(STILLWATER, OKLA., Sept. 7, 2016) — On Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m., Brad Rickelman, Assistant Director of the Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center, will be back at the Stillwater Public Library to teach budding entrepreneurs how to start their businesses.
Students at the class will learn how to develop the right market for a business before starting it; how to create initial financial estimates; and how to prevent the common pitfalls new businesses often face.
According to Rickelman, the most common error he sees is also one that is easy to prevent.
“Many new business owners make commitments before they are ready, such as renting space before they know exactly how the business will run or purchasing inventory and equipment before they need it. It’s essential to develop your plan fully before taking these types of steps. We hope this class will get participants thinking about the pre-planning they need to do.”
Despite the careful planning that it takes, Rickelman says that starting a small business in Stillwater can be a good decision.
“Because of the student population in Stillwater, businesses here generally do better than surrounding areas,” said Rickelman. “However, it is important to watch the seasonal aspect of business here. Business is strong in the fall with new students and football games and fine in spring, but owners need to be prepared for the summer slowdown.
“Overall, there are many niche opportunities for businesses to keep people from driving to OKC or Tulsa, but you have to put in the work to reach those prospective customers.”
“Starting Your Business” is free and open to the public. Registration is required, but will be taken up to the day before the class. To sign-up, go to the library’s website at http://library.stillwater.org, email [email protected] or call 405-372-3633 x 8106.
Library hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. (the corner of Duck and 12th Ave.).
