Cleary University and Lake Trust Credit Union partner for Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute

Cleary University has partnered with Lake Trust Credit Union to present the credit union’s Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute, a free, online program available to local business owners. The program will help both new and existing business owners enhance their skills to succeed and will cover topics like marketing, business scaling, and opportunity assessment. The program begins on May 8, 2025.

According to a CUInsight article, David Snodgrass, who serves as the president and CEO of Lake Trust Credit Union, explained the Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute and how it will benefit local business owners. He is quoted as saying, “At Lake Trust, we believe in the power of small businesses and their ability to create vibrant neighborhoods. Locally owned and operated businesses are at the heart of every community and the foundation of our economy. When they thrive, we all thrive. The Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute is reflective of our commitment to uplift small business owners in their journey to success. This one-of-a-kind program will help local entrepreneurs set the stage for continued growth as they take their business to the next level.”

The program is free, online, and self-paced, providing busy business owners with the ultimate flexibility in completing the entrepreneurship courses. The Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute will last for ten weeks and will provide participants with a certificate of completion. The courses, which cover topics like introduction to entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial metrics, will each take about three hours to complete. According to Lake Trust’s website, the first 50 eligible individuals, which includes Lake Trust business and personal members and Lake Trust community partners and their members, to apply will be accepted into the program.

Dr. Alan Drimmer, who is the president and CEO of Cleary University, said, “Cleary University is proud to expand on our partnership with Lake Trust to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs through practical, real-world education. With a long-standing commitment to workforce development and business innovation, Cleary brings deep expertise in preparing students and professionals to navigate today’s complex business landscape. The Lake Trust Entrepreneurship Institute reflects our shared mission to foster economic growth by equipping small business owners with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to succeed.”

After completing the program, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a pitch contest that could reward them with a business grant.

Registration for the program is open until April 30.

For more information about Cleary University, visit the school’s website.