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. ...more

June 21, 2008

AVON PARK — The next Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) class is scheduled to start on Feb. 18. The class will be held each Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. for 12 weeks at the South Florida Community College campus in Avon Park. REAL is a private enterprise initiative by the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center at SFCC. ...more

January 27, 2008

Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) is a private enterprise initiative by the University of South Florida's Small Business Development Center at SFCC. The purpose of the program is to promote local economic development through self employment and private enterprise. During the 12 week REAL course, attendees are exposed to business basics, entrepreneurship and the mechanics of writing a business plan. To date, the program has awarded certificates of completion to 26 attendees who are either currently in business or are planning to start a business. ...more

January 7, 2008