The Wilkes Community College Small Business Center has a variety of seminars scheduled for February 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.
How to Start a Business– February 6, 2018, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Wilkes Campus, Beacon Hall
Participants will learn the basics of starting a business while taking their idea from inception to opportunity. The seminar covers key strategies for start-ups, financing, and marketing in addition to important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, and operations. Students will realize the importance of self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of their business idea.
Licenses, Recordkeeping and Tax Issues for Small Businesses – February 8, 2018, 11 a.m-1 p.m. – Wilkes Campus, Beacon Hall, Room 1507
Many businesses require permits and licenses from county, state, and even federal agencies. Federal and state tax requirements are not the only reason to keep good, up-to-date records in your business. Good recordkeeping habits will allow you to focus on generating revenue rather than worrying about catching up on your bookkeeping. Both new and existing business owners will benefit from this seminar.
The Struggle is Real: Internet Marketing Tips and Tricks – February 13, 2018, 12 p.m.-1:15 p.m. – Blue Ridge Energy Conference Room, West Jefferson
This is a real-world, practical seminar designed to give small business owners simple yet powerful strategies and techniques they can easily implement on websites and social media channels. This seminar is guaranteed to provide ideas for improving website ranking and social media interactions you never considered. If your website and social media channels are under performing, this is a workshop you do NOT want to miss!
Basics of Bookkeeping – February 13, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 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.
How to Write a Business Plan – February 14, 2018, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. – Wilkes, Beacon Hall
A business plan can be the most important tool a small business owner has. Learn how to turn business ideas into a solid plan for financing and long‐term success. This seminar teaches participants the important components of a business plan and helps lay the foundation for a winning plan. Participants will discover how marketing, operations, and finance are interrelated; how a business plan is used by potential lenders; and the dos and don’ts of writing a plan. This seminar is designed for new and established business owners and will follow the NCREAL Curriculum.
Basics of Bookkeeping – February 20, 2018, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Wilkes Campus, Beacon Hall, Room 1507
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.
Creating Your Own Website – February 22, 2018, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Wilkes Campus, Beacon Hall, Room 1505 C
Your website can be one of your biggest assets in your business, just think, it’s the only employee you have that works 24/7. Do you have a good website or a website at all? Come learn step-by-step how to create your own website in the right way with the right tools. Come with nothing and leave with a website; it’s going to be amazing!
How to Revive My Credit Score – February 28, 2018, 12 p.m.-1:15 p.m. – Ashe Campus, Room 212
This seminar will offer emerging entrepreneurs simple steps to take to improve their credit score before applying for a business loan. The instructor will share credit score facts and fallacies in addition to easy tips to repair personal credit.
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.