\A 10-week course titled Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning will equip budding entrepreneurs with the tools and skills to successfully launch a new enterprise.

The program also benefits existing business owners who want to hone their business plan or expand their enterprise. The program is being offered for the eighth year by Haywood Community College’s Continuing Education division. The course is held Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. starting from Sept. 15 and running through Nov. 17 for a minimal fee of $55.

Participants explore both the possibilities and challenges of being an entrepreneur by “walking through” the following steps: self-employment assessments, business plan essentials, legal structures, community analysis, marketing research and feasibility, targeting the customer and meeting customer needs, analyzing the competition, taxes and licenses, utilizing professionals, computerized cash flow analysis, and financial feasibility.

“Anyone coming to the class will leave with an answer ... either to go ahead because the idea is workable or to abandon the idea because it’s not profitable,” said Kathy Hyatt, the instructor. “The training is exciting and fun. Participants learn a lot without realizing it.”

Haywood Community College was the first community college in the state to embrace the notion of teaching entrepreneurship with a hands-on approach using experiential (action) learning. HCC’s program is applicable to a diverse range of enterprises, including restaurants, retail merchants, bed and breakfast owners, financial or technology service providers, and craft enterprises like pottery and weaving.

For more information, call the Small Business Center at 828.627.4512.