Starting a small business workshop in Vernon County Sept. 30

Area residents can explore the dream of starting a business with the University of Missouri Extension's "Starting a Small Business: The First Steps" class from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 30 at the Nevada TCRC, 2015 N. West St., Nevada.

"This workshop is designed specifically for those who are thinking about starting a business," said Kathy Macomber, a business development specialist with University of Missouri Extension. "We'll examine the importance of planning, legal and regulatory requirements, look at potential customers and competitors, and identify sources of financing."

According to Macomber, this program will cover issues related to money, marketing and management -- along with other critical steps associated with starting a business.

Program highlights include: the evaluating a business idea, estimating start-up costs, identifying competitors and customers, and discussing the challenges of small business ownership.

Cost for this three-hour session program, which includes a start-up manual, is $29 and advance registration is required.

To receive additional information and to register, call (417) 448-1212 or visit the Nevada TCRC at 2015 N. West St. in Nevada. Preregistration using a credit card is available online at http://www. missouribusiness.net/calendar.

The Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center Network is a non-profit partnership of the Small Business Administration, State of Missouri, University of Missouri Extension, and other state universities, organized to help small businesses succeed. For more information, call the Barton County Extension Center at (417) 682-3579.