MicroEnterprise

Want to Be Your Own Boss?

Finding a job you love can be difficult-- so why not be your own boss instead? Goodwill's MicroEnterprise program provides aspiring small business owners with the skills they need to succeed as entrepreneurs and become more independent.

What is a Microenterprise?

Microenterprises are the backbone of our economy. A microenterprise is any type of small business that has fewer than five employees.

Did you know:

Microenterprises represent 87% of all businesses in the United States.
There are more than 24 million microenterprises in our country.
One out of every six private sector employees in our country works for a microenterprise.

Who is eligible?

Our MicroEnterprise program is designed to help individuals with low to moderate income levels and other disadvantages to start their own businesses. If you have a great idea for a new business in our area, the Goodwill SWFL MicroEnterprise Institute is available to aspiring small business owners who live in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry or Glades Counties. When you are accepted into the program, you will be asked for a $65.00 administrative fee, which pays for your course materials-- but the rewards you reap will give you far more value!

What are the classes like?

Classes typically meet 10-12 times, usually twice a week in the evenings. In the Goodwill MicroEnterprise program, you will work with an instructor as well as a small business mentor who will not only teach the class, but also help guide you through their own personal experiences. These classes will assist you in developing a feasibility plan that focuses on cash flow-- the first and most critical step in creating a business plan. A strong business plan will help you not only to run your business, but also to apply for financial assistance. After completion of the class, participants are invited to apply for a small microloan from Goodwill and our lending partners.

Upcoming Classes:

Lee County:

         Starting Monday, June 10, 2013 (classes meet two nights a week for 6 weeks)
         Southwest Florida Enterprise Center - 3903 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., RM #6 - Fort Myers FL, 33916
         Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Download our application

Questions? Contact our Administrative Assistant at (239) 995-2106, ext. 2219 or fax to (239) 995-2099

Starting Monday, August 19, 2013 (classes meet two nights a week for 6 weeks)
Nicholas Annex Community Room - 815 Nicholas Parkway East - Cape Coral, Fl 33990
Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Download our application
Questions? Contact our Administrative Assistance at (239) 995-2106, ext. 2219 or fax to (239) 995-2099

Future Classes:
Lehigh Acres Class: October 17th - November 21st (Subject to date/location change)
If you have an interest in this class date please Download our application and send it in or fax to (239) 995-2099.

Fort Myers Class: August 24th - October 14th (Subject to date/location change)
If you have an interest in this class date please Download our application and send it in or fax to (239) 2099.

CHARLOTTE COUNTY:

          Port Charlotte Class: September 10th - October 10th
          Charlotte Technical Center 18150 Murdock Circle - Port Charlotte - FL 33948
          Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
          If you have an interest in this class date please Download our application and send it in or fax to (239) 995-2099
          Graduation Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 (more info will be given in class)

COLLIER COUNTY:

Starting Monday, July 29, 2013 (classes meet two nights a week for six weeks)

Naples Chamber of Commerce - 2390 Tamiami Trail - Naples, FL 34103

Monday and Thursday from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Download our application
Graduation Date: Thursday, September 5, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Questions? Contact our Administrative Assistant at (239) 995-2106, ext. 2219 or fax to (239) 995-2099

Future Naples Class: July 29th - September 5th (Subject to date and location changes)
If you have an interest in this class please Download the application and send it in or print and fax to (239 ) 995-2099