Maui Economic Opportunity’s Core Four Business Planning series will begin Sept. 6 and run for five weeks with graduates eligible for up to $25,000 in grants for business start-up expenses.
MEO’s Business Development Center offers the course Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 6 to Oct. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., virtually via Zoom. It is geared for those thinking of starting a business or with an entrepreneurial idea but in need of direction. Information needed to start, operate and grow a business as well as writing a business plan will be covered.
An Introductory Class will be held in-person from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 1, at the Maui County Business Resource Center, 110 Ala‘ihi St., No. 209, Kahului. Call (808) 249-2990 to register for the Introductory Class.
For the second year, BDC is presenting a Best Business Plan grant program, which again is funded by Council Member Tasha Kama’s district allowance. There will be nine awards ranging from $25,000 to $5,000 with Core Four graduates through the upcoming class series eligible to submit business plans for review.
BDC Director David Daly noted that this a unique opportunity because grants for start-up businesses are nonexistent.
“We thank Council Member Tasha Kama for again funding the start-up grants, which are a critical piece for entrepreneurs trying to make their business dreams come true,” said Daly. “The grant offerings last year attracted more than 70 Core Four class participants – the highest number for a class series – and 30 grant applications.”
Daly noted that entrepreneurs often have attractive business ideas but lack the practical knowledge of turning those dreams into reality.
“This Core Four series will give start-ups a plan for success while having a chance to gain start-up capital,” he said.
Registration is required for the series and can be done by submitting an online application at Core Four Registration or through the MEO website at www.meoinc.org.
Enrollment forms also can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays by appointment at MEO’s Family Center in Wailuku near the J. Walter Cameron Center by calling (808) 249-2990.
The cost of the class series is $50, and financial assistance is available.
The Core Four series is funded by Maui County through the Office of Economic Development.
David Daly, Maui Economic Opportunity Business Development Center Director, teaches a Core Four Business Planning class on July 19 at MEO in Wailuku. The next series begins on Sept. 6. Those completing the course are eligible for start-up grants of up to $25,000.
