Program Helps Displaced Workers Start Businesses

On Thursday, Ventura County’s Workforce Development Division and the Entrepreneur Academy will begin a seven-week training session for displaced workers looking to start their own businesses.

The 100-hour “start-up” program is being subsidized by a portion of a federal grant provided through the Job Training Partnership Act. The funding this year amounts to approximately $8 million, with the start-up programming costing about $40,000 to run.

Designed particularly for those who have lost their jobs through downsizing, the program will train students to create a business plan and a mission statement, do market analysis and develop other entrepreneurial skills.

“It is for people who want to start a business totally from the ground up, because in some cases they are just finding they can’t get employed otherwise,” said Georgie Davies, a personnel analyst with the Entrepreneur Academy.

Davies said about 40 potential students turned out for an orientation this month representing the defense industry and a range of other segments of the work force. Those interested may call 662-6556 for information.