Friday, February 19, 2010

FREE Borrow A Business Expert at the Chelsea Library

As a business owner you have questions and may not know where to turn for the answers. Legal, financial, marketing and other day to day issues can seem daunting when you as the entrepreneur wear all of these hats.

To assist in answering your small business questions the Chelsea District Library will be creating a "living library" of people with unique knowledge on various business topics including: finance, human resources, law, marketing along with experienced business counselors. Each will introduce themselves and their areas of expertise while attendees will have the opportunity to "check-out" these experts for a short one-on-one consultation. This is an opportunity to have your questions answered by skilled professionals in any area.

Date: March 15, 2010 6:30-8:30pm

Location: Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main Street, Chelsea, MI

Speakers include: Ron Stevens, Cathie Abad, and Shannon Beeman of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Jim Worhtington of Chelsea State Bank, Marke Eby of SCORE, and Janice Ortbring of Edgar Norman Creative among others.

Please contact Sara Wedell of the Chelsea District Library to preregister for this event as space is limited, 734.475.8732.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Fast Trac® Orientation

The Fast Trac® Orientation is required to register for the Fast Trac® Courses in Washtenaw, Lenawee, Hillsdale, and Jackson Counties. This half day session will orient you to the Fast Trac® program and what commitment will be required of you as the entrepreneur. At this session you will spend time with an advisor who will help you select, and enroll in the Fast Trac® entrepreneurial program best suited for you and your business.

There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast Trac® a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.

Speaker(s): MI-SBTDC Business & Tech Counselors

Co-Sponsor(s): Washtenaw Community College, Tech Town, NEI

There is no smoking allowed on the campus of Washtenaw Community College, please do not smoke while attending the orientation. Thank you for your understanding.

Fee: Free

Location: 4800 E Huron River Dr.

Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor

Experience and Expertise to Help You Grow

There's no substitute for experience. Nothing proves better than Fast Trac® a program facilitated by entrepreneurs who are not only knowledgeable but have a proven ability to connect with people. They create an environment that encourages you to interact with other entrepreneurs - gaining insight from their experiences and establishing relationships.

The American Dream

Owning your own business is the American dream. Building it to withstand the test of time requires a unique set of tools. That's where Fast Trac® makes a difference by providing the opportunity to:
  • Objectively evaluate your concept and plans for moving forward

  • Develop a working knowledge of business fundamentals

  • Begin building an infrastructure for your business operations and processes

  • Explore risk and success factors in the marketplace

  • Understand how to access human, financial and business resources

  • Network with entrepreneurs and professionals

  • Learn how to respond to changes that can impact your business Build an actionable business plan you can execute

What You Will Walk Away With

When you walk out the door, you will have a well-formulated plan for moving forward that is custom-made by you and one you believe in and can execute.

The goals of the Fast Trac® program are for you to:

Fully analyze your business concept by examining in depth:

  • Your role as an entrepreneur

  • How your product or service meets market needs

  • The financial feasibility of your venture

Producing a full and actionable Business Plan that includes:

  • Cash Flow

  • Effective Structure of your management team

  • Realistic marketing and sales plan

  • Planning your product or service fulfillment Seeking and getting investment in your business.

For more information on Fast Trac® training or any MI-SBTDC workshop please visit our Calendar of Training on our main website or email our office, sbtdc@wccnet.edu.