College sets seminars on small business issues
The Illinois Small Business Development Center of McHenry County College is offering a variety of seminars for those interested in starting or who currently own a small business.
The topics include starting a business, financing, marketing, accounting and recordkeeping.
The seminars will be held at the Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry.
To register, call (815) 455-8588. For more information, call the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or visit the Web site at www.shahcenter.mchenry.edu.
These seminars are currently accepting registration:
Starting a Business in Illinois: Learn the basics of starting a business in Illinois and find out if owning a business is right for you. Consultant Betty Nissen will provide information on agencies to contact, legal and tax matters, and a business plan outline.
"This class is for anyone even considering starting a business. It is well worth the two-hour investment to get your business off on the right foot," Nissen said.
This class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 in Room 115 at the Shah Center. Cost is $25. Use course ID NBD S21 003 when registering.
Financing: Preparing for the Bank: Find out how to obtain a commercial or Small Business Administration loan from a bank's point of view. Robert Cormier Jr. of Home State Bank presents the information you need to develop your plan, a must for every business.
"Banks are very interested in supporting small business. We all do our part in helping the community thrive," Cormier said.
This class will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 11 in Room 115 at the Shah Center. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S37 001 when registering.
Targeting Your Ideal Customer: Most people who start their own business have no idea who their customers will be, where they are hiding, how to reach them or keep them buying over and over again. Our business consultant will answer these questions plus your own customer-related questions.
"In order for your marketing plan to be effective, you need to pinpoint who should hear your message and what will make them respond," said Mary Margaret Maule, coordinator of The Illinois Small Business Development Center.
This class will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 16 in Room 115 at the Shah Center. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S06 001 when registering.
Accounting and Recordkeeping for Your Small Business: Ken Martin and Amber Martin-Johnson of Martin Accounting and Tax Service share accounting information for individuals starting their own business regarding types of entities, their records and filing requirements. Insurance, software accounting packages, bank accounts, marketing and retirement plans are also discussed.
"Keeping the books doesn't need to be overwhelming and we can show you how," Martin said.
The class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S11 001 when registering.
Winning Government Contracts for Your Small Business: John DiGiacomo, director of Rock Valley College's Procurement Technical Assistance Center presents a three-hour seminar to show how you can tap into the multi-billion dollar government market.
"We are a little-known resource that can help you understand how the world of government contracts works and how it can benefit your small business," DiGiacomo said. Participants will receive a copy of DiGiacomo's book "How to Win Government Contracts for Your Small Business."
The class will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 26 in Room 115 at the Shah Center. Cost is $49. Use course ID NBD S02 001 when registering.
The Illinois Small Business Development Center is a component of the McHenry County College Center for Corporate Training and the Illinois Small Business Development Center. It has been developed through a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and McHenry County College.
All ISBDC seminars are cosponsored by the Center for Corporate Training and the Illinois Small Business Development Center's workshop/seminar program of McHenry County College.