The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center has a variety of seminars scheduled for September 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.
Financial Resources for Small Businesses – September 5, 2018, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m. – Wilkes Chamber of Commerce
Most entrepreneurs are aware of bank financing options, new online lending platforms, and equity raised from friends and family. But for businesses in a start-up phase or located in an area without proper community banks finding financial options can be difficult in the post financial-crisis regulatory environment. Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI’s) are specifically designed to work closely with borrowers throughout the process to implement financial strategies that work best for entrepreneurs. This presentation will cover information on CDFIs as available financial resources for small businesses in Western North Carolina. Lunch will be provided.
Facebook Ads that Increase Likes, Shares, and Sales – September 6, 2018, 5:30 p.m. -7 p.m. – Ashe Campus
Did you know that you can use Facebook ads to target your ideal customer right in your own area? Did you know you can see how much they make, what they are interested in, and even what pages they like? That information is marketing GOLD! Learn how to get and use that information to your benefit!
Understanding Bookkeeping for the Clueless Small Business Owner– September 11, 2018, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. – Wilkes 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 will also take a 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.
QuickBooks: Learning the Online Version – September 18, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. – Alleghany Center
A QuickBooks Pro-Advisor will take you on a tour and suggest ways this popular software can help small business owners save time, better manage their business, simplify bookkeeping, and help businesses avoid costly errors. Basic computer knowledge is required.
How to Identify Potential Customers – September 19, 2018, 1 p.m. -3 p.m. – Online
Market research isn’t just for start-ups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up‐to‐date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that provide critical information about specific industries and customers. Get the data necessary to test the feasibility of a new business, as well as find the competition and the potential customers interested in the proposed product or service.
Visit www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75570 to pre-register for seminars. For webinars the participant must register, or they will not have access to the link for the online seminar. 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.