United States Department of Agriculture Award

U.S Department of Agriculture/Rural Business Enterprise Grant Award Date: 8/13/2009

Amount: $30,000

Status: Award # AZ-01-287409878 www.recovery.gov and www.maricopamatters.com

Project Description:
The Maricopa Small Business Training Program will provide for the deployment of training sessions, a spring series and a fall series, that make up a comprehensive program for entrepreneurial growth. The program will include a curriculum to help entrepreneurs and existing small business owners learn the steps needed to achieve their business development goals. Participants will be trained in strategic planning, legal issues, market research and analysis, financial documents and cash flow management. In addition, the training agency will offer direct counseling. Pre-screened and suitable volunteer resources will be brought into the classroom to explain how their disciplines contribute to the success of a growing business. The program and materials included will focus on assisting aspiring entrepreneurs who are evaluating their business idea to determine whether it can be viably launched into a business, existing entrepreneurs who are looking for new, strategic focus, or displaced workers who are contemplating entrepreneurship as their new career option. Grant funding will cover all program costs for participants except for books.