As we start 2011, many people make resolutions for themselves, but what about making a resolution or setting goals for your career or business?

The Lenawee Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) has classes this month to help you create a strategic marketing plan, assess vision and goals, create your dream business and explore the career opportunities in franchise ownership. The classes offered in January have been available in other areas in the state, and the LEDC has asked the facilitators to bring their curriculum to Lenawee.

All of the sessions are free of charge, thanks to South Central Michigan Works, and are held at the LEDC’s office: 5285 W. US-223, Adrian (lower level of the GreenStone Farm Credit Services building). Registrations are required, and can be made by calling the LEDC at 517.265.5141 or by emailing catrina@onelenawee.org.

Winter 2011 workshops:
• Creating your Strategic Marketing Plan: January 13th, 9:00am - 3:00pm (Lunch included) *Class is full*
• Visioning and Goal Setting: January 18th, 3:00-5:00pm
• Building a Successful Business: January 20th, 1:00-3:00pm
• Careers in Franchise Ownership: January 25th, 3:00-5:00pm

The LEDC has offered classes for small business owners, and those who have ideas for starting a business since Spring 2009, thanks to sponsorship from South Central Michigan Works. Over 200 people have attended sessions on getting a business started, marketing, selling on eBay, or have attended advanced classes on setting up QuickBooks and effective selling techniques.

"These classes are a must for any new business or those looking to start a business. It's easy to get lost in the process with so much to do and so many questions. The classes are free and help to guide you through your process of becoming a business owner, they also set myths straight that a lot of people conceive to be facts,” said Vincent Butts, Owner, Timeless Expressions Photography in Adrian.

"Anyone with plans of starting a new business should attend as many classes as possible. They cover all-important aspects of business start-ups. LEDC goes above and beyond to help anyone interested in developing their ideas into reality. It really worked for me!“ David Graham, Owner, Adrian Environmental, LLC.

Classes have been added and changed to meet the needs of the participants, including upcoming sessions in February and March on Social Media tools to help small businesses learn how to set -up and maintain Facebook and Twitter accounts, facilitated by the Small Business & Technology Development Center:

Social Media Tools for Small Businesses: February 1st, February 15th, March 1st and March 15th all at 3:00-5:00pm (more details on each session will be available soon). Call the LEDC to register: 517.265.5141 or email catrina@onelenawee.org.

Additional classes and a collection of regional resources will be available in the next few months. South Central Michigan Works received a grant last fall, and created the South Central Michigan Regional Entrepreneurship Collaborative. This group is collecting information for a website on entrepreneurial resources, and will be presenting classes in Hillsdale, Jackson and Lenawee Counties.

Brochure on Resources for Entrepreneurs/Small Businesses in Lenawee County

Links and Contacts for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses:
http://onelenaweeorg.presencehost.net/resources/resources.html