March 29, 2025

Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com

A newly launched free, online entrepreneurship program is set to benefit local small business owners by providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. This initiative is particularly timely as many small businesses face various challenges that may hinder their growth and sustainability.

Lake Trust Credit Union proudly announced the introduction of the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute. This innovative program is a collaborative effort with Cleary University and aims to offer comprehensive educational resources without any cost to participants. Designed specifically to cater to both new and existing small business owners throughout the state, the 10-week program consists of six self-paced courses covering essential topics such as:

– Introduction to entrepreneurship
– Recognizing and assessing opportunities
– Strategic planning and management
– Marketing
– Financial metrics
– Scaling your business and growth

David Snodgrass, President and CEO of Lake Trust Credit Union, emphasizes the organization’s strong belief in the critical role small businesses play in fostering vibrant communities. He stated, “At Lake Trust, we believe in the power of small businesses and their ability to create vibrant neighborhoods. Locally owned and operated businesses are at the heart of every community and the foundation of our economy. When they thrive, we all thrive. The Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute is reflective of our commitment to uplift small business owners in their journey to success. This one-of-a-kind program will help local entrepreneurs set the stage for continued growth as they take their business to the next level.”

Further reinforcing this initiative, Dr. Alan Drimmer, President and CEO of Cleary University, expressed pride in the collaboration. He remarked, “Cleary University is proud to expand on our partnership with Lake Trust to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through practical, real-world education. With a long-standing commitment to workforce development and business innovation, Cleary brings deep expertise in preparing students and professionals to navigate today’s complex business landscape. The Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute reflects our shared mission to foster economic growth by equipping small business owners with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed.”

The program’s first cohort is slated to initiate its coursework on May 8th, with all participants set to receive a certificate of completion at the program’s conclusion. Additionally, after successfully finishing the program, participants will have the unique chance to enter a pitch competition where they can demonstrate their newly acquired skills, with the opportunity to win grants to support their business ventures.

Registration for this program is currently open and will close on April 30th. For those interested in joining, I recommend visiting the provided link for more details or to secure your spot in the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute.

How AI legalese decoder Can Help Entrepreneurs

Navigating the legal landscape can be a daunting task for small business owners, especially when it comes to understanding complex legal documents, compliance requirements, and contracts that are often laden with legal jargon. This is where the AI legalese decoder is poised to make a significant impact. By translating complex legal language into straightforward, comprehensible terms, this AI-powered tool empowers entrepreneurs to make more informed decisions regarding their legal obligations and agreements.

With the AI legalese decoder, participants in the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute can seamlessly analyze contracts they may encounter during their entrepreneurial journey. This could include agreements with suppliers, partners, or service providers that are critical to their business operations. In addition to enhancing understanding, the tool can assist in identifying potential risks associated with various terms and clauses, allowing entrepreneurs to negotiate better terms.

In summary, as small business owners embark on their educational journey through the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute, the integration of AI technologies like the legalese decoder can provide them with an added layer of support, enabling them to leverage their newfound knowledge effectively and navigate the complexities of business law with confidence.