By RACHEL MURPHY

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV)--Dozens of potential business owners are taking the next step to make their dreams come to life, with the help of the Entrepreneur Center, the Business Training Institute and the Women's Business Center of New York State.

Organizers of the meeting said local residents need to start getting ready now, for the influx of 1,500 people who will soon work in Nanotechnology at the Computer Chip Commercialization Center known as Quad-C at SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

The "Small Business Training Program Informational, Preparing for Nano" was held at the Radisson Hotel-Utica Centre on Tuesday night.

During the meeting the group focused on what they will need in order to get their businesses started. Participants will work to create their own business plan, then they will present it banks, credit unions or private investors.

Organizers say when people begin to work in the Nano industry locally, they will spend money in the area. Nano workers could buy food from local diners or items from boutiques.

New Hartford resident, Snezhana Vahtin is a local wedding event planner, who attended the meeting. Vahtin says she is thrilled to learn methods to improve and expand her business.

She earned her business degree from the Utica School of Commerce, but says this meeting could help her reach more customers.

"It's nice that someone is basically guiding you through the whole process," she said.

Vahtin added that organizers of the meeting have been encouraging and approachable.

"They are very determined and that's what I like because I have the inspiration, but I need to know how to make it become reality."

The Executive Director of the Entrepreneur Center, Dr. Patricia Laino, told the group of participants to find their own niche and pursue that passion. She also revealed how she plans to coach these entrepreneurs for the remainder of the program.

"I bring experts in from all types of fields that can help them with their business plan, and it has to be a concrete plan with a three year projection,"  Laino said. "So that when they open they will know that, yes they can succeed."

The program is every Tuesday at the Radisson Hotel from 6-9 p.m. The meetings conclude in February.

For more information visit the Women's Business Center of New York State website, http://nywbc.org/ or call 315-793-9848.

Story Created: Sep 23, 2014 at 10:42 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 23, 2014 at 11:34 PM EDT

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/Local-entrepreneurs-cashing-in-on-Nano-Utica-276869581.html