TSBDC will offer July training classes for small businesses

By Staff Reports

JOHNSON CITY — The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at East Tennessee State University will offer potential entrepreneurs several training classes in July. Registration is required for all classes.

“How to Become a Mobile Office” will be held on Tuesday, July 10, from 9-11 a.m. at ETSU’s Innovation Laboratory, 2109 W. Market Street in Johnson City. The workshop covers the use of tools such as Drop Box, Evernote, Google Apps, Skype, Square and Tonido. Participants should bring a laptop, tablet and smart phone.

“Writing Your Business Plan” will meet on Thursday, July 12, from 9 a.m.-noon at Bristol’s Slater Center. The workshop covers the components of a business plan, exercises to assist with the first steps, and information about free personal coaching. There is a $20 fee for the class.

The “SBA Borrower’s Workshop” on Wednesday, July 18, from 9-11 a.m. at Bristol’s Slater Center, covers Small Business Administration (SBA) loan options, including which loan program meets a specific entrepreneurial need. The session encompasses the “5 Cs” of credit — character, cash flow, collateral, capitalization and conditions — in addition to an overview of all SBA loan programs. Other topics to be presented include information about interest rates and repayment terms, as well as participating lenders.

“Research for Business Planning” on Thursday, July 26, from 9-11 a.m. at Slater Center will include different methods of research, as well as primary versus secondary data. During the session, agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau and Tennessee Department of Revenue, that offer data used by attendees planning the expansion or start-up of a business will be identified. Fee-based resources offered to TSBDC clients will be discussed, such as ProfitCents, a financial analysis program that provides clients with a written financial analysis along with recommendations for corrective action. Reference USA, a marketing tool to identify prospective customers and competitors, will be explained. The $10 fee for this workshop includes handouts and a CD with links to data sources.

For class enrollment and further information, contact Teresa Shipley of the TSBDC at 439-8505 or shipleyth@etsu.edu. To arrange special assistance for those with disabilities, use the same contact information.