For those seeking to start their own business, the Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) and the Woodland Public Library will launch a new nine-week entrepreneurship course starting in April. The short-term “Start Your Own Business” course will cover the basics of launching and operating a small independent business.

The course will be offered at no cost and will be taught in-person at Square One, the makerspace at the Woodland Public Library, in the courtyard at 250 1st St in Woodland. Participants must be eighteen or older and can register for the course at the library’s website, cityofwoodland.org/squareone.

“We encourage anyone with an idea or product that they want to turn into a business to attend and participate,” said Tomás Montoya, YCOE Instructor. “By completing the course, you will have the opportunity to turn your dreams of starting a new business into a viable concept.”

The course will run from April 11 to June 1, with classes offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion. The course is a partnership between YCOE’s Adult Education program and the Woodland Public Library.

Individuals who are interested in the program are invited to attend a kick-off orientation on April 11 at 6 p.m. in Square One.

The course will be led by a credentialed teacher and local independent business owner utilizing a curriculum from the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship. The program encourages participants to have basic computer skills. 

The course plans to incorporate guest presenters from the local business community. Local business owners who are interested in serving as a guest speaker or providing mentorship can contact Trina Camping at SquareOne@CityofWoodland.org.

Participants in the course will also have the opportunity to utilize Square One, a creation lab with various equipment, to create products and marketing materials. The space includes 3D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, vinyl cutters, an electronics bench, woodworking equipment, and audio visual equipment. 

For more information on the course, visit the Square One at Woodland Public Library’s website at cityofwoodland.org/squareone.