CANTON -- The Adirondack Economic Development Corp. (AEDC) has partnered with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to provide a 60-hour Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (EAP) Small Business Institute in Canton, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25.

The deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 20.

The comprehensive hands-on training course is specifically designed for new and existing business owners to learn what it takes to give their business ideas the best chance to succeed.

Classes are tentatively slated for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the St. Lawrence County IDA building, 19 Commerce Lane.

Topics to be covered in this program include planning and researching business ideas, marketing analysis, strategies and implementation, financial record-keeping, understanding and using cash flow projections, business financing, negotiating with partners, clients and customers, and more.

Classes will blend classroom instruction with individualized training, as well as lectures by business experts followed by question-and-answer sessions.

The goal is for class participants to complete a fully vetted professional business plan by the end of the course, which is required for any business seeking financing to start or grow their business, and to provide direct access to local commercial funding sources.

The program is designed to not only provide basic business skills training, but also includes at least 10 hours of one-on-one assistance in developing specific business ideas.

Those who complete the classes will also receive special consideration for a business loan through one of AEDC’s loan programs.

The NxLeveL training program is supported by the statewide EAP network, of which AEDC is an affiliate organization.

The cost of instruction and assistance is covered by the EAP network; participants are required to pay $149 for books and materials.

Participants will receive a $50 refund if they attend at least 13 of the 16 classes, complete 10 hours of free one-on-one technical assistance and turn in a completed business plan by the end of the program.

Honorably discharged veterans may participate in the classes free of charge.

Participants will also have the opportunity to have their business ideas vetted by a panel of professionals before submitting their proposal for financing.

Those who do receive a loan will also receive a reduction in their interest rate by participating in the class.

Register/info: 379-9806 or jamesmurphy52@me.com.