The Sierra Economic Development Corporation (SEDCorp) is beginning to harness the potential of having a wide network of training classes for entrepreneurs and small businesses. That is most evident in the extensive training program that SEDCorp is rolling out this February.  SEDCorp is a private, non-profit regional economic development organization formed in 1969.  It has become the premier business training source for northeastern California.

Since February 2009, SEDCorp has conducted six Business Boot Camps in six different counties.  The Boot Camps are designed to help create a strategic business plan that can provide a roadmap in making business dreams come true.     Entrepreneurs, start-ups and small business owners benefit from the intensive three-day course that covers market analysis, marketing strategies, finances, business law, pitfalls of small business and much more.  The Boot Camps’ “enlistees”, explore new opportunities, gain new resources, mingle with peers and maximize their opportunities for success.  With such a high demand and long waiting lists, SEDCorp is seeking additional funding for more Boot Camps.

In the wake of the Boot Camps came constant requests from enlistees to hold single-subject classes to expand on what they learned at the BootCamp.  SEDCorp is now offering those low-cost classes to the public.  They include Survival Tools to Manage Your Business Finances, Business Legalities-Minefields and Pitfalls, Communication Skills/Time Management, Internet Marketing (Beginner and Advanced) and QuickBooks, (Beginner and Advanced).   SEDCorp has recently added Is Your Business Protected Against Identity Theft?, Making Solar Part of Your Business Plan and Franchising as a Career Option. 

 “SEDCorp is listening to the needs of the small business owners.  In 2009, almost 400 participants attended SEDCorp training.  That number is expected to triple in 2010 as more classes are added,” said SEDCorp CEO, Brent Smith. For more information, call SEDCorp at (530) 823-4703, or click here for a list of upcoming events.