Tools for Tuesday- Week of August 25, 2008

The CNY Small Biz "Tool for Tuesday" for this week, is the SCORE (Syracuse District) Workshop. This one will cost you 30 bucks to attend, but is worth every penny. I attended this workshop as a representative of the SBA and I can personally vouch for their effectiveness. The next one will take place on September 10 at the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce Building. There is one thing I need to state about the workshop though. Lunch is included with this workshop, and as exciting as this is(because hey I like to eat!), this is a tremendous opportunity to network with other small business owners and leaders. Deals have and continue to be made there. Here is the typical workshop agenda:

9:00---9:30
Welcome and Opening Comments

9:30---9:40
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Overview of SBA operations

9:40--10:25
The Business Plan-Elements of the plan;
Why it’s important?
How SCORE can assist with the plan;
How the plan can be used in securing financing.

10:25--10:35
--Break--

10:35--11:15
Business Insurance
Understanding the types of business insurance;
Risk management;
Why you need to consider insurance coveragefor all risks

11:15--11:55
Legal Considerations in Business Planning-
What are the legal business entities?
What is the right one for your business?
Legal issues you should know when startingor operating a business

11:55--12:25
--Lunch--

12:25---1:05
Financial Controls and Accounting-
Operating (P&L) statements; Balance sheets;
Cash Flow; Tax issues; Record keeping

1:05---1:45
Marketing-What is marketing?
Why marketing? How to use marketing;
Examples of marketing

1:45---1:55
--Break--

1:55---2:35
Bank Loan Officer Views
How to apply for a bank loan;
What’s needed for a bank loan?
Criteria for obtaining a bank loan
How your credit report affects your abilityto obtain a bank loan.

2:35---3:00
Are you a candidate for entrepreneurship?

This is really a great program, and answers a lot of small business questions. It sucks there is not one on a night or a weekend, but this is well worth the sacrifice of a day off. To register you will need to call
315-471-9393, Ext. 245 (SCORE District Office) and you will need to do it early, as there is limited seating capacity. Hope this helps!

As always, have a great day, and see you tommorow!