Colby Community College, in association with the Thomas County Economic Development Alliance and the NetWork Kansas E-Community Partnership, announced that the Startup Northwest Kansas Program will be offered in Colby Feb. 21 through March 28. Sessions will be held Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. with a program fee of $100 for adults and $50 for full-time high school and college students. The goal of the course is to teach participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and provide them the tools to launch their business.

Taught by a team of experts, the interactive six-week program provides practical entrepreneurial lessons through first-hand experiences of successful, real-life entrepreneurs. Part of the course is based on the book, “Who Owns the Ice House?” The curriculum consists of video interviews and case studies along with individual assignments, assessments, and discussion topics. The popular course is offered only a handful of times per year across the state. This is the second time Thomas County has hosted the class.

"We hope this course will expose you to a new way of thinking, recognize opportunities, ignite your ambition and foster the habits that will enable you to succeed, said Vernon Hurd, Thomas County Economic Development Alliance Executive Director. “Those who complete the program will learn how to develop the mindset skills that enable you to recognize and evaluate opportunities regardless of your chosen path."

Rebates are available for Thomas County participants that attend five of the six sessions.

Startup Northwest Kansas topics include business plans, finance, marketing, e-commerce, business management and legal issues.

Registration is available online.

For more information, contact Vernon Hurd at 785-460-4511 or email ecodev@thomascounty.com  

Information about NetWork Kansas or the E-Community Partnership is available at www.networkkansas.com.