NSU Entrepreneurship Institute to Host Business Workshop
Published: 2006-11-06
TAHLEQUAH - The Northeastern State University Entrepreneurship Institute will host
New Business Start-Up 101, part of the Business Workshop Series, Tuesday, Nov. 14,
from 6-8 p.m. at NSU Broken Arrow Building C, room 119.
Dr. Ben Ofili, founding director of the NSU Entrepreneurship Institute and assistant
professor of Entrepreneurial Management, will present the workshop.
"Starting a business involves risk, knowing your competition, market, products or
services and profit potential," said Ofili. "Our workshop teaches aspiring entrepreneurs
to analyze their business idea while minimizing risk. This is an excellent opportunity
for anyone involved in selling products or services, especially those with limited
business experience."
Ofili holds a doctoral degree in management from Case Western Reserve University in
Cleveland, Ohio, and a master's in business administration from Texas A&M University,
College Station. He has more than 20 years of professional and entrepreneurial experience
in domestic and international operations, including start-up businesses in service
and manufacturing sectors. He is currently involved with several small businesses
in different capacities, including a thriving insurance and management-consulting
firm in Houston, Texas.
Participants will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, and understand
different forms of business ownership, operation and source of funds for the project.
The workshop will also introduce the following topics: Finding a market niche, determining
your organization form, marketing plan, differentiating your business, building and
sustaining competitive advantage, funding your business, pricing your product or service,
sales and marketing, distribution channels, administrative process, patents, trademarks
and copyrights, and other valuable information for a successful launch of a new business.
The workshop is open to the public, but registration is required to attend. Cost is
$25 per person and is free to NSU students. To register, call 918-456-5511, ext. 2949,
e-mail Ofili at ofili@nsuok.edu