SmartSTART Your Business

Spring 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-G3
Wed., Mar. 26, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N105
Course #: SBA-399-A4
Thu., Apr. 17, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Carroll County Public Library, North Carroll Branch
Course #: SBA-399-B4
Tue., Apr. 29, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown Branch
Course #: SBA-399-C4
Sat., May 3, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-399-D4
Wed., May 14, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-399-E4
Wed., Jun. 11, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-399-F4
Tue., Jun. 24, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Carroll County Public Library, Taneytown Branch

Selling to the Government
Learn how to contract with the federal government and take advantage of the opportunities created by the Base Realignment Act and the expansion of the local military bases. Discover what federal contracting certifications are available and how to get them; how to apply and information necessary; pitfalls to avoid; and Federal "self-certification" programs, and the contract advantages of registering your business to sell to the federal government.

Course #: SBA-420-B3
Wed., Mar. 12, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-420-A4
Wed., May 21, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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-B3
Thu., Mar. 27, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-421-A4
Tue., May 13, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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: E. Suzan Miller, Esquire, 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-A4
Wed., Apr. 9, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-419-B4
Thu., May 15, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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-A4
Thu., Apr. 10, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-409-B4
Tue., May 20, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-409-C4
Thu., Jun. 19, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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-A4
Tue., Apr. 29, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N205
Course #: SBA-407-B4
Thu., May 22, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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-A4
Wed., Apr. 23, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315
Course #: SBA-410-B4
Tue., May 27, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-410-C4
Tue., Jun. 17, 6:00 - 9:00 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-A4
Thu., Apr. 24, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Washington Road Campus, Rm. N205
Course #: SBA-406-B4
Thu., Jun. 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317

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-A4
Tue., Apr. 8, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T323
Course #: SBA-408-B4
Thu., May 8, 9:00 - 12:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T317
Course #: SBA-408-C4
Thu., Jun. 5, 9:00 - 12:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T315

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-A4
Tue., May 6, 6:00 - 9:00 PM Business Training Center, Rm. T325

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