The Staunton Creative Community Fund took the time to teach local people how to start their own businesses or to boost their business' productivity.

The SCCF held a financial workshop Thursday night hosted by money coach Patricia Copper.

Local inventors and business owners were in attendance taking notes on how to improve finances and reach their business goals.

Copper says they should start by developing a plan. People should write their goals down, not just think about them.

Having been a financial counselor for more than 20 years, Copper says you can meet your goals by following a few simple money principles.

"One of the principles is just having the habit of saving money. If you don't save any money, you won't have any assets. You don't have any assets, you won't have any money to have a business," says Copper.

Copper will hold more financial meetings at the Government Center in Verona beginning in January.