This is a business development course for new and experienced entrepreneurs. You will gain insight about starting, expanding, and managing a small business. Enhancing, Developing & Growing Entrepreneurs (EDGE) is a community based entrepreneurial training program to encourage the development of new businesses and the expansion of small businesses, including agricultural operations. Since 1993, EDGE has helped over 2000 individuals transform their visionary ideas into viable business opportunities.
Running a business is challenging, trying, and exhilarating—all at the same time. You may understand the product or service you deliver, but how well do you understand all the aspects of operating your business successfully? Through this program you will learn how to:
- Determine if it is feasible to start or expand your business.
- Structure a successful business that aligns with your personal ideals and aspirations.
- Research your industry, set pricing, and get your product or service to market.
- Develop marketing strategies that effectively reach your customer base.
- Understand the terms your lender and legal advisor use.
- Efficiently manage your operations—finances & cash flow, legal issues, employees, suppliers, and more.
- Craft a detailed business plan and actively use it as a road map to manage your business.
The EDGE program is an intensive 12-session course that will prompt you to answer key questions about your business, which will serve as the basis for your daily management decisions. The course is taught by certified instructors with first hand business experience. There are opportunities for one-on-one advice from the instructors during the course. This is a chance to gain practical, hands-on, common sense tools for developing and growing any small business.
EDGE classes are offered in different locations that are close to Twin Valleys Public Power District served customers and communities. Cambridge, Curtis, and McCook formed a group that offers the course each year in one of the three communities. TriEDGE, which this program is called, is available in Curtis in 2007. Jeff Tidyman is the Program Director and his telephone number is 308-340-5963. Phelps and Kearney counties formed the PKEDGE program and the class is available in Holdrege in 2007. For information call Sharon Hueftle at 308-995-3190 or visit http://nebraskaedge.unl.edu/.
