Region receives $100,000 grant

Business owners and entrepreneurs in Highlands, Hardee and DeSoto counties will be able to receive comprehensive training to help them run their businesses as a result of a $100,000 grant awarded to Heartland Workforce.

A total of 50 people will be able to participate and take the four-hour classes that cover topics such as financial management, sales and marketing management, organization and workforce administration and leadership and asset management.

"It will help them obtain skills necessary to sustain their businesses," said Donna Doubleday, director of programs/operations for Heartland Workforce.

It is not known exactly when the training will begin, but it will likely be in the first quarter of 2010. Some details still have to be worked out including location, dates and times for the classes.

Dan Murphy, executive director of the Highlands County Economic Development Commission, said companies already in business with a cash flow are being targeted.

Money from the grant, which came from Workforce Florida, will be used to create and develop the materials, hire the faculty and market the program, Murphy said.

A liaison to oversee the grant has to be hired. Doubleday hopes the individual can be selected by the end of this year.

Heartland Workforce will pay the $40,000 salary and benefits, but that will only be covered through June of next year, according to Doubleday.

USF Polytechnic was involved in the grant application. The University of South Florida school uses a multi-disciplinary emphasis and focuses on applied teaching and research.

For more information, contact Murphy at 385-1025.