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McMINNVILLE - A 9-week training course that begins Feb. 12 will focus on how to plan and develop a small business.

This Enterprise Development Program is open to the public, and is jointly sponsored by the Yamhill Community Development Corporation and the Oregon State University Extension Service.

"The program is aimed at the many individuals and families considering home-based business as a way to supplement their income or to establish a new career," said Roger Bairstow, family community development agent in the Yamhill County office of the OSU Extension Service. Participants will learn how to develop a concise business plan for the establishment of a micro enterprise, which is a business employing five or fewer individuals.

The training program will continue for each Tuesday and Thursday through April 18. Classes will be held in the evening from 6-9 p.m. Over the nine weeks of the program, participants will receive training and technical assistance from local and regional professionals on a broad range of topics, including developing financial statements, marketing research and analysis, legal, tax and liability issues, and regulatory requirements.

Participants will also be grouped into "incubators," where they act as mutual advisors in the business training process, Bairstow added. By learning how to advise each other, learners will improve their understanding of business concepts as they develop a clear and solid business plan, he said. For more information and application materials contact the Yamhill Community Development Corporation at 503-434-5265.