The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center has a variety of seminars scheduled for November that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses. These seminars are offered at no charge to participants unless otherwise noted; however, attendees must pre-register to participate.
Diversified Funding Strategies for Successful Non-Profits – November 1, 2018, 9:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. – Ashe Campus
Non-Profit organizations must diversify their funding streams or risk closing the doors when that “one source” dries up. This workshop is a game changer for board members or staff members who are ready to develop the new, diverse funding streams needed sustain and grow the organization. Participants will evaluate the pros and cons of diversified funding, best practices for new capacity building opportunities, the primary elements of successful fundraising, and time management skills needed to navigate a new world of resource development.
Crowdfunding– November 7, 2018, 12:00 p.m.-1:15 p.m. – Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Are you in need of capital for your small business? Crowdfunding is quickly becoming a popular financing option by aspiring entrepreneurs. This seminar will focus on defining the concept of crowdfunding, identifying available platforms, how to choose the best platform, and planning equity crowdfunding for the future. Other questions that will be answered: What is crowdfunding? The history of crowdfunding. How does crowdfunding work? What types of crowdfunding’s are available today? Which one is right for you? Which crowdfunding platform have shown great success for participants and why. How to get results in crowdfunding? The requirements to build a successful campaign.
Understanding Bookkeeping for the Clueless – November 6, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Alleghany Center
Bookkeeping is often a scary topic that many business owners prefer to avoid, but it is the first step to reaching higher profitability and more money in the bank. In this class we will take a very conversational approach to helping you understand the basics of recording income and expenses. We’ll also look at the three major financial statements and learn how to use your numbers to help reach your business goals. This seminar is great for both new business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs who want to understand bookkeeping better.
Your Website Stinks – November 8, 2018, 1:00 p.m.-2:15 p.m. – Ashe Campus
This seminar teaches business owners how to objectively analyze their websites and then implement powerful strategies and techniques for improving the results that those very same websites are generating/not generating. Kelley St. Germain, who built his first website in 1999, will take a brief, yet important look at Google Analytics, while also discussing search engine results, domain acquisition, site design, content strategies, back links, photography, videography, DIY website builders, and SEO. This seminar is designed for both website owners who hire others to administer their website and for those who want to or are currently maintaining their own websites.
Basics of Bookkeeping – November 8, 2018, 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m. – Alleghany Center
Gain a working knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for small businesses. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best‐informed business decisions. This seminar is designed for both new business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs who need a refresher on the basics of accounting.
Small Business Taxes – November 8, 2018, 7:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m. – Alleghany Center
Gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy. Become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes. Discover how everyday business decisions can have tax implications that can affect the bottom line. This seminar is important for both new and experienced business owners.
Hashtag Culture: Instagram for Your Business – November 13, 2018, 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Ashe Campus
In this class, participants will learn the basics of setting up an Instagram account and using it as a business promotion tool. You will learn how to make a huge impact for your business online. Hashtags are powerful and can help grow your audience quickly.
Using YouTube and Video to Improve Your Business – November 15, 2018, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. – ONLINE
Are you trying to market your business online and you‘re just spinning your wheels because those Facebook posts and Instagram pictures aren‘t getting seen? Using video and/or YouTube to market your business can be a huge asset to growing your presence and getting in front of the right people. Potential clients that have seen a video from you are 30% more likely to buy from you than someone who has not seen a video from you. That is reason enough to get on video! This class will teach you the basics of creating a video marketing strategy for your business including using video on all social platforms and YouTube.
Are You Running Your Business or Is It Running You? – November 27, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Wilkes Campus
Is this you? Many of the most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders work longer hours and get less return on their investments of time and money. Maybe you grapple with some of these issues:
- Lack of control over time, markets or business
- People who don’t listen, understand and follow through
- Profit that is inconsistent and/or there is not enough
- Growth is happening but can’t break through to the next level
With Instructor David Norman’s interactive style and experience-based real-world insights, he will make this a workshop an eye-opening event for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Participants will leave with a set of simple, practical tools that they will use immediately to focus on priorities, get clear on issues and gain traction in their business.
Visit www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75570 to pre-register for seminars. To learn more about the Small Business Center and seminars, contact Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, SBC director, at 336-838-6166 or lsbrintle336@wilkescc.edu.
The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 small business centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information.