Events/Workshops

Speaker: Marie Elliott, MI-SBTDC Certified Business Consultant

Do you dream of starting a business but don’t know where to begin? This session gives you the information you’ll need to start building a successful business strategy. Topics discussed include sources of assistance, market research, financing, business partners, taxes, record keeping, and more.

As an introductory session delivered in a workshop format, the course helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products. The basics of business ownership are introduced, along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan.

Speaker: Jan Davies McDermott

You have a passion … a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go! Who should attend this seminar? Entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and ‘closet’ business owners.

Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant

ESTE TALLER SERÁ PRESENTADO COMPLETAMENT EN ESPAÑOL THIS PRESENTATION WILL BE EXCLUSIVELY IN SPANISH ¿Quién Debería Asistir? (Who Should Attend?) Dueños de (Hispanic owners of): - Salones de belleza (Beauty salons) - Restaurantes (Restaurants) - Mercados (Markets / Supermarkets) - Negocios de construcción (Construction businesses) - Cualquier otro tipo de negocio… (Any other type of specialized business…) Emprendedores: cualquier persona interesada en abrir su propio negocio. (Entrepreneurs: any Hispanic who wants to create their own business.) Conozca Más Sobre (What You Will Learn): - Permisos (Permits) - Licencias (Licenses) - Documentación (Necessary documents / paperwork) - Préstamos (Loans) - Impuestos (Taxes) - Manejo del negocio (How to better manage your business) - Contabilidad (Accounting) - Promoción (Marketing) - Responsabilidades del dueño (Owner’s responsibilities) ¡Y más información que le ayudará a tener éxito en su negocio! (…and so much more to make your business a success!) El Centro MTEC en GRCC #204 GRCC MTEC Center #204 622 Godfrey Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Speaker: MI-SBTDC

Fundamentals of Starting a Business: As an introductory session delivered in a workshop format, the course helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products. The basics of business ownership are introduced, along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan.

Speaker: SBTDC staff

You have a passion … a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go! Who should attend this seminar? Entrepreneurs, business owners, innovators, and ‘closet’ business owners.

Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant

Learn the steps to starting your own business. This two-hour workshop, taught by an MI-SBTDC Business Consultant, answers basic questions regarding starting a business and writing a business plan. Issues covered include financing, legal structure, taxes, and government regulations. A business start-up guide, including a complete checklist for starting a business, is included. Preregistration is required Please call 269-387-6004 with any questions.

Are you thinking of starting your own business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to understand which research sources to use for your business plan and where to find the information you need? Then plan to attend this business pre-planning workshop, sponsored by the Oakland County Business Center and The Entrepreneur Source. Agenda: - Do you know what it takes to be an entrepreneur? - Where are the small business resources? - How do I finance my business? - What type of funding is available? - Where do I find relevant information on my industry and for my business? - How often do I need to conduct research for my business?

Speaker: Oakland County Business Center, The Entrepreneur's Source, Oakland County Research Department and Oakland County Public Library

Fundamentals of Starting a Business: The basics of business ownership are introduced, along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan. There is no fee for residents of JEBA's service area: St. Jean to the west, Alter and the Detroit border to the east, Charlevoix to the north and the Detroit River to the south.

Speaker: Staff

This course is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. Delivered in a workshop format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. The basics of business ownership are introduced, along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan.

Speaker: Susan Bates, Business Counselor

Speaker: Nancy Benaske, MI-SBTDC Certified Business Consultant

Discover resources available that can help you make informed decisions about your business’ future. The Kalamazoo Public Library will share their techniques in collecting information on what industry trends might affect you, information to estimate the size of your market, potential customers and competitors, related associations, and other information that will impact your business. Business Research classes are presented by Ryan Gage and held at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Preregistration is required. Please call 269-387-6004 with any questions.

Do you dream of starting a business but don’t know where to begin? This session gives you the information you’ll need to start building a successful business strategy. Topics discussed include sources of assistance, market research, financing, business partners, taxes, record keeping, and more.

As an introductory session delivered in a workshop format, the course helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products. The basics of business ownership are introduced, along with resources available to help launch new ventures in Michigan.

Speaker: Jan Davies McDermott

Explore business start-up issues and receive assistance during this orientation session focused on general start-up questions, the importance of good credit, and obtaining financing for your small business. There is no cost for this workshop.

Speaker: SBTDC and Fifth Third Bank

You know that you want to write a business plan, but just don't know where to start? This three-hour workshop provides an opportunity for you to begin putting your thoughts down on paper. We will discuss the reasons to write a business plan, what to include in each of the sections, and give you time to refine your ideas with feedback from the class.

Speaker: SBTDC Consultant

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan: Designed for individuals who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment, this course covers business planning in detail. Specifics of marketing & finance, legal & regulatory issues, operations, and information-based planning and management are key components of the workshop.

Speaker: Tim Lake, Certified Small Business Consultant

Having a solid business plan is a key element for success in obtaining financing through a bank or investor and in thinking through the various aspects of a viable business endeavor. You'll give yourself an advantage with this one-day, quick-paced seminar where you will work through the essential elements of a usable, comprehensive, and professional plan. Topics include your target market, competition, marketing and sales, operation, management, development, financial projections, and key descriptions and summaries. You'll leave with a good start on your plan and the know-how to wrap it up.

Speaker: Chris Wendel, Regional Director, MI-SBTDC

Designed for individuals who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment, the course, covers business planning in detail. Specifics of marketing and finance, legal and regulatory issues, operations, and information based planning and management are key components of the workshop. The first steps for creating a business plan draft will be included along with a demonstration of the MI-SBTDC online business plan tool.

Speaker: Jan Davies McDermott

Business Plan Workshop Topics: • Overview of Standard Business Plan components • Opportunity to interactively begin creating a plan specific to your business • Writing techniques for a clear, concise plan in order to obtain funding • Market Research introduction and how to incorporate it into your plan • Critique services offered by SBTDC at No Cost to clients • Leave with a Rough Draft after this 3 hour interactive session If you are a startup or existing business and in need of a business plan, this workshop is for you. While not all businesses require a formal written business plan; ALL businesses require planning, consideration of the market and a vision of where the company will be in the future. This session will introduce you to a no cost and easy to use business plan writing tool for your use in developing a concise business plan for your business. A must for entrepreneurs just getting started and those who are seeking finanacing. Presenter: Jeri Hopper MiSBTDC Certified Small Business Counselor, No Cost Workshop

Speaker: Jeri Hopper

Designed for those who want to increase the chances for business success, this seminar covers business planning in detail including steps for creating a business plan draft. Specifics of marketing, finance, legal, regulatory issues, operations, information based planning and management are key components of this workshop. Kettering University Campus Center, Room 5-200.

Speaker: Region 6 MI-SBTDC Staff

Designed for individuals who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment, the course, covers business planning in detail. Specifics of marketing and finance, legal and regulatory issues, operations, and information based planning and management are key components of the workshop. The first steps for creating a business plan draft will be included along with a demonstration of the MI-SBTDC online business plan tool.

Speaker: SBTDC Staff

Statistics show that one of the leading causes of business failures is poor management and lack of planning. Those who spend six months or more planning their business will significantly increase their success rate. Creating a business plan helps you set goals, determine the resources needed to carry out your plan, and foresee problems. This three-hour class provides an opportunity for you to begin putting your thoughts down on paper and outlines in detail what to include in each section. Preregistration is required. Please call 269-387-6004 with any questions. Preregistration is required. Please call 269-387-6004 with any questions.

Every existing or prospective business needs a plan, but every plan is unique. This workshop will help you understand the necessary content and best format for your business plan, and show you the resources to create it.

Speaker: Presented by MI-SBTDC Staff

This workshop provides the business owner an in-depth look at the essentials of using financial information to make effective decisions about improving their business performance. Topics include: Ways to improve your company's cash flow, how to use the balance sheet and income statement to diagnose business problems and opportunities, how breakeven analysis helps you make better pricing and investment decisions, how to ensure you have enough working capital to support growth and how to keep your banker on your side. This workshop is designed for CEO's/Managers of businesses with at least three years of financial history who want to have a better understanding of how financial statements can inform their business decisions. Cost $25 / $20 Chamber members. *Chamber members please call 269-387-6004 to process payment.

Before you apply for a business loan, first attend a free financing roundtable. We will debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing. The "team" is a banker, an SBA representative, an SBA business counselor, and business owners like you. You will get first hand information on what credit criteria your banker has. The team will answer all of your financing questions and give you advice on what steps to take to achieve your goal of starting or expanding a business. We will explain how the SBA loan guarantee can work for you. The roundtables are best suited for those who have good credit, a solid business idea, and some money to invest in the business.

Speaker: Cathy Gase -SBA

As an introductory seminar, the course covers the basics of financial management, including how to start an accounting system and how to apply the information from key financial statements to help you manage your business. Accounting language including debits and credits, preparation of the balance sheet and profit & loss statement are explained. Cash flow analysis and breakeven are also covered with specific small business examples.

This course is an introduction to the different types of legal entities that are appropriate for structuring and starting a new business. Tax and liability issues are covered, along with basic elements of a contract, collections, licenses, registrations, employment and property issues, leasing and insurance. It is designed to guide prospective business owners in setting up the organizational structure that will help protect them from unnecessary legal challenges.

Speaker: John Carter, Esq. and Lori K. Bianco, CPA

The course provides an introduction to the different types of legal entities that are appropriate for structuring and starting a new business. Tax and liability issues are covered, along with basic elements of a contract, collections, licenses, registrations, employment and property issues, leasing and insurance. It is designed to guide prospective business owners in setting up the organizational structure that will help protect them from unnecessary legal challenges.

Speaker: John Carter, Esq.

This course offers practical, proven ways to improve contracting businesses by focusing on the basics: how to effectively manage the job process, tracking key financial information and how to build successful crews. Review the tools necessary to successfully navigate through plentiful or painful economic times.

Speaker: MI-SBTDC Certified Business Consultant

Presented in Room 113 of the GRCC Tassell M-TEC Center, this session is geared towards new and existing businesses and will focus on the ten things you need to do when you hire your first employee. Get answers to your questions about compliance related to payroll, workers compensation, safety, benefits and other HR related areas. In addition, the costs and benefits associated with “doing it yourself” vs. outsourcing will be discussed.

Speaker: Bob McIntyre, Senior Professional in Human Resources, AccessPoint

This seminar offers advanced training in QuickBooks financial accounting software. Topics to be covered include customizing forms, credit card processing, working with fixed assets and loans, creating and modifying reports, creating graphs, tracking and paying sales tax, setting up and processing payroll, and estimates, time tracking and job costing. It is highly recommended that the student take the introductory Financials with QuickBooks seminar prior to taking this advanced level seminar. TO REGISTER CALL 517-483-9853

Speaker: Audrey Morris, CPA

Business decisions you make can have a significant effect on your tax situation. Be better prepared for tax reporting by learning more about tax planning, tax forms, and IRS rules and regulations that affect small businesses. This course includes a discussion of accounting records, business expenses, depreciation, and specifics of taxation in the state of Michigan. Utilize available deductions and credits, as your business grows and changes. This session will be presented at the GRCC Tassell M-TEC Center in Room 113.

Speaker: Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC

Are you following IRS rules and regulations while utilizing all available deductions and credits? This program will provide information on tax planning and preparation. Learn about the most recent changes in the law and relevant issues on business taxes. “Knowledge is power” and we will give you the tools to prepare you now and in the future to make informed business and tax decisions. Topics to be discussed include: travel & auto expenses, sales & use tax, new Michigan Business Tax, web-based business taxes, independent contractor issues, and many more tax topics relevant to small business owners. Your presenter, Angelia McGarry of Carolan & McGarry CPA firm has over 15 years experience in business tax planning and preparation.

Speaker: Angelia McGarry, CPA

The second workshop in our sales and marketing series will focus on utilizing and reviewing the work that was done in the first session. Form this you will develop the content of the marketing tools that you will need to communicate your message to your target audience. We will also cover public relations, advertising, and marketing research. All of the work from the two workshops will be applied to a marketing plan outline.

Marketing is the key to building awareness of your business. Having a clearly defined marketing plan is essential to the growth and success of any business. Learn the fundamentals of marketing and the primary tools for any business to secure its spot in the marketplace. Key topics covered include: importance of marketing, the marketing concept, basic aspects of a marketing plan, and available resources. This seminar is for business owners, sales consultants, entrepreneurs, and innovators.

Speaker: MI-SBTDC Certified Business Consultant

This course presents practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow small businesses. It covers basic marketing tools, including market analysis and research, target marketing, assessing competitors, and key marketing implementation tools. A strategic, well planned approach to marketing is demonstrated, with several examples of effective hands-on marketing techniques. Focus is on the customers of the business -- creating and keeping them.

Speaker: Robert Madigan, Business Counselor

SCORE Workshop "How to Use Internet Marketing to Grow Your Business," Fee is $35.00 per person or $10.00 for students. FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER: Call 269-381-5382 Or, e-mail info@scorekazoo.org.

This course presents a workshop approach to using practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow small businesses. This workshop will challenge you to define your market, competitors, strengths and weaknesses, market position, and defining your brand. A strategic, well planned approach to marketing is demonstrated, with several examples of effective hands-on marketing techniques. Focus is on the business’s customers - creating and keeping them.

Speaker: Bill Smith, President of CompuCraft, Inc

You're up and running, right? And still busting your butt, but not getting the results you want? You're asking yourself, "Is this it? What am I missing? Learn the secrets and skills that will give you a tremendous competitive edge and dramatically improve your income! Agenda: - Master Sales & Objections - Build a Championship Team - Master Your 30 Second Commercial - Dramatically Increase Marketing Response - Learn to Handle ANY Objection, ANY time, ANY where, from ANY one - Tame the Little Voice in Your Head to be on Your side

Speaker: Denise Roberts, Sales Partners-Troy

This course presents practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow small businesses. It covers basic marketing tools, including market analysis and research, target marketing, assessing competitors, and key marketing implementation tools. A strategic, well planned approach to marketing is demonstrated, with several examples of effective hands-on marketing techniques. Focus is on the customers of the business -- creating and keeping them.

Speaker: Rene Stephen, Business Consultant

The Wayne County One Stop Business Resource Center will host monthly 8(a) Business Development programs that help minority small businesses gain a foothold in government contracting. Upon enrollment in this program, firms receive help with finding contracts, proposal preparation, and contract administration. The monthly pre-qualification meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of each month from 9 am - noon at the MI-SBTDC Wayne County One Stop.

Speaker: SBTDC

The Michigan Women's Business Council invites women business owners to learn what it means to be certified as a Women's Business Enterprise. If you have a product or service that you would like to market to American corporations, here is your chance to explore certification. In the seminar, attendees will learn: What is involved in the certification process How to complete the application package How to become part of a national database of certified women business enterprises If you will benefit from being certified Other resources available for small business For more information or to register, please call CEED at (734) 677-1400.

Speaker: CEED - Pam

Fast Trac* New Venture* is an intensive, 2-week program that helps you evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning your own business. There are full scholarships available through MI-Works! and Tech Town through Wayne State (Must meet the organizations qualifications to receive the scholarship) *Fast Trac and New Venture are trademarks

Speaker: FastTrac Facilitator & Entrepreneur, Kevin Suboski

BBCetc is presenting this 1/2 day seminar to discuss SBIR/STTR solicitations and where to find them. The US Department of Defense (DoD) released their first Fiscal year 2010 SBIR solicitation on November 12, 2009 with a proposal submission deadline of January 13, 2010. In this seminar we will review the current DoD solicitation as well as those from other agencies to illustrate the process of identifying funding opportunities. We will also describe in detail the elements of a good proposal. Who should attend: - If you are planning on submitting an SBIR/STTR proposal in the next 12 months - Individuals interested in learining enough about the program to determine if they are interested in pursuing future submissions - Those that have not participated in the program in recent years and need to learn about changes and developments - Individuals from academic institutions interested in working with SBIR/STTR applicants as subcontractors and supporting personnel What is covered? - Strategic Planning - First, do your homework - SBIR/STTR Program Details - Identifying opportunities from the participating agencies - Technological innovation and commercial merit - what this really means - Strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the awarding Agency's mission and requirements - How to do your intelligence work prior to writing the proposal

Speaker: Andy Jakimcius