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Akron Urban League gathers experts to help people refine goals, brush up on basics
By Paula Schleis
Beacon Journal business writer
Published on Monday, Aug 18, 2008
But after lectures by business owners, mentoring from accountants and insight from attorneys, her concept evolved into a tighter business plan that she feels has a greater chance of success.
In January, Frazier expects to launch ICook, an office and home meal-delivery service for busy professionals who don't have time to go out to lunch, have no interest in packing their own meals, and don't want to send out for pizza again.
''I learned a lot and I did change a lot of things I thought I would do,'' the Cuyahoga Falls entrepreneur said.
Registration runs through this week for the next FastTrac NewVenture program, developed by national entrepreneur advocate the Kauffman Foundation and offered quarterly by the Akron Urban League's Minority Business Development Center.
The next program, which runs three hours each Tuesday night beginning Sept. 9, is open to all would-be and existing business owners, although part of the program focuses on businesses owned by minorities or women. The cost is $250.
Sessions range from market research to monitoring cash flow to credit counseling.
Frazier, who just completed the course, said she heard about the program after her pastor sent her to the league to pursue her business dreams.
She was laid off from her management position with a local manufacturer last year and decided to fill a need she always had as someone who routinely worked long days.
''I enjoy cooking, I just didn't always have time to do it,'' she said. ''So I know
there are others like me. There is a market for people who don't want to cook and don't want frozen food or food out of a box.''
But Frazier's idea to target home dinner delivery didn't add up when she did the math.
The number of people and cars it would take to drive hot meals to homes throughout several communities — especially for a startup company with limited clientele and rising gas prices — was inefficient and costly.
After some thought-provoking discussions with program instructors, Frazier decided to target the lunch hour in office buildings, where she could deliver gourmet made-to-order sandwiches and hot soups to several customers in one trip.
''Then once I establish myself and prove myself, I'll be able to expand to dinner,'' she said.
The course also taught her the value of getting feedback from customers so she can adjust her service and her menu.
And a mentor convinced her she could get started faster and spend less money by trying to rent underused kitchens at churches rather than expensive leased space.
Business counselor Anita Newkirk, who has been running FastTrac since last year, said the program has attracted a great diversity of participants — from a homemaker who wants to do day care to an inventor with a patented medical device.
''It's about giving you that foundation to help individuals or business owners the chance to think: Is this really something you want to do?'' Newkirk said.
Frazier said the program is a good reality check on the commitment and passion a business owner needs.
''No one sugarcoated anything for us. They were right between the eyes and you understood this is not going to be a 9-to-5 deal,'' she said.
Sheila Frazier expects to start her business in January, but anyone interested in knowing when her lunch delivery service begins can e-mail her at smfraz@msn.com.
Paula Schleis can be reached at 330-996-3741 or pschleis@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
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