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An Entrepreneur Express workshop targeting current and potential restaurant owners will be offered in Roanoke during National Entrepreneur Week Feb. 19-26. Here are the details from the Virginia Department of Business Assistance:

In celebration of the 2011 National Entrepreneurship Week February 19 – 26, an Entrepreneur Express workshop, “The Business of Restaurants” will be offered in Roanoke on Friday, February 25, 2011 from 8 am until noon.  The FREE event will be held on the 2^nd Floor of The Jefferson Center located at 541 Luck Avenue, S. W. in downtown Roanoke.  Event sponsors include People inc., the City of Roanoke, County of Roanoke, Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center, Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Wells Fargo.

The 2011 Celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week recognizes the heritage of entrepreneurial leadership in America, and encourages support for the growth of entrepreneurship education as a lifelong learning process at the local, state and national level.

“Our economy prospers as the result of entrepreneurs and their creative thinking, states Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager, Southwest Office of The Virginia Department of Business Assistance.  Through this educational opportunity for entrepreneurs, we can send a positive message and encourage prospective restaurateurs and small business owners to strive, meet their goals and be the best they can be.”

While owning or managing a restaurant can be rewarding, 60% of restaurants fail during their first year.  And, the current economic environment makes business even more challenging.  Participants attending the workshop will learn:

• Why restaurants fail
• Steps & resources for launching a successful restaurant in Virginia
• Preparation of a market analysis – is there a need for the restaurant?
• Finance preparation & sustaining a restaurant
• Tips from panel discussions and business owners testimonials
• Tax requirements
• Liability and Insurance information
• Marketing, promotion and customer service ideas from successful restaurants

Advanced registration for this free workshop is required by visiting www.vastartup.org or by contacting Lisa Soltis at the City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development at 540.853.1694.