Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are encouraged to attend seminars offered by the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are held at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, in Waterford. For pre-registration and a location map, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/businessworkshops or call (248) 858-0783.
CEED® Small Business Loan Orientation
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 9-11 a.m.
Many small business owners face obstacles when trying to obtain a business loan. If your business is in Oakland County and you need alternative financing, consider the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) Small Business Loan Program (formerly CEED MicroLoan program). Discover the requirements and process necessary to apply and obtain a CEED small business loan. Fee: This workshop is free but pre-registration is required.
Starting a Business
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9-11 a.m.
This workshop is designed for individuals who are at the beginning stages of starting a business. It will help aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options and business planning are introduced, along with necessary steps to getting started.
Fee: This workshop is free but pre-registration is required.
Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion
Wednesday, Feb.18, 6-8:30 p.m.
Thinking of starting a business and want to research your business idea? Do you want to identify market trends and opportunities to grow your sales? Are you looking for new customers or to diversify your market base? Business Research shows you ways to find your ideal customers, your competitors, perform competitive analysis and more.
Fee: This workshop is free but pre-registration is required.
Government Contracting 101
Thursday, Feb. 19, 9 a.m.–noon
Find out what it takes to sell your goods and services to the federal government and the state of Michigan. What makes a successful government contractor? What services and resources are available to a small business pursuing the government market? If your company is considering government contracting, this seminar will give you the insight you need. Management and key players who will support and facilitate government contracting within your company should attend. Presented by Alexander Masters, PTAC of Schoolcraft College.
Fee: $45 per person
Team SBA Financing Roundtable
Thursday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.–noon
What’s the secret to getting a business loan? Attend this free Financing Roundtable and find out how banks look at your application, what you can do to improve your chances for a loan, and how SBA loan guarantee programs can help you get the financing you need. This session is best suited to those who have good credit, a solid business idea and some money to invest in their business. NOTE: Because the SBA does not provide loan guarantees to real estate investment firms, including purchasing and rehabbing houses for resale, this type of financing is not discussed at the roundtables.
Fee: This workshop is free but pre-registration is required
Upcoming Workshop Calendar
March 2015
05: Get a Grip on Your Business
10: Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion
11: CEED Small Business Loan Orientation
12: Starting a Business
12: Break the Rules, Close More Sales
17: Capital Raise
25: WBE Certification Orientation
26: Introduction to QuickBooks
31: Legal Business Basics
April 2015
08: CEED Small Business Loan Orientation
08: Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion
09: Starting a Business
30: Create Your Marketing Plan
About Sarah Hovis