Cumberlands offering free entrepreneurship course for residents of 606 area code

University of the Cumberlands is offering a new course in entrepreneurship and small business administration beginning this fall.

“Entrepreneurship in the Real World” is free to residents living in the 606 telephone area code and is open to both degree and non-degree-seeking students. The course is designed for those interested in opening a new business or growing an existing business. Upon completion, participants will understand what it takes to start, develop, and maintain a successful business. 

The course will be led by Dr. Geoff Marietta, who previously served as Executive Director of Pine Mountain Settlement School and taught classes at the Harvard School of Business. Marietta is also co-founder of both Mountain Tech Media and Giant Otter Technologies and owns a small business in downtown Corbin.

“The entrepreneurial concepts presented in this course provide business owners with a solid foundation for achieving success and helping boost the local economy,” said Dr. Geoff Marietta. “I believe this will be a great platform for better understanding how we can draw resources from local counties and further grow downtown areas.”

After successfully completing the course, students will have the opportunity to earn an internationally-accredited certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business (ESB). This certification, which typically costs more than $100, will be free to students in the entrepreneurship class.

The course will be conducted using a blended format of online assignments and in-person classes. Online assignments will be due throughout the semester, and in-person meetings will take place one Saturday per month at various businesses across eastern Kentucky. During Saturday sessions, students will visit and learn from successful entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses in the region. Participants will also walk away with a comprehensive business plan and the operational, financial, and marketing knowledge to run and grow a business.

All travel greater than 30 miles from a participant’s home will be reimbursed. The cost of books and course fees is also covered. All interested in taking the course may email geoff.marietta [at] ucumberlands.edu (geoff[dot]marietta[at]ucumberlands[dot]edu) by August 16 for registration information. Class spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The class size is capped at 20 students. If more than 20 register, a “lottery” system will be used to choose additional students.