Published: October 15, 2009 09:37 pm      

Small Business Center planning seminars

I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and briefly discuss the functions and goals of this office. The SBDC was established to further economic development through the provision of management and technical assistance to small businesses. The main objective of the SBDC is to assist in new business startups and to keep already existing businesses in operation by helping the small business owner or prospective owner help him or herself.

The Center provides free assistance, guidance and the tools for clients to perform the work for themselves. The SBDC specializes in new business startup information, business planning, market feasibility, loan assistance, bookkeeping and accounting, tax planning and information, marketing to government entities, international trade and many other areas too numerous to mention.

In addition to the above services provided, the SBDC conducts a minimum of two free or very low-cost workshops, conferences or small business seminars monthly. Training courses range from introductory courses for aspiring entrepreneurs to advanced seminars for experienced small business owners. There is also a Computer Learning Center located in the SBDC offices which introduces clients to computers and software packages with hands-on tutorial training programs.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides computer assistance on a variety of software products to our clients. The SBDC computer learning center is now an up-to-date center with newer computers and connected directly into Sam Houston State University (SHSU). We offer free Wi-Fi to our clients as well as free use of the computers in the Learning Center.

The Center will be offering QuickBooks Pro 2009 Part I on Tuesday, Part II on Oct. 27, and Part III on Nov. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at $50 a session. Also, the Center will be offering Business Plan Pro 11.0 on Oct. 26 (no fee). Upon request, we will offer Adobe Photoshop and other software.

If you have questions concerning an existing business, or you are interested in starting a new business, please call the SBDC at (936) 294-3737. Our counselors are standing by to provide free, confidential, one-on-one counseling to assist with your business needs.