If you're considering starting a small business, Frank Dobner can help get it off the ground.

Dobner operates The Startup Source, a firm that assists entrepreneurs with a variety of tasks involved in creating a business. Working in the business planning field for 22 years, he focuses on everything from creating a business plan to forming an e-commerce Web site.

Dobner, who runs his business from his North Aurora home, said people come to him with their concepts and intuitions and he helps create a business plan. He added that 60 percent of business owners don't have a business plan designed to outline goals, costs and marketing issues.

"Before people spend their life savings on a new business, it's a good idea to have a business plan to show that the venture will work," Dobner said.

He also teaches classes on how to create the necessary plan. A three-hour course is $50 while a more in-depth, six-week class that meets once a week is $125. Participants leave the extended course with a completed business plan. A course to create marketing plans is also available for $50.

The next Business Plan Now course takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23 at the North Aurora Library, 113 Oak St. The cost is $50. An extended six-week class conducted live on the Web kicks off Oct. 30.

Dobner also works with clients on marketing research, competitive analysis and strategic plans.

Prior to launching the business, Dobner worked as a global marketing manager at Lucent Technologies for 17 years where he fostered the skills needed for The Startup Source. His job was eliminated and he worked in real estate for a short time buying and then selling houses after he'd fix them up.

Dobner grew up in Wood Dale observing his parents run their tool sharpening business. He said his father was the craftsman while his mother handled the books and marketing. It was through his parents that he learned the importance of both aspects of the business.

Since starting his business a few months ago, he has worked with a variety of entrepreneurs including an online wine retailer in Florida, an advertising and marketing firm and a chiropractor in Seattle. Dobner offers free 15-minute consultations.

For more information, call (630) 717-1001 or check out www.thestartupsource.com.

New owner plays the game: Play It Again Sports, a sporting goods provider of new and used fitness and sports merchandise, announced the Downer's Grove location is under new ownership.

Mike Barofsky took over the operation, which provides a place for parents to trade in their used equipment and trade up for new gear for their kids. The Downers Grove store sells a wide selection of new name brand fitness and sports equipment, as well as buys, sells and trades used sports and fitness gear.