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Highlands Today

Class Set For Prospective Business Owners

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By Bill Rogers | Highlands Today

Published: June 21, 2008

AVON PARK — Robert Ray took the Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) class, and he recommends it to others who are interested in starting a business or currently own one.

"I definitely say take the course before going into business," said Ray, the owner of Heartland Marble & Granite in Sebring. "It will save you a lot of trouble."

The next REAL class will begin on June 30. It will meet Mondays from 6 – 9 p.m. in Building T at South Florida Community College in Avon Park.

The cost is $100. However, those who complete the course may be eligible for a $90 refund.

Ray, who sells and installs granite countertops and marble flooring, opened his business in 2006. He attended the first REAL class in January 2007 with his wife.

He originally opened the business on Pine Street in downtown Sebring, but moved to a new location on U.S. 27 near Highlands Regional Medical Center as a result of the class.

"It helped me pick my location," Ray said. "The best place in Highlands County to be is on U.S. 27 between the two hospitals."

Ray said he learned about business plans and "what was wasting my money and what's not.

"I know how to do a complete business plan," he said.

Ray added that counselors will continue to help those who have attended the class after they have completed it.

To date, three classes have been held in Highlands County with 35 individuals completing the course, according to Bill McKown, counselor with the University of South Florida Small Business Development Center.

The REAL program has been offered over a seven-county region during the last 1 1/2 years. A total of three REAL facilitators have held 11 classes with 105 attendees completing the course.

REAL is a private enterprise initiative by the USF's Small Business Development Center at SFCC.

The course is for existing business owners as well as those who are thinking of starting a business. The purpose of the program is to foster local economic development through self-employment.

Area professionals including bankers, attorneys, a CPA, an insurance agent and a franchise owner share their expertise during the course.

Call 863-202-5553 or 863-784-7379 for more information.

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