WHAT YOU NEED NOW - CONTENT UPDATED THROUGH THE DAY -

March 17, 2005
 
Business of the Week: Unlimited Future, Inc.
 
by Eve Marcum-Atkinson
Huntington News Network Writer
 
Huntington (HNN) — Are you one of many small businesses without a business plan? Have you ever wanted to start your own business? Reliable and knowledgeable help may be closer than you think. "Sometimes knowing where to begin is the most important thing of all", said Rachel Houston, Operations Director of Unlimited Future, Inc. (UFI), Huntington's small business incubator.
 
UFI began in 1993 with the goal to provide start-up and emerging businesses with a not-for-profit business development center designed to deliver an Incubator environment for entrepreneurial success. "The founders of UFI were local African American businessmen who saw UFI as an opportunity to give disadvantaged entrepreneurs the assistance they needed to start their business. This project has grown from a small neighborhood endeavor to something that has touched at least 9 counties across the Tri-State."
 
The UFI Business Incubator center is designed to assist participating businesses, especially minority businesses, in their efforts to reduce overhead expenses, compete effectively in markets, and create jobs. "Since UFI began, over 150 small businesses have gone from idea to reality with our help." Training and Micro-Loan assistance services are also available through BIZA$SIST at UFI.
 
Entrepreneurial Training:
The Business Plan Basics course taught by BIZA$SIST begins on the 1st Monday of each month, running from 6-9pm for 4 weeks each Monday. Price for this course is based on the student's income and can be as low as $150. For those who want to start a new venture, or expand an existing micro-business, this course focuses on the operational aspects of your business, how to strengthen venture stability and increase profits. The course culminates with the development of a comprehensive business plan for growth, along with the option to apply for a Micro-loan through BIZA$SIST.
 
Free Training:
Some free courses are offered by UFI, as well. "We're hosting a free seminar on Effective Marketing this Tuesday March 22nd from 5-7pm. We'll also be hosting a free Open House on Thursday March 31st from 5-7pm, so come on by." *** add links to events articles here ***
 
Micro-Loans:
Several Micro-Loan options are available through BIZA$SIST. Small and starting businesses in the Tri-State region may apply if they take the Business Plan Basics course. Loans range from $5,000 to $15,000, with larger loans soon to be available. "These loans are termed at 5-7 years, depending on the loan fund."
 
Incubator Office Space:
UFI provides small business with Incubator office space for $200-$400 per month, which includes all cost of utilities (except phone), photocopy service, fax service, and telephone answering service, plus the use of a conference room. DSL and furniture can be provided for an extra $10+ per month. Secretarial services are available.
 
Mountain Bounty Kitchen:
"We're expanding our Incubator services to include shared-use commercial kitchens, called the Mountain Bounty Kitchen (MBK)," explained Ms. Houston. "A regular office building would be of little use to food producers. We'll be able to reach out and help a whole new market of small business owners." Those interested in renting one of several commercial grade kitchens at UFI's MBK will be able to do so by the hour or by the day. A plentitude of kitchen tools and utensils will be available for use with the kitchen, along with Bottling, Wrapping and Labeling equipment for the finished product.
 
"People keep coming back," Ms. Houston explained. "We see them through their business plan development, through the loan process, and once they've started their business, through office rental. People want to come back and tell us how well they're doing." One such student is William Gore Form of Tri-State Financial Solutions, a current tenant, loan recipient and graduate of UFI. Those who attend UFI courses together "form tight networking groups," Ms. Houston said, "and share their success with one another. It's like a family."
 
By May of this year, those interested in registering for Training, renting Incubator or Kitchen space, or applying for a Micro-Loan will be able to do so through their website at www.unlimitedfuture.org. Until then, Unlimited Future, Inc. and Rachael Houston can be reached by mail at 1650 8th Ave. in Huntington, WV, by email at info@unlimitedfuture.org and by phone at (304) 697-3007. A copy of their brochure is available to download by Clicking Here.* (file size: )
 
* This document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader or another program capable of reading Portable Document Format files.
 
 Related: 
– West Virginia Small Business Development Center [opens new window or tab]
– Unlimited Future, Inc. [in development - opens new window or tab]
 
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