Free Training at TSBDC/KOSBE Small Business Fall Night School
October 26, 2011
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU and the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) will host a free Small Business Fall Night School on Tuesday, November 15 from 6 — 9 p.m., at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, 330 W. Market Street, downtown Kingsport.
Primarily, the Small Business Fall Night School provides free training, networking opportunities, group problem-solving and collaboration and access to financing to small business owners and entrepreneurs for start-up and expansion.
The workshop is offered free of cost, but registration is required.
Four classes will be featured at the Fall Night School: Free Tools & Resources, Finding Capital for Start-up & Expansion, Small Business Certifications and information Especially for Women Business Owners.
Free Tools & Resources: Attendees will explore and learn a wide variety of free tools and resources available online. There will also be a demonstration of the new KOSBE website highlighting each stage of the business life cycle. The free tools and resources discussed will range from the business plan templates, free business listings, the TSBDC Small Business Survival Training Guide, social media channels and effectiveness, free news release distribution services and more. Facilitated by Marybeth McLain, small business services marketing manager, KOSBE.
Finding Capital for Start-up & Expansion: In this class attendees will learn how to get their businesses “bank ready” to secure financing. In addition, attendees will learn the difference between grants and loans such as the USDA Microloan Program for Rural Entrepreneurs and Business Owners, SBA-backed federal government loan, the Export Express loan program, the Patriot Express loan for veterans and their families along with other opportunities through non-traditional lenders. Facilitated by Aundrea Wilcox, executive director for KOSBE and senior business counselor for TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office.
Small Business Certifications: Attendees will learn how to apply for certifications in the following areas: women-owned, veteran-owned, TDOT and disadvantaged enterprises. Facilitated by Wilcox.
Finally, we will conclude our night with a session Especially for Women Business Owners. In this class, attendees will learn the Five Steps to Business Freedom. Every business goes through stages as they mature. The Five Steps to Business Freedom is a concept for business owners to use as they evaluate and plan for the future of their companies to ensure greater profitability and greater freedom for the owners. Facilitated by Kathy Richards, business coach and owner of AdviCoach. Richards was recently named, AdviCoach Franchisee of the Year. Men are also welcome to attend.
The Small Business Fall Night School is designed with new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs in mind (including home-based), however, retirees seeking a second career, part-time workers wanting to supplement their income, upper class high school and college student are encourage to participate.
The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Advanced registration is required and must be received by Friday, November 11. Anyone interested can register online at kosbe.org or call (423) 392-8825 for more information.
It is the intent of KOSBE to be the go-to organization in the Tri-Cities for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to start or grow their businesses, by creating and developing the right tools and resources and cultivating the right partnerships. In partnership with Tennessee Small Business Development Centers (TSBDC) at ETSU, KOSBE can more effectively serve the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses. For a complete listing of services, tools and resources, visit kosbe.org.
The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee.
To schedule your free confidential counseling appointment in a private setting by TSBDC-certified counselors in person, online by phone or e-mail call Marybeth McLain at (423) 392.8825 or e-mail, mmclain@kosbe.org.
For more information about the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office and your Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), visit tsbdc.org and kosbe.org or call (423) 392.8825. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook, Kosbe – The Small Business Connection, Twitter, @KOSBEConnection, LinkedIn group, KOSBE — The Small Business Connection and our YouTube Channel, KOSBEConnection.
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