Ready, Set, Grow Your Business
Ready, Set, Grow Your Business
The focus is on building local networks
Ready, Set, Grow your Business (RSGYB) is a "training light, networking heavy" approach to growing and supporting small businesses in Idaho's rural communities.
Each workshop includes:
- Knowledge and skill training from local and university experts
- Presentations about a successful local business
- Question and answer session
- Informal networking time
Coaching and business pitch activities help create an environment that fosters business start-up and expansion in small towns.
Workshop Schedule
Sessions are two hours long and scheduled a week apart for four weeks. Topics include:
- Strategic planning and research before launching or expanding
- Marketing and e-commerce
- Financial planning and funding options
- Creating an effective pitch
When possible, sessions are held in local coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. These locations support the local economy and fosters a networking atmosphere. A "small business bingo" game makes networking easier. Prizes are typically self-help entrepreneurship publications.
Bringing RSGYB to Your Town
If you would like to schedule workshops in your community, contact Lorie Higgins: higgins@uidaho.edu or 208-669-1480.
Host communities need to have a local organizer or organizing organization. For example, in Kendrick & Juliaetta a local community development volunteer organization recruited businesses, identified workshop locations and advertised the opportunity. The program is low or no cost to the community, but on-site coordinating assistance is required.
