Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Hosts Successful Business Boot Camp Kickoff

The free six-week program aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners develop strong business plans.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation reported a strong increase in participation for its annual Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, with attendance growing from 7 participants last year to more than 20 this year. The workshop kicked off the 2026 Business Boot Camp, a free six-week program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners develop a strong, actionable business plan.

Why it matters

The growing interest in the Business Boot Camp program signals an increasing entrepreneurial spirit in Van Wert County. The program aims to provide aspiring business owners with the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to turn their ideas into viable businesses, which could lead to economic growth and job creation in the local community.

The details

The 2026 Business Boot Camp courses will be held at Northwest State Community College's Van Wert campus from March 3 to April 7, with each session focusing on key considerations for crafting a strong business plan. Participants will have the opportunity to submit completed business plans and compete for a range of prizes, including cash awards, a free Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce membership, free booth space at a Main Street Van Wert event, and one month of free rent in a downtown Van Wert space.

  • The Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop was held on Saturday, February 9, 2026.
  • The 2026 Business Boot Camp courses will be held from March 3 to April 7, 2026.
  • Participants must submit their completed business plans by April 17, 2026.
  • The final presentations and prize competition will take place on April 21, 2026.

The players

Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation

The organization that hosts the Business Boot Camp program, aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and business growth in Van Wert County.

Rob Slusser

A panelist at the Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, representing GreenWay Bank.

Alex Brown

A panelist at the Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, representing Truitt Law Offices.

Amber Davis

A panelist at the Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, representing Red Oak Realty.

Kyle Strawn

A panelist at the Business Boot Camp Introductory Workshop, representing Leland Smith Insurance Services.

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What they’re saying

“The turnout we saw this year is a clear sign that interest in entrepreneurship is growing in Van Wert County. Business Boot Camp is about giving people the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to turn ideas into viable businesses, and we're excited to build on this momentum as the full program begins.”

— Brent Stevens, Executive Director, Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation (thevwindependent.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The growing interest in the Business Boot Camp program in Van Wert County demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and small business development, which could lead to economic growth and job creation in the region.