EWING, Va. — Are you ready to start a business, but still uncertain how to make your business dreams a reality? Or are you just looking to make your existing business better? The Wilderness Road State Park will be hosting a “How to Build a Successful Business” workshop next month to help the business community grow.

The workshop, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance ( VDBA), will be held on Wednesday, May 19, at the Wilderness Road State Park Visitor’s Center between 9 a.m. and noon — in celebration of Business Appreciation Week in Virginia.

The business-focused workshop, according to VDBA associates, has been designed to provide information on available business resources, and to deliver practical, hands-on training covering cardinal elements of business practice.

According to event organizers, the business exhibit will help in directing aspiring business owners, as well as established business owners, through the fundamental steps of starting and maintaining a business — including demonstrations on marketing strategies, financing and the importance of customer service.

Additionally, to help assist individuals in establishing a successful business in Lee County, the public display will advise residents of new markets and showcase the wide-range of resources available to all them.

VDBA officials will walk all attendees through every aspect of starting a business. Workshop segments include: Why a Business Plan, Financing Your Business, Customer Service in Business, Promotion and Branding through Social Media, Growing An Existing Business, and Resources for Business in Virginia.

The free training and networking session is free, but advanced registration is required at www.vastartup.org.

This event may be recorded and distributed for promotional and training purposes — however, attendees must give permission to event organizers for distribution.

If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Tim Long at the Lee County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) at 276-346-7766.

Event sponsors include the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA), Virginia Tourism Corporation, SCORE, Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission, Virginia Small Business Development Centers, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc.

Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@middlesborodailynews.com.