Free Training at TSBDC/KOSBE Small Business Spring Night School May 24 & 26
May 04, 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 Spring Night School on Tuesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 26 from 6 – 9 p.m., at the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, downtown Kingsport.
Primarily, the Small Business Spring Night School provides free training, peer-to-peer networking, collaborative problem-analysis, problem-solving and access to financing to small business owners and entrepreneurs.
The workshop is offered free of cost, but registration is required.
Tuesday, May 24, attendees will learn:
Tax Advantages & Energy Solutions for Building Owners & Small Business Owner Tenants: Commercial property owners and leaseholders qualify for energy efficiency tax deductions. This class is for BOTH building owners and their business owners who are tenants. Attendees will learn about provisions that allow deductions to taxpayers who own, or lease, a commercial building and installs property as part of the commercial building’s interior, such as lighting systems, heating, cooling, ventilation, and hot water systems, or building envelope. They will also find out about special financing and grants available for energy efficiency projects. Facilitated by Karen J. Koch, CPA, MT, Relight America.
So You Want to Start a Business: This class is designed for individuals who have never before owned or operated a small business. Topics included in this session include a discussion of successful business ownership traits (participants will complete an entrepreneurial assessment); assessment of the business idea; and some of the “mechanics” of establishing a business, such as forms of business ownership, insurance, business planning, and obtaining financing. Facilitated by Aundrea Wilcox, Executive Director of KOSBE, Senior Business Counselor for TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office.
Thursday, May 26, attendees will learn:
Social Media Is Here! Are You Ready? An Introduction to Social Media for Small Business: This class is an introductory session on social media. The topics discussed will include the basics of social media and why it is needed in your small business and the pros and cons of using social media. You will learn what the top four social media sites are and how to utilize them. Most importantly, in this class you will learn how to develop a social media strategy for your business. Facilitated by Mark Bays, Business and Technology Counselor for Tennessee Small Business Development Center at ETSU in Johnson City
6 Ways to Raise Your Credit Score FAST: Nowadays, if your credit score is less than 700, your chance of getting a small business loan is negligible. There is good debt and bad debt. The more you know about the credit rating system overall, the better you can boost your credit score and save money in the long run. Attend this class and learn how to better manage your credit and how to establish or re-establish a good track record. Facilitated by Robert Price, PriceDaniels Credit Group, Inc.
Start Your Business Plan Tonight: Attendees should be prepared to handwrite or bring their lap tops and plug in to begin working on their first draft business plan in a class setting. If you have started a plan, but never finished it, or you have no idea where to begin, this class is for you. This hands-on class will take you through the complete business planning process, reviewing all of the integral parts of a business plan. Attendees will participate in a personalized approach to goal-setting and strategy development for their business or idea. In addition to group discussion, there will also be an opportunity to receive some individual attention while developing financial projections and working on your own operating plan. This class if for startups as well as existing businesses. You must bring your own laptop or a notepad. Facilitated by Aundrea Wilcox.
The Small Business Spring 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 students are encouraged to participate. There is no cost to attend, but seating is limited. Therefore, advanced registration is required. Anyone interested can register online 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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