The Merrick County Foundation and REAP joined forces to facilitate training for entrepreneurs with the assistance of a grant from the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA). BECA funds allow communities to provide assistance to small businesses and potential business owners at an affordable cost.

Participants of the Bookkeeping Basics session at the new Venture Center in Central City. The training was made possible through BECA funds.

Kandi Brown, Seward H&R Block franchisee, was the instructor. She provided participants an overview of the QuickBooks program. They learned how to set up a Chart of Accounts, customize their Home Page, use the Check Register, reconcile bank accounts, invoice customers, use the financial reports and various other tasks to make running a successful business easier.

Laptops in the Venture Center have QuickBooks 2009 installed so participants were able to “practice” what they were learning.

The Venture Center is equipped with wireless internet access, six laptop computers, an LCD projector and screen. Tables and comfortable chairs ensure a great learning environment.

A Business Plan Basics five-session course is scheduled to start October 27, 2009. Several entrepreneurs are currently registered. For more information on this educational opportunity and others that have been scheduled, contact Chuck Griffith at the Merrick Foundation, 308.946.3707.

For more information on the Business Plan Basics content, contact Monica Braun, REAP, at 402.643.2673.