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THE CLARKE AGENCY, INC.Cathie Elliott, Real Estate Broker/Owner |
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Free business consultation offered at WSC
Written by Cathie Elliott Clarke Agency Gunnison, Colorado Local small business owners facing problems with financial, accounting, management or marketing operations, or people who are considering starting a business can take advantage of free consulting services offered through the Western State College Small Business Institute beginning in January. Participating businesses/entrepreneurs will be teamed with one or more upper-class business students who have had academic preparation in dealing with small business problems, opportunities, marketing plans, business plans, and feasibility studies. Supervising the Western SBI will be Cathie Elliott, instructor of business administration, who owns two small businesses in Gunnison. The consulting program benefits the business owner or potential entrepreneur by providing up-to-date knowledge and confidential advice in the ever-evolving world of business, and utilizes the expertise of business and accounting faculty. The students gain experience that will help them shape their careers. They work closely with business owners to analyze the marketplace, determine how to more effectively deal with competitors, formulate strategies and make recommendations. “The SBI program is a wonderful example of how WSC and the business community can benefit one another,” Elliott said. “We can help business owners with their planning, and our students gain an opportunity to apply what they have learned in their classroom studies.” The SBI is in its 13th year at Western. Many local businesses have benefited from the program, including several new start-up businesses. The only cost will be the investment of time required. Acceptance of specific projects will be contingent on the availability of qualified students, Elliott said. However, any case not accepted for this semester will be kept on file for consideration in the future, when students with different expertise may be available. Business persons interested in participating in the program should call Cathie Elliott (943-3055) or the Department of Business and Accounting (943-2019). Initial interviews with Elliott to determine the precise nature of the assistance requested by individual business owners will take place before the start of the course. ----- |
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The Clarke Agency, Inc.