Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
Individuals looking to begin the new year by launching their own enterprise are invited to sign up for “Starting Your Business” on Saturday, Feb. 5, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Stillwater Public Library. Brad Rickelman, Assistant Director of Business and Entrepreneurial Services at Meridian Technology Center, will cover the basics, including building a business plan, defining expectations and understanding the finances required to make it all happen.
According to Forbes magazine, 2021 was a year of resilience for small businesses after being hit hard by COVID in 2020. They state that crucial focus points for businesses in 2022 will be adapting to new consumer expectations, understanding employee needs and managing supply demands.
Rickelman will touch on these subjects and several others. One thing he advises is using the CareerTech mission of developing a workforce for staffing.
“Hire staff willing to learn and take the time to train them for the job,” Rickelman said. “This will increase both your value and theirs.”
Forbes also discusses that many experts considered COVID-19 a trigger, but not the direct cause, of supply shortages. Having just one supplier and keeping minimal stock on site are just some of the processes that contribute to disruption when things like epidemics, natural disasters and geopolitical upheavals happen.
Rickelman agrees that it is crucial to have more than one supplier available.
“It’s always a good idea to research your supply chain before opening a business,’ Rickelman said. “If you have backup suppliers in place, you can keep goods and services flowing to your customers, which is crucial to running a successful business.”
“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, visit tinyurl.com/SYB2022, email [email protected] or call the Help Desk at 405-372-3633 x8106.
To learn more about business and entrepreneurial services available at Meridian Technology Center, visit meridiantech.edu/bes.
