The Jump Start Your Business program is returning this September. It offers local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs tools to develop and grow their ventures. This year is bitter-sweet as organizers honor the late Ken Shaible, a longtime supporter of the Star Valley business community who passed away unexpectedly this past year.

“Ken really got it rolling,” said Amy Moon, local business advocate. “Ken and a friend of his started Jump Start Your Business 13 years ago, and it really was a passion project for him. It was something that he felt was very important for the valley. Ken had been very instrumental in supporting the valley and helping the valley to grow. And this was definitely something he had a lot of passion for. And teaching people how to run a business so that it keeps going is so important for our local economy.”

Kate Gessford, owner of Old Dog Farm and participant of the 2024 program, reflected on Shaible’s support: “With Old Dog Farm, he really believed in it, and this isn’t an easy place to farm. I just felt his support all summer, so we carried out our vision. I got five small growers to work together, one of whom was a good friend of Ken’s and put the two of us in touch. It really felt like we were making him proud.”

The program will begin September 10 at the Star Valley Community Complex in Etna.  Those who take part in the program can expect a class once per week for eight weeks which covers a range of topics; writing a business plan, accounting, business structure, financial sales, and marketing. “The classes are completely free to everyone,” Moon said. “[Each class] takes a deep dive into a specific part of running a business and how it all works.”

Business doesn’t run the same way in Star Valley as it might in areas surrounding. Moon shared the importance of having local business owners as instructors to the courses saying, “It’s people who live in the valley, who know how the valley works and what it’s like to do business [here].” The program is designed for both new and experienced business owners. “Even if you’ve been running a business for decades, maybe you need a refresher or maybe you wanna know what the latest is. You can come to one class or you can come to all of them.” Moon said.

Gessford described her experience with the program and said, “I really valued the time to be guided through thinking about the various aspects of what I should consider with my business and then use that time wisely to put it into my situation. We would learn about a business topic and then I would really use that time to think, ‘What does this mean for me? How do I apply it? How do I launch my business successfully?’ Without that time carved out, I think it would have been a much more daunting and less successful process.”

At the end of the 8-week program, there is an optional competition where participants present a business plan to local judges. The winner(s) have an opportunity to  earn grant funding. “In order to win that grant money, there is a requirement to attend all of the classes,” Moon said.

Classes are held Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. Registration is recommended, but not required. Interested participants can email Jump Startyourbusinesssv@gmail.com or call Amy Moon at 307-690-6908.

Kate Gessford emphasized the value of the program for business owners: “To make their dreams become a reality.” She also encourages those who have questions or would like to talk with her  to see her at the Alpine Farmers Market in Alpine Civic Center between 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. ”We’ve got a couple more weeks. I’d love to chat.”

Whether you’re just starting out or have been running a business for years, Jump Start Your Business offers a chance to learn, connect, and grow—free of charge. With guidance from local experts and the legacy of Ken Shaible.