Submitted PhotoGuardian Bank Entrepreneurship Spring Academy graduates the largest class to date with 75 graduates – both in person and virtually.

VALDOSTA — Wiregrass Georgia Technical College announces the Ninth Spring Guardian Bank Entrepreneurship Academy starting in February and March, free for current Wiregrass students and alumni.

The UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University is partnering with Guardian Bank and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College to deliver six courses with 12 hours of total class time, college officials said in a statement.

The business topics to be discussed include: writing a business plan, money finance and accounting, marketing, human resources and strategic planning.

“The courses will have knowledgeable speakers in specialized business areas, self-evaluation and opportunities to participate in a question and answer time with guest speakers,” college officials said. “The UGA SBDC will also provide one-on-one consulting for participants.”

This Entrepreneurship Academy is made possible thanks to a pledge of $50,000 over five years by Guardian Bank.

Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements said “Wiregrass is thrilled to be able to partner with Guardian Bank, the UGA Small Business Development Center and Valdosta State University to offer these courses not only to Wiregrass students and alumni but to the community. This fits perfectly with the college’s mission of workforce development.”

“Guardian Bank is proud to financially support a viable community partnership which provides strong support for those individuals wishing to enter into the small business arena,” said Parrish Clark, Guardian Bank chief executive officer. “We were especially interested in touching the lives of those who possess a creative spirit for owning their own business and becoming an integral part of the local economy. Guardian Bank looks forward to a productive relationship with Wiregrass Technical College and VSU’s Small Business Development Center.”

The dates of the classes are Feb. 22, March 1, 8, 15 and 29. All classes begin at 1 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. The classes are being offered face-to-face on the Valdosta campus or one may participate virtually.

Register at georgiasbdc.org/wiregrass; registration is required. There is no cost for current students and alumni. If seeking to learn strategies to start or grow a business, call (229) 245-3738 or (229) 333-2124. There is special pricing available for the public to attend the Guardian Bank Entrepreneurship Academy at Wiregrass, those interested would need to register with the UGA Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University at (229) 245-3738.