday, July 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center, and also at the Maui County Business Resource Center at Maui Mall on Wednesday, July 1, from noon to 1 p.m.

The six-week series begins on Tuesday, July 7, and continues from 6 to 9 p.m. two days a week through Aug. 18. All sessions will be held at MEO’s Family Center at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.

Registration is required for the six-week series and can be done at the introductory classes or any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center.

Grant funding from the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Central Pacific Bank helps to make the Core Four Business Planning classes possible.