Growth Dimensions Launches Entrepreneur Venture Program

13 Aug 2020


August 13, 2020 (Boone County, IL) – Growth Dimensions – Economic Development for Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois, is pleased to announce a new, innovative initiative, named the Venture Program, which is designed to assist entrepreneurs in creating and sustaining their businesses.

“Whether an entrepreneur is just beginning their self-employment journey or they are an established business looking to hone their skills, the Venture Program is designed to support and foster them every step of the way” commented Heather Wick, Business Enterprise Manager at Growth Dimensions.

With support from the City of Belvidere and the Kauffman Foundation, Growth Dimensions was able to secure the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac Program, a world-renowned entrepreneurial education program, which provides Venture Program participants an immersive course packed with relevant information, tips, exercises and tools to help entrepreneurs think about their business ideas.  The Venture Program will incorporate a full line-up of course work and modules, over a 10-week period, creating a business plan from start to finish. Or, in the case of existing business owners, reviewing and fine tuning an existing businesses plan.

Two cohorts of the Venture Program will take place in the Fall of 2020.  One cohort will be comprised of aspiring entrepreneurs and the other will be made up of existing business owners. These formats allow participants to follow a syllabus designed with their interests and experience in mind.

Cohorts will be facilitated and trained by two entrepreneur experts, who have ties to the Boone County community – Matt Branom and Harold “Bo” Boger.

A local entrepreneur, Matt Branom is a co-owner and Vice-President of the Boone County Shopper, a weekly publication that mails approximately 20,000 copies to 99% of Boone County, Illinois. Branom oversees the operational and sales aspects of the Boone County Shopper. 

Harold “Bo” Boger has had a successful career in business and industry, spanning over decades. Boger graduated from Virginia Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/English. He also earned his Master of Science: Northwestern University focused on Enterprise Organizational Communication Graduate Matriculated.

The tuition amount per participant is a low $250, which covers all costs for the 10-week course.  Included with tuition is a full set of online resources, Venture materials, access to trainers and Growth Dimensions staff, along with additional benefits. You can find a full list of Venture Program benefits outlined HERE

There are also scholarships available to cover the cost of tuition, sponsored by local businesses and organizations.

Growth Dimensions will be holding an in-person informational session on the Venture Program on Friday, August 21, 2020, beginning at 3:30 p.m.  This one-hour session will be held at the Boone County Museum of History, located at 314 South State Street, Belvidere, Illinois 61008.  They ask that you please follow all recommended social distancing guidelines and face coverings are required. To register for this informational session or to receive more information on the Venture Program, contact Growth Dimensions at 815.547.4252 or email them at office@growthdimensions.org.