The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center has a variety of seminars scheduled for October 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.
Branding You: Strategies for Branding Your Business – October 3, 2018, 12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m. – Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Do you have a brand? If not, learn why you should and why it’s important. How can your business build brand loyalty which will increase sales? In this session, the instructor will explore how to identify and create your brand. Learn why your company’s values are just as important as its logo. You will create your brand statement and explore how to tell your brand story. Also learn how your brand and corporate culture can help shape your public relations strategy. Explore earned, owned, and social media strategies to support your brand.
Understanding Bookkeeping for the Clueless – October 4, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Ashe Campus
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.
Small Business Publishing 101– October 9, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Wilkes Campus
Are you considering a career in the publishing industry? Are you trying to get your small press off the ground? Are you struggling to keep up with the changes? Publisher L. Diane Wolfe walks you through the steps of locating or creating a marketable product, business setup, production, printing, and distribution. Learn how to use the internet as a resource and platform for your business and tap into the eBook revolution. Those serious about writing and publishing are encouraged to attend this informative seminar.
Your Website Stinks – October 11, 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.
How to Access Capital for a Small Business – October 16, 2018, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. – Ashe Campus
Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Questions range from “Who will give me money for my business idea and what do they need from me?” to “How will this business make money, and will it be enough to repay a loan or attract an investor?” This seminar gets to the heart of business financing and reveals answers to these common questions. Participants will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different types of funding sources to determine which sources are right for them.
How to Market Your Small Business – October 30, 2018, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. – Wilkes Campus
Marketing for the 21st century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Time and money can be spent in many ways. Participants will discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available today. Decision-makers will go through the process of: 1) choosing between traditional brick-and-mortar and web-based businesses, or one that combines both features; and 2) deciding whether to focus locally, nationally, or to spread into the international waters of business. This seminar teaches business owners and nonprofit executives how to navigate the challenges of developing a marketing strategy that best suits their organization.
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.