Have you always wanted to be your own boss? Here’s your opportunity to learn how!

It is often said and written that small businesses are the engines of job creation in the United States.

According to Entrepreneur Magazine, there are between 25 and 27 million small businesses in the United States that account for 60 to 80 percent of all U.S. jobs. Another recent study by Paychex says that small businesses produce 13 times more patents than larger firms.

Although they may be small, the truth is there’s nothing small about the impact these businesses have on our national economy.

The same is true right here in Natchez, Adams County and our surrounding region. It is critical as communities that we provide the positive climate and valuable resources that small businesses need to succeed.

Entrepreneurial training, smart regulations and manageable tax structures can give small businesses a boost and the support system they need to thrive.

The partnership of Natchez, Inc., Alcorn State University and Mississippi Development Authority has pooled talent and resources to create the Entrepreneur Academy. Two sessions were completed in 2013 with a total of 72 graduates.

At least 22 new businesses have been started or expanded by this group.

Entrepreneur Academy 2014 will kick off at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Alcorn Technology Incubator facility at 300 Franklin St. The Academy will meet every other Tuesday evening through the first part of May.

Participants will have a chance to assess their own entrepreneurial potential, create and evaluate their business plan and hear from local experts in the areas of marketing, employment, insurance, finance and more.

A very important and valuable resource will be the development of a small business network made up of like-minded new friends.

The Academy is open to anyone 16 or older. Tuition for Entrepreneur Academy 2014 will be $25. The class will be limited to 40 people, so get your name on the list as soon as possible.

Contacts are Ruth Nichols and Allen Terrell with Alcorn, and Chris Hinton and Aimee Guido with Natchez, Inc.

Register by visiting info@natchezinc.com or calling 601-445-0288.

 

Dr. Ruth R. Nichols is assistant vice president for educational and community partnerships at Alcorn State University.