Posted: 09/07/2010
Author:
Kilgore News Herald
The Kilgore College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), has teamed-up with local banks to offer East Texas entrepreneurs an eight-part course, "How to Start and Operate a Business in East Texas."
This course is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays from Sept. 30 – Nov. 18 at KC-Longview (Joe M. Hendrix Center, Room 107), located at 300 S. High Street.
A certificate of completion will be presented to each student completing all eight classes, all of which are approved for CEU (continuing education units).
The course was designed by Brad Bunt, SBDC Director, and Sandra Russell, White Oak CPA, to aid current and future entrepreneurs not only with the decision of going into business for themselves, but also with the day-to-day decisions regarding the operation of a business.
“If you are looking to start a small business or learn how to successfully operate a current business, this course is for you. After 19 years of offering this course in Longview, many people have found the guidance and direction to successfully operate a small business,” Bunt said. “This course has a high success rate among small business owners.”
Bunt said that this year’s course will focus on access to capital for small business owners.
“We have heard the concerns of our local businesses and this class will address that question and many others,” Bunt said. “The weekly course will cover eight sections on the proper operation of a business, and will be presented in a practical, step by step approach.”
The classes will feature local professionals who examine topics relevant to small business, and material covered each week will later be included in the different sections of a business plan.
“Startup and existing businesses join us each year to learn not only small business basics, but also advertising strategies, tax and corporate laws, insurance policies, financing programs, marketing trends, government forms and filing requirements, bookkeeping basics and much more,” said Melanie Northcutt, SBDC Training Coordinator. “Those attending have the unique opportunity to interact with an insurance agent, attorney, CPA, banker, advertising consultant, and others throughout the program.”
Northcutt said that these professionals volunteer each week to lend their expertise in support of local entrepreneurs.
“Small business regulations and conditions are constantly changing, so small business owners must stay informed to ensure long-term success,” Northcutt said.
The course begins on Thursday, Sept. 30, and runs for eight consecutive Thursdays.
“Over the years, hundreds of local business owners have gotten their start after attending this series of classes,” Northcutt said. “In addition, many established businesses have found the classes helpful for updates on tax laws, and other legal rules and regulations examined throughout this course.”
Tuition for the course is $99 which includes a 330- page entrepreneurial startup guide and all course materials. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.
To register and receive more information, call the SBDC at (903) 757-5857 or (800) 338-7232.
com.
The course schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Sept. 30:
"Making the Decision to Go Into Business" – Julia Barron, owner of Barron’s
Thursday, Oct. 7:
"Insurance Requirements” – Larry Clemens, agent at Brown, Cook & Taylor Insurance
“Choosing the Legal Form of Business" – Jason Holt, attorney at Stevens Love Law Firm
Thursday, Oct. 14:
"Planning For a Tax Savings" – Cooner & Cooner, P.C., CPAs
Thursday, Oct. 21:
"How to Prepare a Business Plan" – Heath Hamberlin, Vice President at Texas Bank & Trust
Thursday, Oct. 28:
"Financing a Small Business" – Troy Moore, Bancorp South, Community Bank President
Thursday, Nov. 4:
“Marketing Your Small Business” – Gary Hegar, owner of Country Mailer
Thursday, Nov. 11:
"Bookkeeping Basics" – Cooner & Cooner, P.C., CPAs
Thursday, Nov. 18:
"Beginning Your Business: Start-Up Overview" – Brad Bunt, Kilgore College SBDC Director
For more in the Kilgore News Herald, click
HERE.
