Free Trainings to Celebrate the BRC Opening in Ypsilanti

A variety of small business training programs are offered in celebration of the grand opening of the Business Resource Center at the Ypsilanti District Library.  These seminars are offered to entrepreneurs at no cost due to the financial support of the YDL Whittaker Branch.

April 17th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Starting a Business

You have a passion ... a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting their business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go!

April 25th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Writing a Business Plan

A business pan is an essential tool for your small business. Every existing or prospective business needs a plan, but every plan is unique. This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Get focused, motivated and ready to go!

May 8th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Ypsilanti Library Research Database Seminar

Looking to go into business for yourself?  Did you know that there is a wealth of information about small business development at the library?  Come learn about YDL’s small business resources from YDL staff, including databases and their NEW Business Resource Center, a targeted collection of books geared to small business needs.

 

May 15th, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Marketing

This free marketing workshop focuses on the development of your sales & marketing plan. We will define your business, the competition, and your target market. We will also be covering the components of an elevator speech and how to correctly brand your business. Throughout this workshop we will be taking a hands-on approach that will enable you to leave with the actual beginnings of your own sales and marketing plan.

May 22nd, 6:00 to 8:00pm: Fundamentals of Finance

An introductory seminar, this course covers the basics of financial management, including how to start an accounting system and how to apply the information from key financial statements to help you manage your business. Accounting language including debits and credits, preparation of the balance sheet and profit & loss statement are explained. Cash flow analysis and breakeven are also covered with specific small business examples.

The Business Resource Center is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center of Washtenaw Community College and local partner organizations like the Ypsilanti District Library. Biz Resource Center's offer:

• One-stop locations where current and future small business owners can receive business assistance and advice
• The latest computer technology, hardware and software, and extensive small business reference library of hard copy books, and publications
• Software for a variety of business applications, addressing diverse business needs

Ypsilanti District Library Business Resource Center
Whittaker Road Branch
5577 Whittaker Road
Ypsilanti, MI 48197

For more information please contact the Ypslilanti District Library, (734) 482-4110.

Business Resource Centers Opening to Assist Entrepreneurs

Three new Business Resource Centers (BRCs) in the Greater Washtenaw Region will be opening this spring in Ypsilanti, Chelsea, and Howell.  BRC’s are provided by the Small Business & Technology Development Center and local community partners.

The BRCs offer a wide variety of resources to businesses, including:

·         Computer technology 

·         Specialized software with business applications such as creating business plans, drafting financial statements, writing policy manuals and performance reviews, and more

·         Small business reference library of books and publications

“The BRCs offer entrepreneurs and small businesses owners a place to find answers to their business questions,” stated Charles Penner, SBTDC Regional Director.  “If the BRC does not answer all of their questions, the entrepreneur may call the SBTDC Regional office for additional assistance.”

The Greater Washtenaw region upgraded 8 BRCs and has added 5 new BRC’s since 2011.  In order to start a BRC, it needs to be supported by a community partner, such as a library, educational institution or another type of economic development office.

 The BRC Openings in Greater Washtenaw Region are as follows:

·         April 10^th, BRC Grand Opening Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker Road)

·         April 26^th, BRC Grand Opening Chelsea District Library

·         May 24^th, BRC Grand Opening Howell District Library

To find out more about the SBTDC services or the BRCs in your area contact the local SBTDC Regional office at  (734) 477- 8762 or e-mail at sbtdc@wccnet.edu.

About the MI-SBTDC

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling, training and research for Michigan’s new business ventures, existing small businesses, expanding new businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.  Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest MI-SBTDC by calling 616-331-7480 or visiting www.misbtdc.org.