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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 24, 2004 - Grads hope boot camp will boost businesses By Colin Atagi Daily Tribune Staff Nine Wisconsin Rapids-area residents have completed a "boot camp" for entrepreneurs, where they learned that planning a business can be almost as much work as running one. The entrepreneurial boot camp was held last week as part of the Community Progress Initiative. The goal of the boot camp was to help participants assess their entrepreneurial potential, teach them about the skills of running a business and provide support services of venture capital, operation planning and marketing. For about three days, boot camp participants attended classes at Mid-State Technical College for as long as 10 hours a day. They learned from business officials and experts how to put together a proper business plan. While most of the students had an idea of what kind of business they wanted to start, they didn't exactly have a solid business plan to help it succeed, said Connie Loden, executive director of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance. "There was one or two working on a plan who had an idea of where to start," she said. "For the most part, they hadn't started a developmental plan. I think all of them left feeling more optimistic, though." Jim Arnold, 28, of Wisconsin Rapids works part time at the South Wood County Recreation Center but is hoping to have a business during the summer season. He enjoyed the concept of everyone working with partners as board members while he played the role of a chief executive officer trying to pitch an idea for a business. "Everyone had an idea, but not on what to do next," he said. "Now everyone's further along. "I'm glad (Community Initiative Progress organizers are) taking the time to do this." Jessica Jelinski, 17, of Wisconsin Rapids plans to start her own fashion store, Uptown Business, and also thought the training was beneficial. "It was really intense, but it's helping me with my business," she said Friday. "We've been working for hours today, but I have a good idea on my business plan now." John Drewa of Wisconsin Rapids recently started his new business, Creekside Enterprises, a home improvement and remodeling service. He also enjoyed the camp. "It's very good," he said. "It goes by fairly quick. It helped me with everything, from my business plan to how to handle my finances." You can reach Colin Atagi at 422-6728 or at catagi@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
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