The first group of emerging entrepreneurial cadets has graduated from the Michigan City Entrepreneurship Development Program Bootcamp, laying the foundation for a stronger entrepreneurial community in Michigan City.

The bootcamp is the first phase of the program, which is rooted in the nationally recognized Urban Poverty and Business Initiative developed by the University of Notre Dame. It is centering on underserved residents ready to launch a small business.

Entrepreneurial experts guided 16 community members on a range of topics including the foundation and structure of a business, access to capital, marketing, branding, pitching your business, having an entrepreneurial mindset, operations, prices and networking.

“The bootcamp was an intensive look at business ownership and the opportunities and challenges of being an entrepreneur,” said Economic Development Corporation Michigan City Executive Director Clarence L. Hulse. “The point of the bootcamp is to start our community members on the right path as they launch or grow their businesses.

“Initial business ideas ranged from restaurants and consulting to HVAC and retail.”

The program will continue with additional one-on-one counseling by members of SCORE, who are volunteer mentors that have experience as entrepreneurs.

“The goal of this next phase of the program is to work on structuring the business and  completing a business plan for startup entrepreneurs as well as helping existing business owners enhance their plans for expansion or growth,” Hulse said.

“We are adapting a national program to fit the needs of our own emerging entrepreneurs,” said Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch during the initial program launch. “The goal of the program is to spark an entrepreneurial spirit here in Michigan City that is supported by resources and expertise to create sustainable small businesses.”