Course designed to help entrepreneurs grow business

DAHLONEGA - A new educational series designed for entrepreneurs in the North Metro Atlanta area can help businesses grow their bottom-line in today’s challenging economic climate.

“Small business owners are the backbone of our local economies, and nurturing their success through access to education and resources is an important economic development tool for the area,” said Max Burns, dean of the Mike Cottrell School of Business at North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU).

The certificate program is available through a partnership with North Georgia’s Mike Cottrell School of Business and Center for the Future of North Georgia, the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, and Northpoint Executive Suites.

The program, developed by NxLeveL, a leading entrepreneurial training program, combines practical, hands-on experiences and uses successful entrepreneurs as guest presenters. Classes begin April 1 and will meet on Wednesdays, 6 to 9 p.m., at Northpoint Executive Suites in Alpharetta for eight weeks.

NxLevel is a national program that has been delivered to more than 120,000 entrepreneurs in 47 states, and, according the company, existing business owners have reported an average sales increases of 32 percent within one year after graduation from this program.

“This course is designed for entrepreneurs at different stages in their development who have an existing business and need help growing it to the next level of success,” Burns said.

The program, led by Ruben Boling, a North Georgia College & State University faculty member and NxLevel-certified instructor, teaches best practices and business skills training for small businesses, including guidance in marketing, bookkeeping, financial projections, and negotiating with lenders.

Acceptance to the certificate program is by application through the North Georgia College & State University Office of Continuing Education. For more information, visit http://www.ngcsu.edu/ce/entrepreneur or phone 706-864-1918.