Heart of Wisconsin
Business & Economic Alliance and
Community Foundation of
South Wood County
|
A Joint Initiative Between Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance and Community Foundation of South Wood County |
About  Breaking News Program Dates Feedback Donate Contact Industry Clusters |
Breaking News September 18, 2006 - Entrepreneurial Boot Camp boosts business owner By: Melissa Loken, for the Daily Tribune This is the latest update on the activities of the Community Progress Initiative, a three-year effort to build local optimism and economic development. Entrepreneurial Boot Camp, supported by the Small Business Cluster of the Community Progress Initiative, is working to create new businesses in the Heart of Wisconsin area. One of those businesses is Roberts and Associates Physical Therapy, at 1210 Pepper Ave. in Wisconsin Rapids. Brett Roberts of Amherst decided to take control of his future. Previously working for others, Brett decided it was time to accept the challenges associated with owning a business. He felt he could offer a more flexible and therapeutic environment for his patients. After he saw a brochure for the Boot Camp at the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance, he made decision to attend the camp. "The Boot Camp helped to refresh my mind on how to write a business plan, but the benefit by far was talking to an established panel about my business idea and being able to gain feedback from their experience and expertise," explained Roberts. Roberts also found partnerships with various organizations to be valuable in the growth of his business. Through a partnership with the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association, some of the business' advertising can be subsidized. A partnership with Rapids Foot Care Center and Patric Hardiman, DPM is also developing to start a much-needed neuropathy care program in our community. There are challenges in business ownership. Gaining access to restrictive HMO programs and trying to market services to local physicians have been the largest obstacles Roberts has faced. Financing was also a bit difficult as predicting something that wasn't established and entering a relatively unknown market made things challenging. Roberts sees a bright future for his business. He hopes to add another physical therapist within the next six months as the clinic continues to grow. In two to three years, a second location in the area is planned. If you have an interest in accepting the challenge of business ownership, please contact Melissa Loken at 422-4856 to register for the next Boot Camp at Mid-State Technical College on Oct. 26 to 28 and Oct. 30. Melissa Loken is a member of the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance. |
||||
|
|
|||||