Dream group ready

A group that spun off from the 20/20 Vision process wants to transform Jay County into a haven for entrepreneurs.
And Gov. Mitch Daniels will be making a local appearance in support of those efforts.
“He’s going to be focusing on the importance of entrepreneurship in rural communities,” said Chris Fennig of MyFarms, who is heading up the local effort, called DreamHaven.
Gov. Daniels will speak and meet with the public at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4, at John Jay Center.
Fennig called the Daniels appearance “the rallying point” for a new effort to identify and nurture local entrepreneurs.
It will be followed by a “boot camp” series of seminars for entrepreneurs beginning in early September and a business plan and “pitch” competition early in February of 2012.
“The goal is to get people together, providing the training and a process that entrepreneurs can employ,” Fennig said. “We want to identify, motivate, and equip entrepreneurs.”
Those taking part in the process will be teamed with mentors under a program being developed by the Jay County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Portland Rotary Club.
Fennig said details of the “boot camp” are still taking shape and will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Current plans are that the seminars would be free of charge.
Participants will be encouraged to develop a credible business plan and a presentation or “pitch” that can be presented to a group of judges and potential investors.
“One or more of the concepts could be funded,” Fennig said.
The program is targeting anyone who has an idea for a new business or new product.
A high school student with an idea for a new robot or new software application, for example, could participate, Fennig noted.
“We want to help,” he said. “First and foremost, Jay County is a place dreams can be brought to life.”
Fennig encouraged those who might be interested to visit the group’s web site: http://mydream-haven.webs.com.
“Go to the site and click on RSVP,” he said.
“Tell us what type of idea you have. The team is looking for feedback from the county to make sure the seminar is tailored to their needs.”[[In-content Ad]]