Training

Legal topics to be covered: Leases, Contracts, Powers of Attorney, Corporate Meetings and more. Let Rachel know what your Legal topic of interest is and be informed. Register today call 423-756-8668. Free

Speaker: Rachel Fisher

Speaker: Jason Elkins - Transparent Social Media and Jeremy Scott - The Viral Orchad

The Chamber of Commerce and its International Business Council will feature cross-cultural business training, networking opportunities and multi-cultural exposure to the foods, music, dance and art of the different countries represented within the International Business Council. Members of the International Business Council include multi-national business leaders, educators, professionals and supporters of the local international community. Nineteen countries, eight languages and three generations of people are currently represented on the International Business Council.

Speaker: Mwango Mainda and Marco Perez

The seminar discussion includes the forms of business organization, tax requirements, business licenses, business planning and financing options with additional discussion about SBA loan qualification and opportunities.

Speaker: Marilyn Cobble, Sr. Business Specialist

The purpose of this seminar is to provide individuals interested in starting a business a broad overview of the many things they will be confronted with in doing so. It will introduce attendees to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, the services available, and how it can assist in the development of their business venture. Sources for information gathering, research and databases available are also discussed. This seminar is intended for persons who have never been in business.

This course is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. Delivered in a workshop format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Registration is required. Limit Seating.

Event location: TN Small Business Development Center. 100 Cherokee Blvd. The counselor discusses basic business planning including financial projections and legal entity. You will receive an information packet containing phone numbers and addresses for information about business licenses and taxes and other start-up materials.

So You want to Start a Business is designed for individuals who have never before owned or operated a small business. Topics included in this session include a discussion of successful business ownership traits (participants will complete an entrepreneurial assessment); assessment of the business idea; and some of the “mechanics” of establishing a business, such as forms of business ownership, insurance, business planning, and obtaining financing. This session is offered at no cost and is a prerequisite for obtaining no cost counseling from a TSBDC business counselor.

Speaker: Mr. Bob Graham

This workshop provides basic information on starting a small business. *TSBDC services *Personal Considerations *Business Planning *Financing *Requirements

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan: Targets 0-3 years. Designed for individuals who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment, the course, covers business planning in detail. Specifics of marketing and finance, legal and regulatory issues, operations, and information based planning and management are key components of workshop. Registration is required. Limit seating.

The seminar discussion includes the forms of business organization, tax requirements, business licenses, business planning and financing options with additional discussion about SBA loan qualification and opportunities.

Speaker: Bruce Hayes, Sr. Business Specialist, TSBDC

If you are thinking of starting your own business, there is a lot you need to know. This free seminar can help start you in the right direction. Vicki Henley, Director of the TTU Small Business Development Center, will address topics of interest to potential entrepreneurs and new small business owners. Topics include business startup basics, business structures, challenges for startups, business planning, cash needs, financing options, and more.

Speaker: Vicki Henley

Event location: TN Small Business Development Center. 100 Cherokee Blvd. The counselor discusses basic business planning including financial projections and legal entity. You will receive an information packet containing phone numbers and addresses for information about business licenses and taxes and other start-up materials.

This course is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. Delivered in a workshop format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Registration is required. Limit seating.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide individuals interested in starting a business a broad overview of the many things they will be confronted with in doing so. It will introduce attendees to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, the services available, and how it can assist in the development of their business venture. Sources for information gathering, research and databases available are also discussed. This seminar is intended for persons who have never been in business.

Event location: TN Small Business Development Center. 100 Cherokee Blvd. The counselor discusses basic business planning including financial projections and legal entity. You will receive an information packet containing phone numbers and addresses for information about business licenses and taxes and other start-up materials.

This course is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. Delivered in a workshop format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Registration is required. Limit seating.

Austin Peay State University’s Small Business Development Center, in conjunction with the Small Business Administration, The purpose of this seminar is to provide individuals interested in starting a business a broad overview of the many things they will be confronted with in doing so. It will introduce attendees to the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, the services available, and how it can assist in the development of their business venture. Sources for information gathering, research and databases available are also discussed. This seminar is intended for persons who have never been in business.  This seminar is a prerequisite in to schedule one-to-one counseling which is available, by appointment, after attending the seminar. The workshop will be held at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky at the ACAP Center.

Speaker: Myra Fisher, US Small Business Administration, TN Small Business Development Center,

Join us at this FREE workshop to discuss the business fundamentals of starting-up your own business! The following topics will be discussed: formulating and evaluating your business concept, researching your market, resources & assistance for small businesses, conducting self-assessment, calculating start-up costs, and a business plan outline. Register online, call (423) 478-6247, or email arice@tsbdc.org if you are interested in attending.

Speaker: David Hudson- Director of TSBDC at Cleveland State

Event location: TN Small Business Development Center. 100 Cherokee Blvd. The counselor discusses basic business planning including financial projections and legal entity. You will receive an information packet containing phone numbers and addresses for information about business licenses and taxes and other start-up materials.

This Seminar is aimed at giving aspiring Entrepreneurs insight on what a business plan is, why it is important, and what the major sections of the plan are. During the Seminar each of the major narrative sections of the business plan will be reviewed. These include the reference sections – Title Page, Table of Contents, Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure, Salary/Wage Matrix, Time Line/Project Plan, and Job Description; along with the content sections – Owner Biography/Experience, Business Description, Product/Service Description, Target Market Identification, Marketing Strategy, Management Summary, Operations Summary, Mission Statement, and Executive Summary. Business Plan financials will be covered in a separate Seminar. Prerequisites for this Seminar are completion of the TSBDC-MTSU Starting Your Own Business Workshop or a minimum of 1 year of active business operations. This seminar will be held at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, February 14, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm There is no charge to attend the seminar. Reservations are required and available on-line at www.tsbdc.org or by calling 615-898-2745. Please arrive and sign in 10 minutes prior to the startup of the seminar. Accommodations are available for the handicapped.

Speaker: Leroy Cunningham

This Seminar is aimed at giving aspiring Entrepreneurs insight on what a business plan is, why it is important, and what the major sections of the plan are. During the Seminar each of the major narrative sections of the business plan will be reviewed. These include the reference sections – Title Page, Table of Contents, Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure, Salary/Wage Matrix, Time Line/Project Plan, and Job Description; along with the content sections – Owner Biography/Experience, Business Description, Product/Service Description, Target Market Identification, Marketing Strategy, Management Summary, Operations Summary, Mission Statement, and Executive Summary. Business Plan financials will be covered in a separate Seminar. Prerequisites for this Seminar are completion of the TSBDC-MTSU Starting Your Own Business Workshop or a minimum of 1 year of active business operations. This seminar will be held at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, February 14, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm There is no charge to attend the seminar. Reservations are required and available on-line at www.tsbdc.org or by calling 615-898-2745. Please arrive and sign in 10 minutes prior to the startup of the seminar. Accommodations are available for the handicapped.

Speaker: Leroy Cunningham

Learn how spreadsheets can simplify your workload with Microsoft's popular Excel software. Automatically calculate and display data as you create spreadsheets. Learn to enter data, navigate in a worksheet, move copy and insert rows and ranges. Explore the use of formulas and functions. Get organized and get going with Excel for beginners. Early registration discount applies For More information or to register call (931) 221-7816 , M-F between the hours of 9am-4pm.

Small Business Certifications – Get Certified!: In this introductory course, you will learn about the different types of small business certifications and why you should get your business certified—whether your business is minority-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, located in a historically underutilized business zone (HUB-Zone), or you’re just plain SMALL with diminished capital and credit opportunities, i.e., an economically disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE). The course focuses on eligibility requirements for various kinds of certifications and gives you action items to do after self-certifying or getting certified by a third-party, to improve your chances of possibly winning a government contract for your business. You will also have access to real experts who will share practical tips, examples, checklists, web sites and business tools that are easy to use.

Speaker: Facilitated by Jacqueline Merritt, economic development specialist with the U. S. Small Business Administration and Aundrea Wilcox, sr. business counselor with the Tennessee Business Development Center at East Tennessee State University Kingsport Affiliate Office and executive director of KOSBE.

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Cleveland State Community College is sponsoring a legal workshop for small businesses. Presented by attorneys from Chambliss, this free seminar will cover a range of legal issues pertaining to small businesses and legal documents. There will be time for Q and A. For more information regarding the Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel law firm, visit their website at www.cbslawfirm.com. Register for the event online, or confirm your attendance by calling (423) 478-6247.

Speaker: Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.

Writing Your Business Plan is an introductory session to the business planning process. Discussed during this hands-on workshop will be the 3 uses of the plan—feasibility testing of the idea, obtaining financing, and managing the business once it is established. Participants will begin writing the four main sections of their business plan during the session. This includes business description, marketing, management, and financial projections. There is a $20 per person fee for this session that includes a business planning workbook.

Speaker: Mr. Mark Bays

This step by step workshop will teach students how to perform basic accounting transactions such as invoicing, inventory, payroll and other topics. Registration is required. Limit seating.

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan: Targets 0-3 years. Designed for individuals who want to increase their chances for successful self-employment, the course, covers business planning in detail. Specifics of marketing and finance, legal and regulatory issues, operations, and information based planning and management are key components of workshop. Registration is required. Limit seating.

Small Business Certifications – Get Certified!: In this introductory course, you will learn about the different types of small business certifications and why you should get your business certified—whether your business is minority-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, located in a historically underutilized business zone (HUB-Zone), or you’re just plain SMALL with diminished capital and credit opportunities, i.e., an economically disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE). The course focuses on eligibility requirements for various kinds of certifications and gives you action items to do after self-certifying or getting certified by a third-party, to improve your chances of possibly winning a government contract for your business. You will also have access to real experts who will share practical tips, examples, checklists, web sites and business tools that are easy to use.

Speaker: Facilitated by Jacqueline Merritt, economic development specialist with the U. S. Small Business Administration and Aundrea Wilcox, sr. business counselor with the Tennessee Business Development Center at East Tennessee State University Kingsport Affiliate Office and executive director of KOSBE.

Have you tried using social media for your business but didn’t know what to focus on and got overwhelmed, or have you wanted to add social media to your business marketing plan but didn’t know where to start? We are here to help! A seminar being offered by the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University titled “Social Media Marketing – The Smart Way!” can help you decide what social media components best suit your business, and the smart way to implement them. Led by Jen Dangelo, Director of the TSBDC Online Counseling and Training Center, the seminar will address how to market your business through social networks such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and will introduce you to tools and tricks that will help make it all manageable! This two hour seminar will help you build a list of valuable social networking sites, explore social media scheduling tools and how to use them, and learn how social networks can complement your current website, or give your business a much needed online presence. This Seminar will be held on February 28, 2012 from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at The Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, 3050 Medical Center Parkway. Reservations are required and available on-line at www.tsbdc.org or by calling 615-898-2745. Please arrive and sign in 10 minutes prior to the startup of the seminar. Accommodations are available for the handicapped.

Speaker: Jen Dangelo

Free Seminar. First Volunteer Bank - What do you need to have ready for the bank? What questions will the banker be asking you? 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga, TN.

Speaker: Gary Highfield

How to Build an Effective Web Page for Small Business is a workshop that will show participants how to build an effective web page for the small business. Topics that will be discussed are establishing a purpose of website, importance of domain names and how to obtain them, navigation, design, content, improving search engine optimization and more. Please bring your laptop, tablet, and smart phone.

Speaker: Mr. Mark Bays

Research for Business Planning will include a discussion of the different methods of research (quantitative versus qualitative) and the two types of data (primary versus secondary). Various local, state, and federal agencies that provide data to be used by attendees in planning the expansion or start-up of a business in Tennessee will be identified. Included data sites are the US Census Bureau, Tennessee Department of Revenue, and several other state and federal sources. The discussion will also include fee-based resources that are offered to TSBDC clients at no charge. This includes ProfitCents, a financial analysis program that will provide clients a written analysis of their financial strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for corrective action. Also discussed with be Reference USA an excellent marketing tool for the identification of prospective business customers and competitor analysis. There is a $10 fee for this workshop that covers the cost of handout materials and a CD that included “Clickable Links” to the data sources.

Speaker: Dr. Bob Justice

Event location: TN Small Business Development Center, 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga, TN. This is a step-by-stop workshop walking you through the process of setting up your business finances in QuickBooks. The class includes such topics as company setup, check writing, invoicing, bill payment, customer and vendor management, report generation and preferences. Instructor is a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

Are you getting the most from your QuickBooks software? Attend this hands-on-seminar to learn how to: -Manage money coming in and money going out (sales, invoicing, paying bills, and tracking expenses) -Reconcile accounts -Use reports to understand your business, including profitability and sales trends This free seminar will be held at the TSU Avon Williams Campus located at 330 Tenth Avenue, North. To register for this seminar, please call 615.963.7179 and follow the prompts.

Speaker: John Sawyer, AccountNetInc!

The Internal Revenue Service, in conjunction with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, is sponsoring a Small Business Tax Workshop on Wednesday, February 8, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at the Maury County Chamber and Economic Alliance Building located at 106 W. 6th Street, Columbia, Tennessee. This is a free workshop although pre-registration is required. You may register on-line at www.tsbdc.org or call 931-388-2155. Arrangements for the handicapped can be provided with advanced notification. This workshop is designed to provide new business owners with an overview of the services provided by the IRS and federal tax law requirements. Topics to be discussed are: filing requirements, basic recordkeeping, and business use of the home and self-employment tax. A member of the Kraft CPAs accounting firm will be on hand to answer questions. We reserve the right to cancel this workshop due to last minute schedule changes.

Small Business Tax Workshop is a workshop addresses the federal income tax liability of the business owner. Record keeping requirements, appropriate forms, reportable income and allowed deductions are discussed. Estimated tax payments are demonstrated and the audit procedure is explained. The latest news affecting the small business owner is shared and the workshop concludes with a practical application problem. The fee for this workshop is $5. Pre-registration is required so that we can contact you if class changes are necessary.

Speaker: Mr. Bob Graham

Small Business Payroll Tax Workshop is a workshop is designed for those business owners who either have or intend to have employees. All required state and federal registrations are demonstrated. Pertinent tax forms are examined and explained for both federal and state employment taxes. The due date for each federal and state report and payment is discussed, as well as the mandated federal electronic tax payment system is introduced. Required records are reviewed. The workshop concludes with a practical application problem. The fee for this workshop is $5. Pre-registration is required so that we can contact you if class changes are necessary.

Speaker: Mr. Bob Graham

“Local" marketing means having an online presence these days—from having an effective website, to helping customers find you on their mobile phones. In the first of three workshops this spring, Darlene Cary of Online Marketing for Local Companies will show you how to grow your local business using online tools and tactics. The first workshop will cover the basics: • Making your website “local friendly” for search engines • How to get found online by your local customers • Building out local site profiles (claim your business – it’s already there!) • Why locally based businesses have an advantage online Subsequent workshops will cover more advanced topics such as getting proactive in the Review Site game (Yelp, etc), successful use of Social Media, Google Analytics, QR codes, and more. Darlene will collect questions by email before the workshop at Darlene@OnlineMarketingforLocalCompanies.com. Connect with other participants and Darlene about the workshop on Twitter with the hash tag #tsbdc. The workshop will be held at the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce building located at 3050 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on February 9, 2012, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is no charge for this workshop. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and you may register online at www.tsbdc.org or call 615-898-2745. Arrangements for the handicapped will be available with advance notification. Speaker(s): Darlene Cary

Speaker: Darlene Cary

Marketing Communications is the link between a business and its potential customers. It answers the question of "how much advertising do you need for your business." The presenter will discuss the nine steps to improving marketing communications in your business.

Free seminar. Small Business Development Center. 100 Cherokee Blvd., Chattanooga, TN.

Speaker: Amie Haum

This workshop is designed to give you a real world approach for marketing your business! 1. Fine tune your focus 2. Who are your customers 3. Competitive advantage 4. Marketing message and promotion - (with over 30 different methods) 5. Schedule your activities and track your progress

The advent of web technology has changed the game of business marketing. Today, as social networks connect millions of users across the world, the time has never been better to seek, find, and reward potential customers. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is proud to co-host a free digital marketing workshop with CoMarket of Murfreesboro. By the end of this seminar, each participating company will be equipped to launch its very own digital marketing campaign with zero risk and no startup costs. This is the opportunity you have been waiting for to expand your clientele. Unlike traditional advertising, CoMarket or Community Marketing guarantees results. Most companies can’t afford to risk large up-front costs for ineffective marketing campaigns. With the networking tools offered by CoMarket, they no longer have to. No more shelling out money for the promise of more customers. The new web & mobile technologies presented in this workshop will enable companies to attract consumers with no money down and empower them to pay only when they see results. Included in this free seminar are three 15-minute presentations about new digital marketing tools, a networking break with refreshments, and a Q&A session with live demonstrations of CoMarket’s innovative features. A few topics that will be covered are: • The new electronic word-of-mouth • Using mobile technology to improve customer loyalty • Networking with other small businesses • Supporting the local community • How to launch your free, no-risk marketing platform Spots are limited for this event: only 50 businesses will be able to participate. Registration is required. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! CoMarket Inc is a software company that develops web and mobile technologies to connect companies, consumers, and the community as a whole. In this seminar, CoMarket will present its new array of networking tools for small businesses in the Rutherford County area.

Want to start or grow your business, but can’t spend thousands on software and technology to make it happen? We can help. Today, every business needs to be internet savvy, so we’ve located free, quality, open source software products that you can download and use today to grow your business, or to start that business you’ve been dreaming about. This workshop will be presented by Michael Aikens, Manager of the TTU Business Media Center, and web developer extraordinaire. Michael will give you a guided tour of a variety of software products available today that won’t cost a fortune, but will take your business to the next level. This workshop will provide an overview and orientation to free software tools, what they can be used for, and where to find them.

Speaker: Michael Aikens

How to become certified for consideration of Local, State and Federal Contract bids.

Speaker: Russell Toone, Saundra Jackson, Ron Acree

Columbia, Tenn. – Small, rural, minority and women business owners are invited to learn the steps to doing business with the state and federal government. Business owners will learn how to register on the Central Contractor Registry (CCR) and the Tennessee Edison Supplier Portal. Owners will also learn how to get Certified as a Small, Service-Disabled Veteran, Woman or Minority owned business. This workshop is presented by the Tennessee Business Development Division, University of Tennessee Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Tennessee Small Business Development Center on February 15, 2012 in Columbia, TN. The workshop is free but registration is requested. To register for this workshop or for more information contact Patricia N. McClanahan at Maury Alliance by phone at 931-388-2155. WHO: Small and Rural Businesses, Woman and Minority-owned Businesses WHAT: Federal and State Government Procurement Workshop WHEN: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2012 WHERE: Maury Alliance 106 West 6th Street Columbia, TN 38401-3243 COST: No charge to attend; Registration is requested. To register for this workshop or for more information contact Patricia N. McClanahan at Maury Alliance by phone at 931-388-2155. DIRECTIONS: From I-65 North or South take exit 46 for US – 412; turn left at US – 31/ Nashville Hwy; turn left at W 6th Street. From Linden, TN take US – 412 East; US – 412 turns into Hampshire Pike; Hampshire Pike turns into W 7th Street; turn left at N Garden St; turn right at W 6th Street. From I-40 East or West take exit 172 for TN – 7; TN – 7 turns into Santa Fe Pike; turn right at Garden Street; turn left at W 6th Street. Parking: City lot is located across the street from Maury Alliance, behind Columbia City Hall. PMENT

Speaker: Paul Middlebrook, Jacqueline Merritt

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services will present this program which is designed to introduce the business owner or manager to the diversity of government purchasing. Participants will learn how to participate in the governmental contracting process and bid successfully in the government marketplace.

Speaker: Paul Middlebrooks, Marketing Consultant, University of Tennessee, Center for Industrial Services, Procurement Technical Assistance Center