Harper launches Financial Boot Camp for businesses
Harper College Small Business Adviser Anthony Baldassano had a feeling there might be a host of northwest suburban entrepreneurs coming up healthy in the idea department - but a little out-of-shape in the area of financial management.
His solution: Launch a Financial Boot Camp geared specifically toward local small businesses.
The unique program, offered by Harper's Small Business Development Center, offers a series of two-hour workshops focused on all aspects of small business financial management, from keeping financial records and smartly managing cash flow to determining realistic budgets and understanding small business tax issues.
"There are so many people who have great ideas for great businesses, but maybe need a little additional guidance in the financial arena," says Baldassano, a CPA and small business owner who's overseeing the program and leading the sessions. "We want to help local entrepreneurs connect the dots and actually experience financial success."
Baldassano has worked as a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company, managed a tax department for a privately held company and served as operations manager for a business startup.
The workshops run from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Harper Professional Center, 650 E. Higgins Road, Suite 18N in Schaumburg. The cost is $50 per workshop, or $175 for all four. To register or for more information, call the SBDC at 847.925.6520 or visit harpercollege.edu and search SBDC.
Workshops are:
Thursday, October 23: Understanding "The Books." Participants will learn to keep the necessary records, set up functional recordkeeping systems and review financial statements.
Thursday, October 30: Using QuickBooks to Successfully Manage Your Business. Attendees will learn to take QuickBooks beyond basic bookkeeping, create effective reports to manage day-to-day operations, and get tips for digging into their business' numbers to analyze operating results and their impact on the bottom line.
Thursday, November 6: Managing Cash Flow: Your Business' Survival Depends On It. Participants will learn to calculate and accurately project their business' cash flow.
Thursday, November 13: Budgeting and Forecasting for Small Business. Attendees will get the scoop on preparing a budget, and will learn to make reasonable, useful financial forecasts.