Get a head start developing and starting a new business

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / Jan. 31, 2020) – On Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10 a.m., Brad Rickelman, assistant director of the Center for Business Development at Meridian Technology Center, will be at the Stillwater Public Library to guide budding entrepreneurs toward success at the “Starting Your Business" class.

This class will focus on general advice for new business owners and offer an overview of the different types of information an entrepreneur should investigate before launching a new venture.  Specifically, Rickelman will discuss the value of building the right customer base through problem-solving.

"It's important for new business owners to identify and build a strong customer base by focusing a problem that customers recognize," Rickelman said. "The closer you are to a market need, the greater your business's chance of success."

Attendees will also learn strategies to make a startup as strong as possible, get advice for keeping a business running and other insights for how to open and operate successfully.

After the class, Rickelman will lead a walking discussion that will allow participants to get some exercise while further discussing business principles. The additional session is a part of “The Walking Library,” a new health and learning series at the library taking place from Feb. through the summer of 2020.

"The afternoon session will be more free-form than the morning," Rickelman said. "It will be a question and answer discussion of businesses and ideas about startups."

The public is welcome to attend the class, the walk or both. Individuals interested in either the “Starting Your Business” class or the walking business discussion can get more information and register at http://library.stillwater.org/register_for_programs.php or from the Help Desk at (405) 372-3633 x8106.

More information about “The Walking Library,” including the full schedule of educational walks and talks, can be found at http://library.stillwater.org/TheWalkingLibrary.