MCC to hold small business seminars

The Illinois Small Business Development Center at 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, cash flow management, hiring, marketing and more.

To register, call (815) 455-8588. For details, or to inquire about seminar scholarships, call the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or visit the Web site at www.shahcenter.mchenry.edu.

The following seminars are accepting registration:

Starting a Business in Illinois: Learn the basics of starting a business in Illinois. Consultant Betty Nissen will provide information regarding the appropriate agencies to contact, legal and tax matters, and a business plan outline. Find out if owning your own business is right for you.

"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. Thursday at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $25. Use course ID NBD S21 004 when registering.

Cash Flow Analysis: This course will help the small business owner or manager to understand, control and forecast business cash flow. Chet Ward, president of Illinois State Bank, will make you aware of the financial structure needed to avoid difficulties and promote growth. Cash is the key to the survival of any business.

"Especially in small business situations, there needs to be a clear understanding of cash flow," said Mary Margaret Maule, coordinator of Illinois Small Business Development Center. "This knowledge is critical for the business to thrive."

The class will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 14 at Shah Center. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S23 002 when registering.

Hiring For Impact: This informative seminar for small business owners unlocks some of the "mystery" and fear of hiring employees. Learn the foundational steps behind the decision to hire, avenues to advertise, screening and interviewing candidates as well as the legal considerations and requirements of an employer.

Consultant Betty Nissen will show participants how to get the most from one of their most valuable resources -- employees.

"The rules are always changing when it comes to hiring and businesses need to stay current in order to attract and retain the best employees," according to Catherine Jones, director of Corporate Training and Small Business Development Center.

The class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15 at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID: NBD S22 002 when registering.

How to Develop a Business Plan: A company's business plan will establish goals and objectives, develop marketing and financial strategies and provide information to potential investors. Consultants Lyn Orphal and Brian DiBona will discuss how to develop a plan -- the building block to a successful business.

"A solid business plan is a must for every company, both startup and existing," said Maule.

This class will meet from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 28 at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S26 002 when registering.

How to use Trademark, Copyright and Patent Protection: A great idea? Now what? The knowledge of how to protect an idea or invention is essential to selling it. Attorney Matthew Perrone will show participants how to protect your claim of ownership and how to protect your products and ideas.

The class will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S03 001 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., vice president of Home State Bank, will present the information that people need to develop a financing 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. Dec. 5 at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S37 002 when registering.

Elements of a Strategic Marketing Plan: Ensure you are getting the most from your marketing dollars. This seminar will discuss the necessary elements of a strategic and integrated marketing plan. Tools and information gained will assist in writing your own marketing plan as well as measuring marketing effectiveness, reaching the proper market and raising customer awareness.

"Your marketing dollars can go much further when you have a set plan and utilize the right tools in getting your message out," said consultant Brian DiBona.

The class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 12 at Shah Center, Room 115. Cost is $39. Use course ID NBD S19001 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 Center for Corporate Training and the Illinois Small Business Development Center's workshop/seminar program of McHenry County College.