Visions Credit Union Branch Manager Hillary Wilcox delivers seed grant check to DCMO BOCES Career & Technical Education Manager to fund an award for the business plan competition. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — DCMO BOCES announced today funding opportunities for BOCES alumni and female students to participate in a business planning workshop. The four week program will help individuals plan a strategy to offset or earn income during COVID using the Internet as a tool.

According to the program instructor, Martha Ryan, the workshop helps individuals research and focus on the business plan process.

“During the three sessions, we help students explore 100-plus business ideas they can do with little or no investment. Students are inspired to gather the resources they need to start or solidify a business idea,” said Ryan.

A grant from the Community Foundation for South Central New York and a scholarship from DCMO BOCES will benefit students.

“Female students and graduates from any DCMO BOCES programs qualify for full funding to attend this dinner and workshop series. By removing the financial barriers to attending the program, we hope to impact people’s opportunities to earn money during this time of pandemic restrictions,” said Ryan.

Another scholarship is also available for Delaware County residents.

The workshop series runs from October 5th through October 28th beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a light dinner until 8 p.m. Students receive one-on-one assistance to write a business plan. Funding from the Growthwheel organization gives students free access to the business planning tool.

“The Growthwheel platform guides students to writing a business plan and expanding at any point. We were so fortunate to receive this resource,” said Ryan.

Jennifer Waite, Director of Career & Technical Education at BOCES, commented about the commitment to keeping our graduates in our region by saying, “Our graduates prepare with trade skills and industry credentials to enter the workforce. This program also prepares those who would like to create their own jobs as business owners. We are proud to support our graduates with full funding to attend this program and help them start and grow their businesses right here in our region.”

Students who complete the program will participate in a business plan competition. A $500 Seed Grant sponsored by Community Bank will be awarded to the best plan.

A similar competition, funded by Visions Credit Union was awarded in the past to a BOCES student, James Hill, to start his welding business. According to Ryan, the support from local lending institutions inspires individuals to improve their business planning efforts.

The classes will take place at the Pole Campus in Norwich and at the Harrold Campus in Sidney Center. The registration deadline is September 28th. Individuals interested can contact Martha Ryan by sending an email to ryanm@dcmoboces.com or by visiting the website at dcmoboces.com for more information.

-from DCMO BOCES