Business class provides guidance in hard times           

By SARAH de CRESCENZO
2009-09-04  17:27:19

Eighteen local business owners spent the past 13 weeks taking an entrepreneurial  course that focused on maintaining and growing their businesses.

The going may be tough, but the tough are indeed ready to get going - to sustain their businesses, that is.

The class, which was held for three hours on Monday nights, featured expert speakers and a chance for attendees to share advice and tips for staying afloat during a stormy economy. 

"You have to have a dedicated group [for the class to be effective]," said Gil Jaramillo, a Small Business Development Center satellite manager who oversees similar classes in nearby areas.

Jaramillo called the Porterville participants a "very conscientious group."

"Even though they had a great time, you could tell they were dedicated and sincere," Jaramillo said.
SBDC, along with the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Porterville and Citizens Business Bank, sponsored the class which was offered at no cost.

Class participants Thomas and Luz Hughes, who own two Sears stores, said that the interactions between the course participants were one of its most helpful aspects.

"Hearing about other [business owner's] problems helped me deal with my own," Thomas Hughes.

The class had representatives from new startup businesses to ones that have been established for years.

"We had people from all walks of life," chamber CEO Donnette Silva Carter said.

Consultant Nicolo Lapiertra said that graduating from the course felt like an "accomplishment."

"It covered all the crucial aspects of business, from accountability to customer contact to how to sustain [your business]," he said.

The chamber held a graduation ceremony on Monday where each participant received a certificate and listened to addresses from Mayor Pete McCracken and other local business people.

McCracken said he was "impressed" by the multiple married couples who completed the course in tandem, noting that familial support is essential for the success of a small business.

Local architect Dennis Townsend also spoke, recounting the path he took to running his own business and discussed how to make the best of the poor economic climate.

The course, which is available to small business owners with salaried employees, will take place for a second time during the winter months, Silva Carter said.

Enrollment will again be limited to about 20 participants.

--Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com .