Small Business Seminars
Starting Your Business in Illinois (SBDC 2000)
This seminar helps future entrepreneurs understand many of the steps and requirements of starting a small business in the state of Illinois. This course covers a variety of topics, including creating a business plan and forms of incorporation. Sign up for one of our monthly seminars.
Tips and Tricks with MS Word and Excel (SBDC 2802)
Increase your office productivity with these great tips and tricks using Microsoft Word and Excel. Learn how to customize office ribbons, use keyboard shortcuts, split window views, combine Word documents, and how to tailor auto format and auto correct to your specific office needs. Manage and customize data to increase your workflow and identify critical data quickly. Additionally, learn techniques to recover unsaved documents and set warnings to prevent accidental sharing of revision notes.
Pricing for Increased Profit and Sales (SBDC 2201)
Finding the right price for your product or service can be a challenge. How do you price competitively and make a profit? This seminar will cover the many aspects to consider when determining price. Topics will include market research, competitive pricing, cost recovery and profit margin. Whether yours is a new business establishing pricing or existing business reviewing pricing, this seminar will help you develop the tools you need to find the best pricing for increased profit and sales.
Tax Workshop (SBDC 055)
The IRS is here to help you. This seminar, presented by a local representative from the Internal Revenue Service, will focus on the basics of federal taxes. Whether yours is a new business getting started or an established business, take this opportunity to cover important tax information that every small business owner needs to know. Topics will also include changes that will impact current business owners in 2013. Time will also be given for participant questions.
Market Research 101(SBDC 2305)
Who are my customers? How do I find them? How do I reach them? All of these are questions that require market research. Learn the steps, tools and resources that will help you identify your customers and the marketing techniques that will bring the most return.
Creating Effective Email Marketing for Your Business or Non-Profit Organization (SBDC 2803)
Email is one of most successful, and affordable, tools for reaching customers and prospects. During this class, participants will learn to use email marketing to capture people’s attention and promote their businesses or non-profit organization. The workshop will demonstrate the email marketing service, “Mailchimp,” but other email marking tools will be discussed.
Grant Writing for the Small Business (SBDC 2115)
Learn the basics in writing grants. Seminar topics will be focused to meet the specific needs of small businesses interested in pursuing grant funding. Effective research techniques, planning strategies, writing practices and documentation procedures will be covered.
Small Loans . . . Big Results (SBDC 2230)
Join us for a workshop on microlending sponsored by ACCION! What is microlending? Microlenders focus on providing smaller loans to entrepreneurs. Attend this seminar to gain insight into how your business may qualify for a loan in an amount up to $20,000 as a start-up or up to $50,000 as an existing business.
Using Social Media to Promote for Your Business or Non-Profit Organization (SBDC 2805)
Social Media has proven to be a successful tool for reaching customers and prospects. During this class, participants will learn effective strategies for using social media for creating "conversations" with customers and promoting their businesses or non-profit organizations. The workshop will look at the best ways to use a variety of social media tools including Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger, Flickr and Pinterest.
Using Video to Promote Your Business or Non-Profit Organization (SBDC 2804)
Video is one of the most effective ways to capture people’s attention and promote your business or non-profit organization. During this class, participants will learn how to create a promotional video and then share it online using social media tools. Students will learn about storyboarding their ideas, shooting video, editing, and broadcasting their final projects.