Great Bend Economic Development Inc. announced Thursday another partnership with NetWork Kansas, a collaboration aimed at empowering Barton County residents to think like an entrepreneur through the upcoming “Entrepreneurial Mindset” classes. Following the success of IGNITE Rural Business, a program that showcased the community’s enthusiasm for entrepreneurial ventures, the demand for further education in this field has been on the rise, said GBED President Sara Arnberger.
This course is open to adults of all ages, whether they are considering starting their own businesses, are already in business, or are simply seeking new approaches to problem-solving. The deadline to register for the classes is Jan. 8th Registration fee is $100 per person, this includes dinner at the start of each class. As an added incentive, if registrants attend at least five sessions, they will receive a 50% refund.
The weekly classes are scheduled to begin on Jan. 10 and will run Wednesdays until Feb. 21, excluding Feb. 14. Sessions will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Great Bend Economic Development Offices, located inside the Great Bend Events Center, 3111 10th St.
“With generous support from NetWork Kansas, the classes will be made more accessible, keeping the costs down for participants,” she said. “NetWork Kansas, known for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development, shares the vision of providing valuable education and support to individuals exploring entrepreneurship.”
Led by co-facilitators, Jim Correll, executive director of the Innovative Business Resource Center located in Coffeyville, Kansas and part of Network Kansas, and Shelly Peacock, a local entrepreneur and past mentor with the IGNITE Competition, the classes aim to equip participants with the essential skills and mindset required for successful entrepreneurship.
Course participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, explore video content averaging one hour per week, and delve into the pages of “Who Owns the Ice House?” — a book featuring the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Clifton Taulbert. The curriculum also includes insightful visits from local entrepreneurs, offering firsthand perspectives on the challenges and triumphs of the entrepreneurial journey.
Correll emphasizes that the class revolves around eight key life lessons: choice, opportunity, action, knowledge, wealth, brand, community, and persistence. “Our objective is to open our participants’ minds to a new way of thinking and approaching the challenges of business and daily life. By learning through the stories of successful entrepreneurs, we aim to showcase that there is more than one path to every destination in life, and a change in mindset can lead to great personal and professional fulfillment,” he said.
For more information on course content, schedule, and attendance tuition reimbursements, contact GBED at 620-796-2407 or via email marketing@gbedinc.com. Registration is also available online at www.gbedinc.com/gettingstarted.
