Workshop Descriptions
The SBDC is dedicated to providing our clients with the resources needed to start a business.
Attending our start-up workshops helps begin this process by giving you the basic information needed; however, it is only the beginning and should be followed up with one-on-one counseling sessions with our experienced Business Advisors. Please Contact Us to schedule your appointment.
Unless specified below, all courses, workshops and seminars are held in the SBDC office,
located within the Business Counseling Group (BCG). Dates and times of workshops and seminars are subject to change; please contact us for the most current schedule and to pre-register. Visit the Contact Us page for directions.
| Business Feasibility - Can I Make Money at This? |
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As a prospective small business owner, you need to determine if your idea makes good business sense before ever actually taking the steps to start the business. This seminar will help you to estimate the financial feasibility of your business idea and make an informed decision about whether or not your idea is practical and should be pursued. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Matt Highbarger (KeyBank) | |
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Length: |
2 hours | |
Tuition: |
$25 (includes materials & software) | |
Legal Considerations for New Businesses |
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This introductory workshop allows you, the prospective small business owner, to review the steps that must be taken in order to start a new business and focus on a realistic view of all that is involved. Topics discussed include: business filings, licenses, legal structure, insurance, taxes, financing, advisors, etc. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Bruce Huntington (Botkin & Hall Attorneys at Law) |
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Length: |
2 hours |
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Tuition: |
$25 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Preparing Your Business Plan |
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The business plan is often called the "blueprint for success" because it forces an entrepreneur to think through his or her ideas and to be able to communicate them clearly. Without a good business plan, you may find it difficult to obtain capital. The purpose of this workshop is to help you determine what your business plan should contain, in how much detail, and in what order. Participants will also learn how to make it effective in communicating their company's strengths and potential. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Dana Trowbridge (Bank of America) |
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Length: |
2 hours |
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Tuition: |
$25 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Developing Your Marketing Strategy |
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Marketing your business involves much more than you might think. From determining exactly what your customers want and how they buy, to designing the product, setting the right price, making the product readily available, and letting people know how to get it - all are components of the marketing function. This seminar covers the components and characteristics of a good marketing plan. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Alan Steele (SBDC Business Advisor) | |
Length: |
2 hours |
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Tuition: |
$25 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Financing Your Small Business |
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This interactive panel discussion will help you determine if you can afford a loan and what to do if you have a poor credit history. You will also learn what you should expect of a lender, the kinds of things a lender looks at when reviewing a credit request, what to do if you are not approved, and other options available. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Dana Trowbridge (Bank of America), Todd Bruce (Lake City Bank) | |
Length: |
2 hours |
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Tuition: |
$25 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Introduction to QuickBooks |
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This two-part class will improve your overall use of this innovative software in an accountant facilitated, hands-on environment. Topics discussed include: working with inventory, managing customers, processing sales and purchases, using payroll, and performing end-of-month tasks.
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Participating Instructors: |
Robert York (SBDC Business Advisor) | |
Length: |
8 hours |
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Tuition: |
$125 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Running Your Business with QuickBooks |
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As the owner or manager of a small business, you need to have an accurate picture of your financial status. Learn how to interpret your financial statements and use them to more effectively manage your business. This two-part course combines QuickBooks reports with accountant insights to provide a better understanding of your financial statements. |
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Participating Instructors: |
Robert York (SBDC Business Advisor) | |
Length: |
8 hours |
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Tuition: |
$125 (includes materials) | |
| View our Calendar to find out when this course is next offered. | ||
Small Biz Tool Box www.smallbizu.org |
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Don't have time to attend one of SBDC's day or evening seminars? Like to learn at your own speed? Online training may be for you! SmallBizU has a range of courses across all functional areas of small business: money, management, and marketing. SmallBizU was developed by entrepreneurs who understand how it is actually done in a small business. Each course is delivered via the internet full of animated slides accompanied by voice-over narration, PowerPoint presentations, worksheets, toolsets, and access to a comprehensive knowledgebase. |
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