Nineteen students graduated from the Core Four Business Planning course on Dec. 15.

WAILUKU – Maui Economic Opportunity’s Business Development Program graduated 19 students from the Core Four Business Planning course on Dec. 15. County Managing Director Keith Regan and Office of Economic Development Director Teena Rasmussen attended the luncheon and gave encouraging advice to the graduates.

At the graduation, the soon-to-be entrepreneurs received one-on-one guidance from eight commercial bankers representing First Hawaiian Bank, Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Hawaii National Bank and American Savings Bank.

In addition, Wayne Wong with the Small Business Development Center helped to review the students’ business plans and provided suggestions and guidance in launching a successful business.

The graduating students received a Certificate of Achievement and a congratulatory lunch.

MEO BDC’s 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 Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. at 249-2990.

The next Core Four course will be held during the evening. One-hour introductory classes will be held at the Maui County Business Resource Center in Maui Mall on Wednesday, Jan. 6, from noon to 1 p.m., and on Thursday, Jan. 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. at MEO’s Family Center at at 99 Mahalani St. in Wailuku.

The six-week series begins on Tuesday, Jan. 12, and continues from 6 to 9 p.m. two days a week through Feb. 23. All sessions will be held at MEO’s Family Center.

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.

Funding from the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development helps to make the Core Four Business Planning Classes possible.