Custom Training Now Available for Entrepreneurs at The W

COLUMBUS, Miss. (Press Release) — Free customized training is now available to entrepreneurs who sign up for the e-venture program offered through the Office of Outreach and Innovation at Mississippi University for Women.

Microentrepreneurs, owners of a small business employing 10 people or less, are able to obtain an entrepreneurship certificate through the six-week online courses starting each Monday in January.

Clients of the e-venture program will receive assistance and coaching via distance learning through the university’s Professional Learning Academy. The PLA’s courses are developed by the faculty of The W’s College of Business and Professional Studies specifically to address the needs of microentrepreneurs.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer the e-venture program and believe that this technical assistance will provide microentrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to develop and grow their businesses, said Kate Brown, director of outreach and innovation. “Stronger businesses lead to stronger communities.”

Clients will have the availability to choose from seven courses to build their customized training program based on their individual learning needs and interest.

By completing three courses, clients will be awarded an entrepreneurship certificate.

“The partnership with the College of Business and Professional Studies allows participants to receive the expertise of faculty in both the training courses and the personalized coaching,” added Brown.

Clients must be located in a rural area of any state or a city with a population of less than 50,000 inhabitants. Those interested must also be a sole proprietorship or business with not more than 10 full time-equivalent employees or prospective owner and operator. Entrepreneurs who do not meet the eligibility criteria may choose to purchase training through the Professional Learning Academy.

The e-venture program is funded by a grant through the United States Department of Agriculture as part of the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.

For more information and registration, visit http://www.muw.edu/outreach/e-venture.