Training designed for Ferry and Okanogan county residents
REPUBLIC – As part of a program to assist the local communities with upcoming change as closure of the Buckhorn Mine approaches, Kinross-Kettle River – Buckhorn is hosting a free series of trainings and workshops designed specifically for Ferry and Okanogan county residents and businesses starting Wednesday, Nov. 5 in Republic.
The series is aimed at helping budding entrepreneurs to create new business ventures, as well as help existing businesses add value to their current business model.
This first training of the series, “Opportunity is Knocking: Business Development,” is an ideation exercise that encourages creativity, brainstorming and idea generation for use in creating successful business endeavors and to help add value to an existing business. Maury Forman and Terry Lawhead, with the Department of Commerce, will share their perspective on the role of economic development and owning a business in rural communities, including discussions on targeting, customer service, product uniqueness, and economic impacts.
During this session, participants will create a fictional business and think about key aspects of their business, such as “What problem will it solve?” or “Who would buy this product?” This session will also be valuable even if you already own an existing business. It may provide you with some ideas to help improve your market, or identify technology/skills that could help sell your product that hadn’t been considered before.
Kinross is asking those interested to join them at the Republic School Cafeteria, 30306 E. Highway 21, Republic on Nov. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30, as Forman, Senior Manager for Rural Initiatives, Innovations and Entrepreneurship with the Department of Commerce and Terry Lawhead, Business Development Manager specializing in Retention and Expansion, deliver inspiration and education on discovering new business ideas and starting a business.
“Maury is skilled at teaching people how to think creatively when starting and growing your business, especially in rural communities. He is widely recognized as a leader in rural economic development. Don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to learn from Maury and Terry’s experience,” said Deana Zakar, Community and Government Relations Specialist with Kinross.
There is no cost to attend and food and childcare will be provided. Zakar says this is a fantastic opportunity for high school seniors looking to start a business, college students, current business owners, aspiring business owners and more. For more information and to register online go to www.krbcommunity.com.
