Through the Encore Entrepreneurs Series we are strengthening the economic vitality of our region by leveraging the talents of experienced business professionals and connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with workshops, free resources and local events focused on business development and networking. There are very few organizations that support aspiring entrepreneurs in our community, and none that do it free of charge. Our series fills that need by providing participants with access to training in business basics - including how to create their own website - and business planning materials, free of charge. Participants that complete our 6-week curriculum enter the business environment ready with the tools and skills they need start and grow a success small business.

Participants in our series learn from experts in a classroom setting. Each week of class covers a different aspect of small business development.

• Week 1: Learn how to cultivate your idea into a business plan.
• Week 2: Legalese - Understand the legal aspects to owning a business.
• Week 3: Develop an effective, lean marketing plan for your business.
• Week 4: Define and discover target audiences for your business.
• Week 5: Find start-up funding to get your business idea off the ground.
• Week 6: Finale - Participants' completed business plans are evaluated by experienced business professionals.

To date, 700 county residents have participated in the Encore Entrepreneurs Series. Each participant was asked to complete a brief satisfaction survey. Overall 98% of survey respondents said they were satisfied with the series, and 93% said that the series helped them meet their business objectives. Many participants also indicated that they would like Cuyahoga County Public Library to expand the curriculum to include such topics as how to help a troubled business, career assessment and business accounting. Others suggested expanded the scope of the series to include a business mentoring program.