Dr. John Paul Dunn, director of the Entrepreneurship Studies Center at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, is offering three seminars at the University of Vermont this week addressing topics relevant to starting or improving a small business.

Dr. Dunn has been the leader in small business programs for more than 30 years in the Louisiana and Delta regions, and has been actively involved with several professional associations relating to Small Business/Entrepreneurship Development since 1964. He is director of the Small Business Development Center, and is a Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Small Business at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

In his first workshop, "Magic of Pro Forma Financial Statements," held on Tuesday, October 24 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in Kalkin Hall (by Fleming Museum), room 004, Dr. Dunn introduced basic concepts relating to three financial statements—income statement, balance sheet and cash flow—and their importance for projecting long-term financial performance of a business.

"Dreamers Wanted: To Dream the Most Feasible Dreams," will follow on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., at Morrill Hall, room 002. This second workshop is designed to help the prospective entrepreneur make his or her dream come true. In this talk, Dr. Dunn will discuss the feasibility of business ideas, how to attract potential investors and small business planning in rural areas. Topics of discussion will include business planning, marketing strategy development, financial planning, loan applications and sources of funds for small business start-up.

The third workshop, "New Ventures in Real World" will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, in Kalkin Hall, room 004, and will discuss what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. Dunn will share stories and examples from three decades of experience in helping people start their own businesses.

All seminars are free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Contact Kathleen Liang, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Development and Applied Economics, (802) 656-0754.