Taking Care of Business Series:Workshops for Small Businesses

Bill Harmer, of the Chelsea District Library, is on a mission to change the way the community thinks about its libraries. With this he has partnered with local community organizations to develop a new level of entrepreneurial assistance including free courses and one-on-one business consulting. Participating in the courses are the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), Washtneaw Community College, MSU Product Center, Great Lakes Entrepreneur Quest (GLEQ), Chelsea State Bank, SCORE, and the Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP).

Starting a Small Business: An Orientation Session for Perspective Entrepreneurs

September 21st, 2009 6:30pm; Registration
Presented by MI-SBTDC Senior Business Consultant

Do you dream of starting a business but don't know where to begin? This session gives you the information you will need to start building a successful business strategy. Topics include sources of assistance, market research, financing, business partners, taxes, record keeping, and more.


Writing a Business Plan as if your Business Depended on it

October 5th, 2009 6:30pm; Registration
Presented by MSU Product Center Innovation Counselor

It may seem silly to ask yourself, "What business am I really in?", but some businesses no longer exist because they never answered that question. The business planning process is a powerful tool to help you anticipate the opportunities and challenges you will face, before you face them. A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm's resume. Learn the essential components of a business plan and how to approach gathering the information you will need.


Finance: What many small businesses don’t know will surprise you!

October 19th, 2009 6:30pm; Registration
Presented by Chelsea State Bank Commercial Lending Services

Many entrepreneurs’ wait until they need money to start building a relationship with their bank. This session will help entrepreneur’s understand the value of having a good relationship with their commercial banker. Topics will include understanding the risks associated with common financial mistakes, preparing for going to the bank for money, and how to participate in the SBA financing programs.


Food, Farming & Business

November 26:30pm; Registration
Presented by Jane Bush

Agriculture is the largest growth sector in the Michigan economy today. The Food System Economic Partnership (FSEP) is taking a lead in SE Michigan to help farmers and those interested in value added agricultural products thrive in this challenging economy. Jane Bush, FSEP Business Counselor and successful farmer, will share what’s going right in Michigan. Learn from what others are doing, how they are succeeding, and where opportunities exist for new businesses.


Marketing Your Small Business

November 16 6:30pm; Registration
Presented by Terry MacEwen

In this session you will learn about the strategic background of marketing. You will be introduced to tactics that every small business should know and understand how to implement these tactics in your business. Terry MacEwen is a seasoned business adviser who provides entrepreneurs with awareness, education, and accountability to grow their businesses, improve their profits and free their time.


Grow Your Business:Free Counseling & Research Services

September 17, October 15, November 19th, 2009 10am-5pm; Registration

Along with our partners at the Small Business & Technology Development Center, Washtenaw Community College, Food System Economic Partnership, and Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, we will provide one-on-one meetings with experienced consultants to assist start-up and existing business owners with finance, writing a business plan, business legal issues, marketing, sales strategies, and a full range of information services to assist entrepreneurs in defining their path to success. This new service is designed for current and future small business owners to access information needed for the successful launch and operation of a small business. Call the library at 734-475-8732, x. 219 to register for a free, one-hour counseling session.