Registration is now open for an entrepreneurship education course being offered by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation.“Entrepreneurship 101” provides new and aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to start their businesses successfully, the BEDC said, adding that participants can expect to walk away with an understanding of the basics of small business management and how to create an effective business plan. Topics covered include making the decision to start a business, validating your product or service, writing a business plan, understanding government obligations, knowing the cost of your business, funding your business, and marketing, operations, and human resources. The eight-week programme will run from March 26 until May 14 every Thursday from 6pm until 8pm at the BEDC office in Sofia House, 48 Church Street, Hamilton.It will be facilitated by Ray Lambert, BEDC’s director of micro, small and medium enterprises.Mr Lambert said: “When putting together the syllabus for this course, we kept in mind some of the major challenges faced by entrepreneurs on the island. At BEDC, we meet with business owners on a regular basis, so I am aware of how difficult it can be to set up and operate a business in Bermuda. Entrepreneurship 101 is a great way to get a handle on the process.” Erica Smith, executive director of the BEDC, added: “Many of the aspiring entrepreneurs that come across our path at BEDC feel there is a general lack of ‘how to’ guidance and ‘A-Z’ resources at their disposal when first taking the leap into entrepreneurship.“BEDC created this course specifically for those individuals – and strongly encourages anyone at the early stages of starting a business to sign up, attend each class and absorb as much knowledge as possible to set their business up for long-term success.” Course graduate Vivien Carter said: “My advice to anyone looking to take this course is, regardless of whether you have a burning business idea, already have a start-up or are an emerging small business owner, this course has something to offer you. “Between the live presenters who came in weekly to discuss various topics, as well as the other class content delivered, I felt that every session provided me with a wealth of new information.” To register for the course, which costs $275, visit www.bedc.bm