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Workshop for small business owners, Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center

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A five-session workshop designed to assist and educate new business owners and existing small companies will begin Oct. 7 at the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center in Lebanon.

Presented by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and The University of Virginia's College at Wise, The Entrepreneur Express Fundamentals Workshops will provide information on the various business resources in the region, including how to start and operate a business, cultivating an existing company, marketing and financing. The program is an extension of Virginia's signature business outreach program, "The Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward," which connects small businesses to resources for starting and growing a business enterprise.

"Small businesses are the core of our national economy, and they constitute 99 percent of all Virginia business establishments," said Sandy Ratliff, business services manager of the VDBA's Southwest Virginia office. "This program will provide in-depth instruction to help business owners develop business management skills."

The workshop is free and each session is held 6-8 p.m. at the SVTDC located at 141 Highland Drive in Lebanon and distributed via video conferencing to multiple sites, including the Pioneer Center in Duffield and Bluefield College. Sessions are facilitated by practicing industry professionals. Registration is required.

"Establishing and managing a business is a rewarding but challenging endeavor," said Shannon Blevins, director of the SVTDC and director of economic development at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. "The business fundamentals program has something to offer any business owner or budding entrepreneur."

The first workshop, slated for Oct. 7, covers the first steps of business ownership. The course introduces participants to the Small Business Development Center and its resources. The workshop focuses on establishing a legal entity for businesses, record keeping, budgeting, tax ramifications and cash management.

The Oct. 21 session deals with business financing, including the importance of developing a solid business plan and selecting a community lender and bank.

Marketing and advertising a business is the topic of the Nov. 4 session. Participants will learn how to market a business during lean budget times, understanding customer needs and evaluating the effectiveness of promotional efforts.

Managing employees, insurance and risk management are covered in the Nov. 18 session. Hiring practices, employee motivation and insurance costs also will be discussed.

The last session, scheduled for Dec. 2, deals with real estate management and investment. Participants will learn about property management, potential real estate income, best practices for closing deals and how to craft leases and rental agreements.

To register by phone, call 276-889-8180. To register online or for more details, visit www.vastartup.org/training.

The workshop sessions are sponsored by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, The University of Virginia's College at Wise, the Virginia Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Bluefield College and People Incorporated Financial Services.

The Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center, operated by UVa-Wise, provides technical education and professional development for individuals and professionals in the region.

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