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    <title>Michigan Small Business &amp; Technology Development Center Upcoming Events</title>
    <description>Upcomming Events</description>
    <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx</link>
    <lastBuildDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:09:46 GMT</lastBuildDate>
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      <title> FastTrac MEDC Orientation, Tuesday, September 07, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;Online&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, September 07, 2010 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: FastTrac&lt;br /&gt;An orientation session required to register for the Fast TracŪ Courses in Lenawee, and Jackson Counties.  This half day session will orient you to the Fast TracŪ program and what commitment will be required of you as the entrepreneur. At this session you will spend time with an advisor who will help you select, and enroll in the Fast TracŪ entrepreneurial program best suited for you and your business.

This orientation session is required to enroll in any FastTrac program in Jackson and Lenawee Counties. 

There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast TracŪ a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Counselors&lt;br /&gt;Co-Sponsor: LEDC, Jackson District Library, Jackson DDA, MEDC, SBA &amp; other local partners&lt;br /&gt;The $50 fee will be collected at this FastTrac* Orientation, please pay with credit card. We are also able to take cash or check at the first session of your FastTrac* NewVenture* course. 

Please include your email address when registering for this course.  We will email you the log in information the day prior to the course. &lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 50.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300020"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300020</link>
      <category>FastTrac</category>
      <category>Online</category>
      <author>Business Training: Online</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:13:46 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Fast Trac* New Venture*, Friday, September 10, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;Lenawee Economic Development Corporation, LEDC, Adrian&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Friday, September 10, 2010 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 6 sessions ending Friday, November 19&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: FastTrac&lt;br /&gt;Fast Trac* New Venture* is an intensive, 10-week program that helps you evaluate business opportunities and develop an action plan for owning your own business. There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast TracŪ a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.

The cost for this course is $700, currently there are $650.00 scholarships available through the MEDC and LEDC.  

*Fast Trac and New Venture are trademarks&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad &lt;br /&gt;Co-Sponsor: LEDC&lt;br /&gt;FastTrac MEDC Orientation is required prior to registering for this course. 

This event meets for six weeks on Wednesdays only from 8:30am to 4:00pm.&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 50.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300021"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300021</link>
      <category>FastTrac</category>
      <author>Business Training: Lenawee Economic Development Corporation, LEDC, Adrian</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:09:46 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Retail Management: Seasonal Success, Tuesday, September 14, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, September 14, 2010 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Marketing and Sales&lt;br /&gt;When should you buy merchandise for the holidays?  What quantity?  What is your pricing policy? Seasonal or holiday retail management revolves around specially orchestrated promotions that have a significant impact on product demand and sales.  In this seminar you will review how to calculate inventory turns, when to do markdowns, how to track sales and place buying according to category, and how to take advantage of seasonal environments, and holiday preparation.  

Ron Stevens, retail marketing expert and MI-SBTDC Senior Business Consultant, will be presenting.  Ron has worked around the country with retail giants Marshalls and K-Mart.  He brings extensive knowledge about destination and experiential retailing.  

Retail Management: Seasonal Success is an advanced class for owners and buyers of small to mid-size retail stores.
&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: Ron Stevens, MI-SBTDC Senior Business Consultant&lt;br /&gt;Co-Sponsor: Washtenaw Community College&lt;br /&gt;Light refreshments will be provided&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 30.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300015"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300015</link>
      <category>Marketing and Sales</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor</author>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 07:27:14 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan, Tuesday, September 14, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, September 14, 2010 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Business Plan&lt;br /&gt;An Essential Tool for your Small Business. 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. &lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad&lt;br /&gt;Please preregister online or by calling 734.547.9170&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 30.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290106"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290106</link>
      <category>Business Plan</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:26:06 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Internet Marketing with Digital &amp; Social Media, Tuesday, September 28, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, September 28, 2010 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Marketing and Sales&lt;br /&gt;Using the internet effectively is a critical piece of many small businesses' marketing strategies. Learn about pay-per-click campaigns, search engine optimization, social media, blogs, podcasts and more in this information-packed session. Cut through the hype and learn which of these tools can help you grow your business. &lt;br /&gt;Speaker: Shannon Beeman, MI-SBTDC Business Consultant &lt;br /&gt;Please bring brown bag lunch. Coffee, hot tea and water will provided.&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 20.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290105"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290105</link>
      <category>Marketing and Sales</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:26:18 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan, Tuesday, October 12, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Business Plan&lt;br /&gt;An Essential Tool for your Small Business. 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. &lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad&lt;br /&gt;Please preregister online or by calling 734.547.9170&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 30.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290108"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290108</link>
      <category>Business Plan</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:36:53 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Marketing You Small Business-Part I, Tuesday, October 26, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, October 26, 2010 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Marketing and Sales&lt;br /&gt;This is the first in a series of two marketing workshops that will focus on the development of your sales &amp; marketing plan.  Part one will define your busines, the competition, and your target market.  We will also be covering the components of an elevator speech and how to correctly brand your business.  Throughout these workshops we will be taking a hands-on approach that will enable you to leave withthe actual beginnings of your own sales and marketing plan.&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad&lt;br /&gt;Please bring a brown bag lunch to the meeting.  Coffee, hot tea and water will be provided.&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 10.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290109"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290109</link>
      <category>Marketing and Sales</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:37:49 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> TEAM SBA, Thursday, November 11, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Thursday, November 11, 2010 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Finance&lt;br /&gt;Team SBA is a round table session where you can learn what is required from a lender.  You'll have opportunities to meet business counselors who can help you prepare your loan request for the bank and chances to network with other business owners. 

Before you apply for a business loan, first attend this free financing roundtable.  We will debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing.  The "team" is a bank, an SBA representative, an SBA business counselor, and business owners like you.  You will get first hand information on what credit criteria your banker had.  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.&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultants, Local Bankers, SBA Loan Officers&lt;br /&gt;Fee: Free&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290113"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290113</link>
      <category>Finance</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:13:06 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan, Thursday, November 18, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;Ypsilanti Library, Ypislanit, MI&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Thursday, November 18, 2010 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Business Plan&lt;br /&gt;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, and innovators. 

A business pan is an essential tool for your small business. 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. &lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad&lt;br /&gt;Please preregister online or by calling 734.547.9170&lt;br /&gt;Fee: Free&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300016"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120300016</link>
      <category>Business Plan</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: Ypsilanti Library, Ypislanit, MI</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:49:27 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title> Marketing Your Small Business Part II, Tuesday, November 30, 2010</title>
      <description>Where: &lt;b&gt;MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;When: &lt;i&gt;Tuesday, November 30, 2010 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Topic: Marketing and Sales&lt;br /&gt;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.&lt;br /&gt;Speaker: MI-SBTDC Business Consultant Cathie Abad&lt;br /&gt;Please bring a brown bag lunch to the meeting.  Coffee, hot tea and water will be provided.&lt;br /&gt;Fee: $ 10.00&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href="https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290110"&gt;Link&lt;/a&gt;</description>
      <link>https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=120290110</link>
      <category>Marketing and Sales</category>
      <category>Washtenaw County</category>
      <author>Business Training: MI-SBTDC Region 12 Office, Ypsilanti</author>
      <pubDate>Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:39:19 GMT</pubDate>
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