Join us at the Corpus Christi Branch Office during National Small Business Week, May 12-16, 2014 for a variety of business and entrepreneurial training events.
The events are free and open to the general public. Aspiring and existing business owners are strongly encouraged to attend.
REGISTER NOW. Space is limited. Include name, phone number, and title of the training.
WHERE: SBA Office, 2820 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 108, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415
______________________________________________________________________________
Monday, May 12
Introduction to SBA’s Business Planning Tool for Entrepreneurs & Business Owners10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Creating a business plan is the first step to take for applying for a loan and financing a business. Entrepreneurs and business owners will be introduced to SBA's Business Plan Tool which provides a step-by-step guide which effectively creates your own business plan. Learn how you can quickly create a draft business plan and present it to a business consultant, coach, advisor, or mentor within a matter of days...all free and confidential. The business plan also serves as a road map for success and sharpens the focus of the entrepreneur and business owner.
Government Contracting 1011:00 PM – 2:30 PM
The federal government is the biggest buyer of products and services in the world! This seminar is a “must-have” for all small business owners including women-owned companies, veteran-owned companies, and small disadvantaged businesses. This seminar will explain the basics of how various government agencies purchase products and services from small businesses. Business owners will learn about the process of getting started, and how to take advantage of government contracting programs. Discover valuable resources that are freely available to market your products and services to government agencies, as well as procurement services that help grow your business by selling to the government. The SBA loan programs, resources, and tools will also be discussed.
____________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, May 13
SBA’s Introduction to Business Organizational Types and Legal Entities10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Entrepreneurs and business owners will be provided an overview of legal entities and learn how to identify the general characteristics. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of Sole Proprietorship, Partnerships, Limited Liability Company (LLC), C-corporations, and S-corporations. This training will help you understand how selecting the correct organizational type can benefit your business. Attendees will also learn how to identify factors to match an organizational type to their business such as taxation, liability and risk, management, continuity and transferability, expense and formality. A participate guide will be provided.
Basics of Customer Service and Social Media Tips for Small Business1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing business will learn the basics of delivering exceptional customer service that will produce referrals, repeat customers, and new customers. Also learn about social media tips, strategies, and resources to build a strong social media campaign and reach new audiences with special offers, products, or services. You will also learn about SBA’s loan programs to start or grow your business. Information on government contracting, counseling, and free technical assistance will be made available.
____________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, May 15
Financial Management Training for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
This is a “Must Have Training” for obtaining cash and capital resources for your business. Learn the “concept” of financial management and why it is important to small business success. Attendees will learn about tools to chart their course into the future, adjust direction when needed, and how to find a way through challenging times. Topics include budgeting, cash flow projection, bookkeeping, profit & loss statements, and balance statements. A participate guide will be provided.
Marketing 101: A Guide to Winning Customers1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Small businesses will receive a basic overview of marketing with real-world examples and helpful tips. The course is directed to small business owners who are interested in reaching a broader customer base. Key objectives of the seminar are; learning what marketing is, why it’s important, conducting marketing research, developing a marketing plan, and strategies to start and grow a small business. Steps will be highlighted at the conclusion of the program to help apply what you learned, and engage you in the process of marketing.
____________________________________________________________________________
Friday, May 16
Small Business Certifications and Resources to Help win Federal Contracts9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Learn about the SBA Certification Programs for small businesses that are interested in government contracting. The HUBZone Program and the 8(a) Business Development Programs were developed by SBA to help specific groups of small businesses compete, win, and secure federal contracts. Attendees will learn the program requirements, benefits, and the application process. Information on procurement resources, as well as SBA’s loan programs to help position a small business for contracting opportunities will also be discussed.
Loan Assistance Programs to Help Entrepreneurs and Businesses Start, Grow & Succeed10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
SBA’s financial assistance programs to start-up, expand, and succeed. The first step for financial assistance is learning how SBA works. Learn how to finance your new or existing business. Find out how the SBA Guaranty Loan Programs can be an option to take care of your business needs such as, working capital, buying land and building, equipment, inventory, leasehold improvements. Learn about free business consulting, coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance programs. Get basic knowledge of government contracting, and how to become certified to take advantage of federal, state, county, and municipal contracting opportunities that can take your business to a whole new level.
| 
