Small Business Center
Seminars & Workshops
WINTER/ SPRING 2013
Sponsored by the North Carolina Community College Small Business Center Network. No cost to the public
SMALL BUSINESS CHALLENGES
Lean Marketing Strategies For Your Small Business
All businesses must be diligent in managing their expenses, so how do you market and grow your business without breaking the bank? Smart businesses understand the importance of maintaining a consistent marketing message…and they know how to do it on a budget. This three-hour workshop helps participants identify lean marketing strategies to grow their business and provides the opportunity to build action plans that can be used after the program to drive marketing activities.
Meet the Instructor - Sherre’ DeMao
Thursday, 12/6/12 – 9:00 - 11:30 AM
Alexander Center For Education, Taylorsville, Room 103
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
$ecrets To Explode $ales
A slow economy is difficult to navigate, but a key to survival is continuing to grow sales. What can small business owners learn from companies that have successfully implemented strategies to grow sales during tough economic times? This three-hour session shows participants what growth companies do to maintain and increase their top line. Participants review research results from small business studies to identify sales strategies and initiatives that are often overlooked by many businesses.
Meet the Instructor - Sherre’ DeMao
Thursday, 1/10/13 - 9:00 - Noon
CVCC East Campus, Room 975
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Fundraising Fundamentals for Non-Profits
Non-Profit organizations must continually look for new funding sources and ways to support their services and mission. Fundraising is a needed skill for many non-profits as support from traditional sources shrinks and organizations search for new sources of support. This 2.5 seminar reviews the primary elements of fundraising, compares the types of fundraising to an organization's needs, and provides best practices. Participants evaluate their organization's needs and determine where fundraising events can supplement their operations.
Meet the Instructor - Mandy Pearce
Wednesday, 1/16/13 - 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
CVCC East Campus, Room 975
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Keeping proper records can help small business owners save time and save money. This two-hour seminar shows participants how business decisions impact their tax bill and how to keep records that will allow them to track their business' profits while maintaining the information needed to file federal and state taxes. Participants learn which expenses can be deducted for tax purposes and walk through a record-keeping process from sales receipts to tax returns.
Meet the Instructor - Mel Steiner
Thursday, 1/17/13, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Alexander Center For Education, Taylorsville, Room 126
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Market Research & Marketing Your Small Business
Two for one…the first two hours of this program shows participants the basics in establishing a marketing plan for their small business, identifying key marketing elements, segmenting target markets and developing strategies to reach customers. The last segment of the program is conducted by a research librarian who identifies available databases and library resources and provides hands-on instruction on how to conduct research on your industry, competition, and customers. NEW DATE:
TUESDAY, 1-22-13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM CVCC
Main Campus in the Cuyler A. Dunbar (CAD) Building RM 205
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Funding Options For Your Small Business
A great idea is the starting point for your business, but do you have the money to make it go? Some businesses have low start-up costs, and some businesses require more money to begin operations. This 1.5 hour seminar identifies the various funding options that small businesses can consider, starting with bootstrapping with their own funds and discussing debt and equity options. The seminar provides tools to help participants understand how much money they'll need and provides useful tips for the best ways to approach lenders.
Meet the instructor - Byron Hicks
Tuesday, 2-19-13, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
CVCC East CampusTo register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Legal Structure For Your Small Business
Small business owners must first determine what legal structure their business should take which makes sense for both their business and personal lives. Making the decision between sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, and Corporation have important ramifications in a business' ability to protect itself from business risks. Taxes are also treated differently, so these can impact your decision. This 1.5 hour session reviews the basics of each legal structure, pros and cons, and how they can protect your business.
Meet the Instructor - Casey Pope
Tuesday, 2-19-13, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Everything You Wanted To Know About Starting A Business
Starting a business is a daunting task that can be overwhelming. Where do you start, and what do you need to know? This three-hour program provides an in-depth walk-through of the mechanics of developing a business concept, evaluating business feasibility, licensing and basics of startup costing. The workshop covers all facets of a business start-up including the need for a well thought out business plan.
Meet the Instructor - Ruben Gonzales
Thursday, 2/21/13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
alsoThursday, 5/9/13, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Alexander Center For Education, Taylorsville
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
How To Do Business With The Federal Government
You believe your small business has a product or service the Federal Government can use – but how do you sell to Uncle Sam? Where do you begin? How do you compete with large businesses? What about the forms and red tape? Selling to the Federal Government can be an overwhelming endeavor through a maze of agencies and regulations. This information packed workshop will provide attendees with first step priority actions to identify and create opportunities, and begin their adventure into the Federal market.
Meet the instructor - Clark Flields
Thursday, 2/28/13, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Finance 101 For Small Business
Maintaining and understanding financial information is critical to running a profitable business. This two-hour seminar helps small business owners identify methods to maintain financial records and focuses them on using key financial reports to understand and operate their businesses. The seminar also explains how business owners can use their financial statements to identify potential problems before they become serious threats to the company's survival.
Thursday, 3/7/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Understanding Insurance For Your Small Business
Going into business presents many opportunities, but it can also create risks. Purchasing business insurance can help you manage these risks, but with so many types of insurance products what should you do? This two-hour seminar reviews business insurance products and helps participants determine what is right for their business. Workers compensation and the use of bonds are covered to help participants understand how they can protect their business and their assets.
Meet the instructor - David Neal
Tuesday, 3/12/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Building A Winning Business Plan
A business plan is not a document that should be put away on your shelf to collect dust. A business plan is your map to laying out the actions you need to take to achieve profits and success. It's also something that must be updated to reflect changes in your business and changes in the competitive environment. This three-hour workshop shows participants the significance of a well-written business plan, focusing on the audience for the plan, and key elements which should be included such as a marketing plan and financial projections. The last segment of the workshop is reserved for one-on-one feedback to participants on their individual business plan.
Meet the instructor - Michael Moore
Thursday, 3/21/13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Keeping proper records can help small business owners save time and save money. This two-hour seminar shows participants how business decisions impact their tax bill and how to keep records that will allow them to track their business' profits while maintaining the information needed to file federal and state taxes. Participants learn which expenses can be deducted for tax purposes and walk through a record-keeping process from sales receipts to tax returns.
Meet The Instructor - Mel Steiner
Thursday, 3/28/13, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Introduction To Facebook
Facebook is more than a social media trend…it's now a common tool for communicating between individuals and to larger groups. But for people not comfortable with social media, getting started with Facebook can be a big step. This two-hour seminar introduces participants to Facebook, helping them register and create their own personal page and a page for their business. Participants learn basic "do's" and "don'ts" so they can become comfortable in using Facebook as a marketing tool.
Meet The Instructor - Chad Austin
Tuesday, 4/9/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
also
Thursday, 5/16/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Alexander Center For Education, Taylorsville
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Business Essentials For Government Compliance
Representatives from NC's Department of Revenue, Commerce, and the Industrial Commission will provide participants with information they need to know in order to be compliant with NC laws in the area of NC state taxes, worker's compensation, and unemployment insurance. Representatives from these areas will lead the program and be on-site for Q & A.
Wednesday, 4/10/13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Effective Email Marketing for Small Business
Small businesses must find ways to reach and engage their target audience on a budget. Email marketing campaigns provide an opportunity for small business owners to maintain communications and build relationships with their customers. This two-hour session shows participants how to use Email marketing programs such as Constant Contact and Mail Chimp which are economical (and sometimes free) and develop effective marketing campaigns to targeted customer groups. The program also provides tips for effective formatting and content for Email campaigns.
Thursday, 4/11/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Intermediate Facebook To Market Your Business
Facebook has become a common social media method for individuals, and it's now becoming an important tool for marketing your business. This seminar helps small business owners who have some Facebook experience use Facebook to promote their business and engage their customers. Participants move to the next level by incorporating Facebook into their marketing strategy and linking it to other social media.
Meet The Instructor - Chad Austin
Tuesday, 4/16/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
also
Tuesday, 5/21/13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Alexander Center For Education, Taylorsville
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
With more than 100 million active users globally, eBay is the world's largest online marketplace, where practically anyone can buy and sell practically anything. Founded in 1995, eBay connects a diverse and passionate community of individual buyers and sellers, as well as small businesses. Many individuals have created their own business through selling products on eBay. This three-hour overview gives participants the basics to get up and running on ebay, showing them how to open their account and create listings, through using PayPal to accept and complete transactions.
Meet the instructor - Nick Hawks
Thursday, 4/25/13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Getting Your Business On-Line
You're getting your business up and running and now you're ready to go on-line and let the world know that you exist. But how do you build your on-line presence on a budget? This 2.5-hour program gives you concrete steps to make an immediate impact and begin reaching your customers on the web. Participants learn how to set up their businesses on Google Places, as well as create a Facebook business page to start promoting their business without breaking the bank.
Tuesday, 4/30/13, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Doing Business With Local Government
From buying supplies to contracting for janitorial and lawn care services, Catawba County and local city governments use all types of small businesses. Representatives from the County and the City will describe vendor programs and their respective purchasing process models: Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Proposal (RFP). Find out what you need to know to locate local contract opportunities.
Thursday, May 30, 2013, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Workers Compensation For Your Small Business
Workers' compensation is a form of insurance providing wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of employment. Small businesses must know when they are obligated to provide it, and the in's and out's of managing these costs. This two-hour seminar helps small business owners and prospective business owners understand these requirements and insure they are in compliance
Thursday, June 6, 2013, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Building Your Small Business on eBay
This session is for individuals having knowledge/experience of selling on eBay who want to establish a continual retail presence on eBay. Topics in this fast-paced session will include: Starting and growing an eBay business, Finding merchandise to sell, Creating professional listings, Marketing your business on eBay, Managing active listings, Resolving issues & feedback, and protecting your eBay business. Plus learn those "tricks of the trade" that you have to know to become an eBay PowerSeller!
Monday, June 10, 2013, 5:30 - 8:30 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Disaster Planning For Your Small Business
Most small businesses optimistically plan for strong sales and growth. However few businesses take the time prepare for how to maintain their business in the face of a natural or man-made disaster that could stop their operations. This two-hour seminar walks participants through vulnerabilities that their organizations face and starts them on the path of creating a Business Continuity Plan to maintain operations in the face of an emergency.
Thursday, June 13, 2013, 9:00 - 11 AM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
Participants go to the next level of their eBay e-commerce experience. This 2 1/2 hour hands-on course is a fantastic way to provide a step-by-step approach to those individuals who are ready to become eBay Store owners. You will learn how to start, brand, and optimize your eBay store website. Understand how to market your eBay store more effectively with email newsletters, traffic reports, and the markdown manager sales tool. Learn how to use the "Quick Store Tune-up" feature and "Manage My Store" page to customize your eBay Store, plus learn tips for search engine optimization that will bring even more internet shoppers to your eBay Store!! (Participants will work on-line, so class size is limited.)
Monday July 15, 2013, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117
"STEP UP, START UP" (a 6-seminar start up series)
Meet the Instructor » Maggi Braun
You, Inc.
Business owner vs employee, apples to apples? Not a chance. Owning and operating a business means that you wear all of the hats! Before you leave your day job, let's weigh your skill set, experiences, personality and life goals, your financial needs and your tolerance for risk.
Tues, 5/14/13 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117.
From Idea to Opportunity
So, you have an idea, and you think it will sell. Not so fast. Let's turn your idea upside down and inside out. Is there a market for your product or service? What are the features and benefits of your product or service? Is there a marketplace need for it? Who is your target customer? What is your competitive advantage?
Tues, 5/21/13- 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117.
Creating the Image, Crafting the Message
In this session, you will learn how the big guys create powerful images and powerful messages so that they best their competition and reach their intended targets. You will learn what is meant by branding and begin to create a unique image for your new company.
Tues, 5/28/13 - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
CVCC East Campus
To register call 828-327-7000, ext 4117.
