By Martha Wilson | Hardy Antiques, AWBC Client
“The Operation JumpStart Program sponsored by Winrock International’s Arkansas Women’s Business Center (AWBC) and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service was just what I needed to begin my second career and make the transition from living and working in Tennessee to Arkansas. The course I attended was held in the fall of 2012 and I purchased Hardy Antiques January 1st 2013, so the timing could not have been better.
The classes were held at different Ozarka College locations in Melbourne, Salem and Ash Flat and traveling to them afforded me the opportunity to get to know these towns and some of the business people in them. The class material, handouts and the workbook we were furnished were well organized and chocked full of information, everything you would need to start and maintain a small business in Arkansas. I loved the real life examples of a small business owner's journey, the successes and missteps. The instructors gave us direction on how and where to apply for business permits, get sales and use tax and Federal ID numbers. In addition to the textbook material, we had interesting guest speakers; an attorney, accountant, publisher, banker, as well as established small business owners. These professionals gave us the good, the bad, and the ugly side of owning your own business. We had a beautiful "graduation" dinner when we completed the course and we gathered with instructors, classmates and friends to celebrate.
After completing the course we continue to have periodic follow up and interaction with our facilitator. After the Operation JumpStart class, the AWBC arranged two seminars on using Facebook and creating a Website for small business, which I attended. Nine months into this life changing event I am paying the bills, with a little to spare, and I feel good about it. I am truly thankful for the Operation JumpStart Program and the people involved in it. The name really fits what it is and what it does. It gave me the jumpstart I needed at just the right time in my life.”
Martha Wilson, Owner
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