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Ready, Set, Grow Your Business

Ready, Set, Grow Your Business

The focus is on building local networks

Ready, Set, Grow your Business (RSGYB) is a "training light, networking heavy" approach to growing and supporting small businesses in Idaho's rural communities.

Each workshop includes:

  • Knowledge and skill training from local and university experts
  • Presentations about a successful local business
  • Question and answer session
  • Informal networking time

Coaching and business pitch activities help create an environment that fosters business start-up and expansion in small towns.

Workshop Schedule

Sessions are two hours long and scheduled a week apart for four weeks.  Topics include:

  • Strategic planning and research before launching or expanding
  • Marketing and e-commerce
  • Financial planning and funding options
  • Creating an effective pitch

When possible, sessions are held in local coffee shops, pubs and restaurants. These locations support the local economy and fosters a networking atmosphere.  A "small business bingo" game makes networking easier. Prizes are typically self-help entrepreneurship publications.

Bringing RSGYB to Your Town

If you would like to schedule workshops in your community, contact Lorie Higgins: higgins@uidaho.edu or 208-669-1480.

Host communities need to have a local organizer or organizing organization.  For example, in Kendrick & Juliaetta a local community development volunteer organization recruited businesses, identified workshop locations and advertised the opportunity. The program is low or no cost to the community, but on-site coordinating assistance is required.

For more information contact

Lorie Higgins

Professor & Extension Specialist

Ag Science, Room 24

208-669-1480

higgins@uidaho.edu