Entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners are invited to attend The ABCs of Business Ownership, a three-part workshop scheduled from 1 to 4 pm on March 17, 24, and 31. All sessions will be held at the Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, 418 Wisconsin St., Eau Claire.

Each session will teach prospective business owners how to assemble the pieces of a business plan. Participants are encouraged to work on their specific business ideas during the sessions.

Session One: Are You Ready? - March 17 - Topics include legal structure, permits, licensing, zoning, business plan outline, and business idea feasibility.

Session Two: Business Marketing - March 24 - Topics include identifying customers, market research, and how to market to your customers.

Session Three: Creating Financing - March 31 - Topics include managing cash, preparing profit/loss and cash flow projections, and options for financing.Tuition is $45 for individuals or $40 per person for groups of two or more who are working on a business plan together. Class materials for each session are included. Scholarships are available for income eligible individuals.

There are three easy ways to register and pay: online at www.SuccessfulBusiness.org, by phone at 836-7511 ext. 171, or in person at the Western Dairyland office at 418 Wisconsin Street, Eau Claire. Because space is limited, registration and payment must be received by Monday, March 14th.

After attending the workshops, attendees may request free, one-on-one assistance from Western Dairyland's Business Development Specialists to determine the feasibility of their business idea and identify sources to prove their market. Business Development Specialists may also help with the preparation of business plans and financial forecasts which could be presented to lenders.