Written by
The Visalia Chamber of Commerce has opened enrollment into its newest entrepreneurship program.
Called “Emerge,” it will be a series of classes intended to give new and future business owners training in “core entrepreneurial skills as they go through the process of taking a business idea from the early stages to a business ready to launch,” states a press release detailing the fee-based program.
It’s also intended to help people build business plans and connect with local business resources, the release continues.
“Entrepreneurship is vital to the success of a community. Entrepreneurs bring new ideas, generate tax revenue and provide jobs for the local community,” Gail Zurek, president and CEO of the chamber, stated in the release.
The program will involve a dozen classes held over six months, starting in January, at the College of Sequoias’ Visalia campus. They’ll feature speakers with real-world business experience discussing topics that will include business law, accounting, marketing, zoning and ordinances, human resources, insurance, taxes and sales training.
Each participant also will be provided a business mentor.
Space is limited, and participants must be at least 18 years old and undergo an interview to be accepted.
“Ideally, Emerge participants are in the process of or [are] planning to open a business in the near future, or have recently opened a business and want to better understand best practices and utilize available business resources,” states the press release.
Tuition for the Emerge training is $350, though people can attend individual classes for $50.
Applications are available online at www.visaliachamber.org/emerge or by calling the chamber at 559-734-5876.
The submission deadline is Nov. 17.