The Economic Development Council (EDC) is offering an exciting opportunity for business owners and startup entrepreneurs in San Juan County with the launch of their Online Business Bootcamp. This program is part of the EDC’s Tech Training Accelerator Initiative and aims to help participants establish and optimize their online business presence. Whether you are looking to start a new business website or enhance your existing online profile, this Bootcamp is designed to provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the digital marketplace.
The Online Business Bootcamp consists of a six-week program that combines self-paced online lessons with weekly advisory meetings led by the EDC Tech Training Coordinator, Lara Braithwaite. Participants will cover topics such as setting up a business website on platforms like Squarespace or Shopify, creating a strong Google business profile, and building business profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The coursework requires 2-4 hours of online study per week, allowing participants to work at their own pace while still receiving guidance and support from industry experts.
Upon completion of the six-week online coursework, participants will continue to meet monthly with their EDC advisor for an additional six months. These follow-up sessions will provide participants with the opportunity to discuss course subjects in more detail, track their progress, and receive personalized guidance on how to further improve their online business presence. This ongoing support ensures that participants have the resources and assistance they need to succeed in the competitive online marketplace.
The Online Business Bootcamp is open to 10 participants from San Juan County, aged 18 or older, who are interested in establishing or enhancing their online business presence. No prior knowledge of the course subjects is required, but participants should have basic computer skills and access to a laptop or desktop computer less than five years old. The course fee is $100, which covers materials and fees, and advance payment is required to secure a spot in the program.
The program kicks off on October 8th with a hybrid online/in-person event at the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Participants will have the option to attend the kickoff event either in person or via Zoom. Subsequent weekly advisory sessions will take place on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m., with monthly online check-ins scheduled for December through May. This structured timeline ensures that participants stay on track and receive consistent support throughout the program.
If you are interested in participating in the Online Business Bootcamp, visit https://sanjuansedc.org/tech to reserve your space. For any questions or inquiries, you can contact the EDC at 360-378-2906 or email lara@sanjuansedc.org. The EDC would like to thank the Orcas Island Community Foundation and San Juan County for their support of this program and other EDC initiatives.
In conclusion, the San Juan County Economic Development Council is dedicated to supporting small rural enterprises and fostering economic growth in the community. By offering programs like the Online Business Bootcamp, the EDC is empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital age and contribute to the overall quality of life for islanders. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your online business presence to the next level with the EDC’s Online Business Bootcamp.
