MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - If owning or starting your own business is in your future plans, then attending the “Starting Your Own Business” class could be a benefit.
The Marine Corps Air Station New River Marine and Family Program annex hosts the class every other Thursday in building AS-232, across from the chapel. One of the topics that are discussed is starting a business. There are two ways a Marine can approach starting his own business: buying into a franchise or creating his own.
“The class we have is quite unique,” said Dana Cozzens, career resource manager for Marine and Family Programs. “It is geared toward two groups of attendees: entrepreneurs and individuals looking to start their own business.”
The difference between business owners and entrepreneurs are that business owners are geared toward self-employment and making a living, while entrepreneurs seek to make a change and find financial freedom.
“The class we hold is an introduction to business in regards to how someone would get the ball rolling,” said Steve Gill, business and training director for Coastal Carolina Community College. “We cover the steps that it takes to begin, and whether the idea that you have is in high enough demand to be successful.”
Once a Marine determines that there is a market for his product or idea, work on the business plan can commence to see if something can be made of it.
“Some people come to the class wondering about legal structure or taxes,” said Gill. “People also come to find out where they need to start, because starting your own business can seem complex and overwhelming. We help them to sort out how they view it.”
Gill added that most Marines and their families on base do not know what resources the community college has to offer them. They offer classes and advice on how to further your for specific goals or what could aid in the starting of your business.
“North Carolina, statewide has small business centers throughout the state at all community colleges,” said Gill. “They offer free counselors that will sit down with you and help you develop your business plan and fill out any application that you may need. All you need to do is get a hold of them and ask the questions.”
For more information, visit http://www.mccsnr.com and follow the links to the calendar of events.