SmartSTART Your Business

Fall 2008

"The wealth of knowledge, direction and support from the SBDC has been well beyond what I would have expected."

Dr. Sonia Clesner, Owner
The Family Dental Center, Mt. Airy

Whether you are thinking of a business idea or recently started, you need advice. Yet many entrepreneurs skip getting the advice they need because of their schedule or cost. Not Anymore!

Our new SmartSTART Your Business program at Carroll Community College gives you the advice you need in a flexible schedule AND IT IS FREE to you.

Be smart about your business, register for SmartSTART today.

First Steps to SmartSTART Your Small Business
Look before you leap! If you are thinking about going into business for yourself, be prepared. This seminar is designed for those who want to go into business for themselves, but are unsure where to start. Topics will include: options for business entities; resources available to start-ups; costs of services needed; licensing and tax considerations; loans and financial resources; marketing on a budget; and getting your business off the ground and finding customers.

Course #: SBA-399-A2
Wed., Sept. 3, 5:30 - 8:30 PM Carroll County Public Library, Mt. Airy Branch
Course #: SBA-399-B2
Thu., Oct. 2, 5:30 - 8:30 PM Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown Branch
Course #: SBA-399-C2
Wed., Nov. 5, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-399-D2
Tues., Dec. 9, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. C271

How to Buy or Sell a Business
Are you interested in buying an existing business or thinking of selling your business? Both endeavors require careful planning and consideration. Learn from this panel of experts how to plan for your purchase or sale, what you need to do, review, or provide in each of these transactions, what laws apply and what pitfalls to avoid.

Course #: SBA-531-A2
Tues., Oct. 14, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. TBD

Franchise Ownership Options for the Entrepreneur
Have you ever thought of owning a franchise? Examine the pros and cons of franchise ownership, the ins and outs of finding a franchise that is right for you, investment sources and levels and other topics of interest for those considering the possibility of purchasing a franchise.

Instructor: Lee Meizlesh. Mr. Meizlesh has been involved in franchising for over 40 years, working for Ray Croc at McDonald's, helping to start several franchise systems and is a member of the International Franchise Association.

Course #: SBA-421-A2
Tue., Oct. 21, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. TBD

Legal and Insurance Issues Affecting Small Business Owners
Running a small business today requires knowledge of a myriad of legal and insurance issues. This course will cover basic legal decisions that business owners must make from inception to succession planning. Registrants will also learn about the types of insurance a business should have and could use from time to time.

Instructors: D. Kathleen Rus, Esquire is a local Westminster attorney specializing in small business concerns and Chris Smith, Vice President of The Barbour Group, LLC, a local insurance broker.

Course #: SBA-419-A1
Tues., Aug. 19, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-419-A2
Tues., Sept. 9, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-419-B2
Tues., Nov. 11, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. TBD

Finding Funds for Your Business
If your are an existing or start-up business planning on borrowing money for expansion, purchase or any other use of funds, this course is for you! Learn what sources of funding are available in your area and for your type of small business, and what is involved in accessing those funds for your operation.

Course #: SBA-530-A2
Wed., Oct. 8, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. M060
Course #: SBA-530-B2
Thu., Dec. 11, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N105

Budget Planning
Are you just starting to put together your plan for a new small business? Learn about the 'start up' and initial costs of running a business. This course covers creating a business budget, calculating start up costs and assessing the financial viability of your planned new business.

Course #: SBA-409-A2
Tues., Sept. 16, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-409-B2
Wed., Nov 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315

Developing a Brand/Logo for Your Business
Do you have a brand or logo for your small business? Do you have one that isn't working for you? This course covers how to determine your business's identity and brand/logo, how to develop a promotional budget and how, when and where to promote your small business.

Course #: SBA-407-A2
Thu., Nov. 20, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N203

Creating Your Strategic Business Plan
Are you starting a new business and need a business plan for your lender, a 'road map' for your new venture? This course will cover the requisites of a business plan that can be used for financing and general business purposes, including financial projections for your new small business.

Course #: SBA-410-A2
Tues., Sept. 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T325
Course #: SBA-410-B2
Wed., Nov. 19, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N105

Planning the Operation of Your Small Business
Tired of being "chief, cook and bottle washer" of your small business? Are you contemplating starting a business but want to know how best to operate you venture? Learn to plan the daily operation of your business, how and what to delegate, what areas you need to make future plans for, and how to make it all run smoothly.

Course #: SBA-532-A2
Tues., Sept. 30, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

Hiring and Firing
Learn how to hire and promote the right people and slash turnover costs. This course covers improving customer service, productivity and sales while also improving your employees' attitudes and focusing on cooperation in the workplace.

Course #: SBA-406-A2
Wed., Oct. 29, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. A200

Creating and Updating Your Marketing Plan
This course focuses on how to create a basic marketing plan for your small business. Learn how to understand your market potential and your target market. Create your own marketing plan that uses the best marketing tactics for your type of business.

Course #: SBA-408-A2
Thu., Nov. 6, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. M060

Financial Statements & Tax Strategies
Designed for small business owners and those just starting their own businesses, this course will cover how to read and understand financial statements. Using this skill, also learn how to develop basic tax strategies for your small business.

Course #: SBA-400-A2
Thu., Oct. 16, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. P521

All Sessions are located at the Business Training Center of Carroll Community College unless otherwise noted.
To register for a scheduled session, call 410-386-8100 or email mtitus@carrollcc.edu. Include the course number
and date/time as well as your contact information in the email.
Please register by 10am on the day prior to the scheduled session