Business Notebook 4/27/15: Small Business and Technology Development Center to offer first online-only Operation Jumpstart program

An eight-week session of Operation JumpStart, a training program for entrepreneurs, soon will be available online, which is new for the program.

Southeast Missouri State University's Small Business & Technology Development Center hosts the program, which teaches participants to evaluate business ideas and complete a feasibility plan, according to a news release from the university.

The program, which begins May 4, lasts eight weeks and allows participants to work at their own pace. A news release states it includes "interactive e-lessons and activities; e-mentoring on course content and assignments; access to templates, worksheets and a discussion board; and additional learning on topics such as marketing, accounting, legal and access to capital build on each other to help participants decide if their business is a 'go' or 'no go' before they invest much time and money. ..."

The cost is $49 and includes course materials that can be accessed through an online portal.

Participants also may attend face-to-face workshops and discussions and receive business consulting at the center for no additional cost, according to the release. Registration information is available by calling 651-5095 or emailing ojs@semo.edu.

Orthodontics site opens in Jackson

Innovative Orthodontics, the practice of Dr. Terry Spence, recently expanded to Jackson with the opening of an office at 404 S. Hope St.

Spence has been providing orthodontic care to patients in the Jackson area for 15 years, according to a news release. Innovative Orthodontics' Cape Girardeau location is at 2103 Broadway.

Anytime Fitness to mark grand opening

Anytime Fitness, a 24-hour fitness club, will celebrate its recent opening in Jackson with a grand opening May 2.

The club at 2451 N. High St. is owned by Allen Kuizin. Anytime Fitness franchises offer members 24-hour access with a computerized key system, are staffed 10 hours each day and feature personal trainers, video classes, live classes and a variety of exercise equipment, including free weights and machines.

Members also have access to other franchises, according to a news release.

Another Anytime Fitness franchise is in Cape Girardeau.

BBB to host 'Shred Day'

The Cape Girardeau Better Business Bureau plans to hold a document shredding event from 8 a.m. to noon May 9 at West Park Mall.

Consumers can shred up to three boxes of documents for free as means of protecting against identity theft, according to a news release from the Better Business Bureau.

They also will receive information on identity theft protection, according to the release. The Shred-It company is donating the service.

Recommended for shredding are documents that contain financial information, account numbers, personal identification numbers, birth dates or Social Security numbers, according to the release. Examples include expired identification cards, legal documents, credit card and bank statements and canceled checks.

The Better Business Bureau also offers tips for avoiding identity theft at bbb.org.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3632