The city of Maricopa is now accepting applications for the first series of free classes focused on how to start or grow a small business. The classes are being taught and coordinated by Executive Leadership Institute LLC, through a $30,000 grant received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Executive Leadership is a Maricopa-based organization and skilled provider of customized executive and team development training. Clients include Fortune 500 financial service organizations, Arizona corporations such as Arizona State Credit Union, the Maricopa Unified School District and local Maricopa firms. “Executive Leadership weaves best practices with practical applications to produce winning combinations,” said president and CEO Jim Rives. The 10-session three-hour classes will focus on helping entrepreneurs and existing small business owners learn the steps needed to achieve their business development goals with training in strategic planning, legal issues, market research and analysis, financial documents and cash-flow management. Experts in specific areas will teach each class. In addition, participants in the class will be able to receive direct counseling. Class size is limited to 15, with the selection being made on a point-based system. “I have already received seven applicants who hope to grow their businesses by 15 to 20 employees in the next several months,” Rives said. “Our goal is to give these existing businesses the tools to grow and help provide the entrepreneur with the information to launch a business.” To register, visit http://maricopamatters.com/Training.html Timeline and information: - Oct. 23-Nov. 13: Program applications accepted. - Nov. 19: Winter Session to begin. - Training dates for Winter Session (6-9 p.m.):
Nov. 19; Dec. 3, 10, 17; Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 10. - Training dates for Spring Session (6-9 p.m.):
Feb. 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. - Classes are free, but applicants must cover the cost of books Submitted photo |