Economic Alliance announces workshops for entrepreneurs – Wadena Pioneer Journal

WADNEA — Founded in 2011 out of a need to speak out for economic development in the region, the Economic Alliance offers educational resources, networking, opportunities and advocacy for businesses and entrepreneurs in Wadena County.

From training and resources on key business topics to networking and advocacy, the Economic Alliance hosts a series of workshops to help new and emerging business owners with a wide range of needs. Hope Williams, executive director of The Economic Alliance, said the upcoming course series aims to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed.

“The Business 101 course focuses on people who are thinking about starting their own business, or those who have already started a business but are looking for help and business knowledge,” Williams said.

Hope Williams is the Executive Director of The Economic Alliance.

The Business 101 meeting will be held from 5:30-7:30 PM on Tuesday, October 1 at the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce office located in the Depot. Topics include how to take a business idea and turn it into an innovative plan that can also benefit the community.

“We will cover topics such as accounting, marketing, legal structure, creating a business plan and more,” Williams said.

Additional courses that will be offered include accounting and marketing, focusing on a selected topic area that business owners can add to their business toolkits. Covering elements of basic financial literacy and accounting software, as well as essential marketing strategies that will help spur business growth, the goal, according to Williams, is to provide opportunities for both current and future business owners.

“It is important for business owners to attend these events to add tools to their toolboxes,” Williams said. “Accounting and marketing are some of the more difficult parts of running a business, so if a business owner can learn something that will help his business grow or make it easier to run, he will be successful.”

The Economic Alliance is also hosting its annual conversation with legislators on October 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wadena Area Chamber of Commerce. Brunch will be served at 11:00 and will include light refreshments. This year’s panel will include District 5 Senator Paul Utke, District 5A House Representative Krista Knudsen, District 5B House Representative Mike Wiener and representatives from the Minnesota House.

“This event is about networking and hearing from our representatives and updates on what’s happening at the state level,” said Williams, who noted that panelists will be able to provide insight into what they’ve been working on to support the region . There will be additional time to ask questions, and participation in the event is free.

More information about upcoming courses for business owners and entrepreneurs can be found on The Economic Alliance website at https://www.thealliancemn.org/. To register for upcoming business courses, email Executive Director Hope Williams at [email protected].

Nicole Stracek was a freelance writer for over 10 years before joining the Wadena Pioneer Journal. He covers everything from city council and county board meetings to breaking news. The Community Reporter can be reached at 218-631-2561 or [email protected].