A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of Greater     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News June 23, 2005 - Business 'basic training' complete By Mae Schultz, for the Daily Tribune For years, Kathy Hartjes dreamed of starting her own business, but she wasn't sure where to begin. Now she has a plan. Hartjes, a 56-year-old kindergarten teacher in Rudolph, went back to school to find it. She attended the Community Progress Initiative Entrepreneurial Boot Camp that wrapped up this week. The camp was a four-day class that aimed to help potential entrepreneurs set up and solidify business plans and ideas for starting new businesses in central Wisconsin. "It was very helpful for me, because now I can see what my timeline needs to be," said Hartjes, who plans to open a children's toy and book store. After she retires, Hartjes would like to sell traditional toys such as puzzles and building blocks that encourage children to use their imaginations. Her first step? Hartjes plans to look for a vendor or a craftsman to create the back-to-basic toys she wants to sell. She hopes to have the business off the ground within three years - sooner, if things go smoothly. Thanks to the camp, her plan is in place. One of the most helpful aspects of the camp was the group work, Hartjes said. "They were struggling with the same kinds of questions that you had," she said of her fellow attendees. Fostering teamwork and support systems is one of the main goals of the boot camps, said Heather Wessling, small business development specialist from the Heart of Wisconsin Business and Economic Alliance. The boot camps are held at Mid-State Technical College's Wisconsin Rapids campus, as part of the Community Progress Initiative, a program intended to spur economic growth. On the first day, attendees found out more about themselves, Hartjes said. And on the final day, Monday, participants presented their business plans. "I was excited about sharing my ideas," Hartjes said. "It was easy, because I really have a love for books and toys for kids." A panel - including a banker, a commerce specialist, a technical provider and an investor - gave entrepreneurs feedback. Panelists suggested Hartjes use the advantage of family and friends in the beginning. They advised her to make her business a limited liability company. That way, "only the person that owns the business is liable. It's not like you are going to lose everything that you own," Hartjes said. From self-discovery to business dreams, the camp was worth her time, she said. "It was a totally awesome experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone," she said.
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