HOPE, AR – The Division of Industry Outreach & Continuing Education will be holding a graduation ceremony and feasibility plan competition for the participants of the first Operation JumpStart class. Operation JumpStart is a 6 week training to help persons become successful business owners and operators. Throughout the training, experts in business plan development, marketing, and legal aspects of business ownership presented key information to the class. This also allowed the participants to ask questions specific to their potential business.

The date for this ceremony is Monday, June 3rd, 2013

Beginning at 6:00 P.M. at Hempstead Hall

Susan Forte, Executive Director of Houseaboutit, is the keynote speaker. She will present her challenges and rewards in regard to starting a community and economic development agency.

During the program, participants who successfully completed the course will present their feasibility plan to a panel of business owners who will determine if the plan will receive start-up funds to make the business idea a reality.

This event is open to the public.

For more information, contact the UACCH Industry Outreach Department at 870-722-8162.

 The mission of Operation JumpStart is to educate, empower, and provide business development opportunities that support the growth of strong and effective microenterprises.

Program is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provided by the help of the Arkansas Women’s Business Center, a Project of Winrock International and the U.S. Small Business Administration.