SMALL BUSINESS CENTER
Growing a Business
Fall 2010
Workshops for Business Owners & Managers
Surviving Your First Year in Business
How does the information you compiled in your business plan compare to what is actually happening in your business? What's working and what's not?
In this session you will learn survival skills for your first critical 12 months in business: how to interpret historical financials, how to broaden your customer base and increase sales and how to tighten your belt further in this very tough economy.
Aug 26
Make It Official (and Legal)
Once upon a time in business, the deal was in a handshake. But today, it needs to be in writing. What are recommended elements for partnership agreements, job contracts, confidentiality agreements, company trade policies, vendor and lease agreements? A local legal professional will share best practices and contract samples.
We will also review legal structures that provide liability protection, such as the LLC and the S-Corporation.
Sept 9
Lean Marketing in a Lean Economy
Yes, these are tough times for small business owners AND for their customers. Are you in tune with the people you serve? Are you speaking their language and are you reaching them on all levels?
This session will show you ways to expand your reach and improve your messages -- without eating up your marketing budget.
Sept 23
Understanding Financials
Do your eyes gloss over when your accountant talks about sales margins, variable expenses, positive cash flow and delinquent accounts? Well, it's time to get out of the back seat and take the driver's seat so that you are in charge of financial decisions for your business.
This session steps you through three standard scorecards for measuring your company's worth, health and cash position. Your presenter will show you where to look for pain and for gain. And best yet, she's a business owner who speaks "plain English."
Oct 21
Doing Business with Catawba County
So what does it takes for a small business to land a contract with Catawba County? Know-how and persistence.
In this session we'll cover the know-how basics with the head of purchasing for Catawba County. Topics will include: 1) vendor qualifications/registrations; 2) where to find opportunity listings/postings, 3) typical bid requirements and processes, 4) awarding of bids, 5) product/service delivery requirements, and 6) terms/payments.
11/04
Doing Business with the State & the Federal Government
So what does it takes for a small business to land a contract with the state or the federal government? More know-how and even more persistence.
In this session we'll cover the basics with a PTAC representative from our local SBTDC. Topics to be covered: 1) vendor qualifications/registrations; 2) where to find opportunity listings/postings, 3) typical bid requirements and processes, 4) awarding of bids, 5) product/service delivery requirements, and 6) terms/payments.
11/18
Funding Expansion and Growth
What does it take to get a loan to add an employee, buy a service vehicle, launch a new product? A willing lender and an applicant with a track record of managing cash.
In this seminar, representatives from a local community bank and the US Small Business Administration will discuss their products and services, as well as how they work together to help you get the infusion you need to expand and grow your operation.
12/02
Small Business Taxes A-Z
Tax compliance for the small business owner can be a formidable task. This session will provide and an overview taxes and fees applicable to a small business whether operating as a sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, or Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Tax topics will include federal and state payroll, corporate income and franchise, property, employment security and self-employment taxes for sole props.
12/09
These seminars are provided cost free through a grant to CVCC from the state of North Carolina and will be held Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm in CVCC's new Business & Industry Training Complex between our Main and East Campus, on Hwy 70 SE in Hickory. Pre-registration is requested by 12:00 noon on the day of the seminar. Call 828-327-7000, ext. 4117.
