Business workshops highlight partnership
Fri, May 9, 2008
By LINDSEY ADKISONThe Brunswick NewsEntering the business world is both thrilling and a tad overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be that way. Knowledge usually makes the difference between a success and failure, and a local partnership is looking to increase positive outcomes. The Small Business Development Center, which is funded by the University of Georgia, has teamed up with the Brunswick/Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce and the Coastal Georgia Community College to offer educational seminars. The classes cover a broad range of topics and are given over the course of the year. Most of the workshops are offered in the Conference Center at the local community college and are scheduled to take place after the business hours. The costs of the courses are usually between $30 and $40.
David Lewis of the Small Business Development Center of the University of Georgia says the courses offer options for many those looking to further careers or to start all over."Some (workshops) are designed for individuals who have not started their business yet, like the Business Start Up Basics and the Facts of Franchise Ownership. Others are more suited for existing business owners like Understanding Financial Statements and QuickBooks," Lewis said. "And some can be valuable for both like Basic Record Keeping and Tax Strategies," he said.
Lewis says that the classes are structured to give participants a chance to interact with knowledgeable instructors and to ask questions. "It allows them to develop a base of knowledge on business related issues as well as having questions answered. The classes are taught by CPAs, attorneys, and other business professionals," Lewis said. "It is a very economical way to get in front of experts in a number of business related issues. It is especially important to improve your management ability and decision making skills in tough economic times," he added. Dr. Douglas Anne Taylor, director of continuing education and community services at Coastal Georgia Community College, says the partnership between the Small Business Development Center and the college benefits everyone involved. "The partnership is important because it allows the college to access the expertise of center's instructors to bring quality programs to the local business community," Taylor said. "Hosting the programs at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center and at the Camden Center provides a vehicle for us to showcase our facilities and the college campuses to community members who might not visit us," she said. Taylor said that the programs are good for business men and women because the instructors have expertise in areas like developing a business plan, legal issues, financing, marketing and other topics relevant to starting and sustaining a profitable business.***Upcoming classes* "A Career in Franchise Ownership – Is it Right for you?" instructed by Cathey Petkash, Frannet Franchise Advisor, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. May 13 at the Coastal Georgia Community College. To register call 264-7260.
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