GRAND RAPIDS — The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, located at Grand Valley State University, is offering an online program to help business owners across the state build and update business plans.

The new Venture Plan Online course is designed to help business owners in an online setting, while still receiving individual assistance from an industry consultant. The eight-week program includes an hour-long webinar led weekly by business and industry experts, video and textbook resources, program specific business planning software, and a MI-SBTDC consultant to work directly with owners to develop a business plan.

“Business plans are crucial, but not all business owners are able to find the time to focus on this process,” said Cathleen Kaiser, statewide training manager. “The MI-SBTDC has tailored the Venture Plan Online course to allow owners the flexibility to develop their business plans without dramatically changing their workday schedule.”

Upon finishing the course, participants will have a completed business plan, continued access to a MI-SBTDC business consultants and resources to grow their businesses.

The first Venture Plan Online opportunity is being offered Feb. 5 at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cost for the course has been discounted by a grant from the MSU Broadband Technology Opportunity Program and is $90. To register call (616) 331-7480 or email growth@gvsu.edu.

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling, business education, information based planning and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses throughout Michigan’s 83 counties. The MI-SBTDC is located at the Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business in Grand Rapids. As host of the MI-SBTDC State Headquarters, the Seidman College of Business oversees the 11-region MI-SBTDC network.