Microenterprise Program Offered by GCC's BEST Center and the Orleans Economic Development Agency

Scholarship May be Available to Cover Program Fee

BATAVIA, NY (02/24/2015)(readMedia)-- What does exercise, books, coffee, trees, crafts and screen printing have in common? They are the seeds of new small businesses that have opened up in Orleans County, and participated in the Microenterprise Program offered by Orleans Economic Development Agency (OEDA) and Genesee Community College's BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center.

If you own or are considering starting a small business, this program is designed to increase your chances of success. The course will be held at the Hoag Library, 134 South Main Street in Albion on Tuesdays, starting April 7 and continuing through June 16, 2015, from 6 – 8:30 p.m.

The essential business topics covered in the Microenterprise Program include:

• Development of comprehensive business plans

• Marketing and advertising

• Business organization

• Tax, accounting, insurance and financing

• Specialized computer application

• Creating effective leadership

Since 1999, over 400 individuals have participated in the Orleans Microenterprise Program, which accepts existing Orleans County small businesses with five (5) employees or less, as well as entrepreneurial candidates at least 18-years of age. Local job creation is required and low-to-moderate income level candidates are encouraged. Among the successful participants of prior programs are Bindings Bookstore, Kustom Kreations, Fast Fitness, The Shirt Factory, Diversified Finishings, Erie Way Tree Farm and Cobble Ridge Co-op.

The fee for the 10-week program is $295. To apply for a scholarship to cover the cost of program contact Diane Blanchard, Microenterprise Business Coordinator, Orleans Economic Development Agency at 585-589-7060, ext. 101 or email dblanchard@orleansdevelopment.org.

Participants can also register and pay for the Microenterprise program online:

https://app3mid.genesee.edu/flexibleregistration/index.jsp?frc=BEST&q=subj:

To view a video about the program go to:

http://www.orleansdevelopment.org/#!small-business-development/c1v3u

For general information about small business opportunities throughout the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties, contact The BEST Center at Genesee Community College at

(585) 345-6868 or bestcenter@genesee.edu.

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