April Business Workshops offered by Oakland County

Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are invited to attend seminars offered by the Oakland County Business Center.  The workshops are held in the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.

For more information and to register, please visit our website or call (248) 858-0783.

Pre-Business Research
April 5 - 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.
Are you thinking of starting your own business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to understand which research sources to use for your business plan and where to find the information you need? Presented by The Oakland County Business Center, The Entrepreneur's Source, Oakland County Market Research Department, and a Business Reference Librarian. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business
April 6 -  9:00 a.m. to Noon
Marketing is an essential of business success. All products/services must be sold to well-targeted audiences with a wide-ranging marketing mix. Our staff/SCORE counselors can guide you through successful techniques and marketing principles helping you to promote your products and services to the most promising customers-your target audience. Presented by The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC). The fee is $40.

Small Business Loan Workshop
April 7 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Getting a small business loan can be a challenging process. Learn the "5 C's of Credit", how to develop a winning loan proposal and what you need to know to position your business to be "bankable" before you meet with a lender. Presented by The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Oakland County Business Center. The fee is $20, and includes handouts and SBA Source Book.

Fundamentals of Starting a Business
April 12 - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This is a seminar for anyone thinking about going into business. Participants examine their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business. The fee is $30.

CEED Microloan Orientation
April 13 - 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Many small businesses face obstacles when trying to obtain a business loan. The recognition of the serious need for working capital for existing businesses, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and job creation is not the priority it once was. If you have a need for alternative financing consider the MicroLoan Program. Discover the requirements and process necessary to apply and obtain a microloan. Presented by Center for Empowerment & Economic Development (C.E.E.D.). This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Social Media Marketing Part 2
April 13 - 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Establish your Footprint and Get Your Customers Talking! Learn the core strategies and tactics businesses are using to get customers talking through social media. You'll also learn how to respond ethically and effectively to brand supporters and detractors. Topics covered will include: creating your social media strategy, how to integrate word-of-mouth marketing and social media into your overall marketing campaign, and more. The fee is $40.

Oakland County CRA Association: Free Small Business Money Smart Forum
April 15 - 8:00 a.m. to Noon
This no charge financial forum is sponsored by the Oakland County Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Association and is intended to provide entrepreneurs with up to date information on sources of funds and valuable resources to support their businesses.  Panel will address the audience and elaborate on their services.  There will be a display of banker member products and services and an opportunity for entrepreneurs to sit face to face with the various bankers and microlenders to address financing needs.
This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan
April 19 - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
This is a workshop for small business owners who are developing a plan to serve as their road map to success. Workshop participants will learn what elements are commonly found in effective plans and will work on developing each of these for their own business. Assistance in the process as well as information on resources will be provided.The fee is $40, which includes all materials.

Legal & Financial Basics for Small Business
April 26 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon
This workshop covers many of the key legal and financial issues faced by both new and existing small businesses in Michigan. The program initially focuses on the many management and liability concerns faced by entrepreneurs, as well as today's tax consequences. The program also provides solutions and techniques for business concession and individual investment and retirement planning. Presented by Carter & Affiliates, P.C. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Future Workshops

May
 4:     CEED Microloan Orientation
 5:    Pre-Business Research Workshop
10:    Working for Yourself: The Ins and Outs of Becoming a Consultant, a Contactor or Service Provider
11:    SBA Forum on Small Business Lending
12:    Fundamentals of Starting a Business
17:    Social Media Marketing Part 2
18:    WBE Certification Orientation
19:    Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan

June
 1:    Effective Networking
 2:     Pre-Business Research Workshop
 8:    CEED Microloan Orientation
 8:    5 Keys to Successful Financial Planning for Small Business
 8:    Social Media Marketing Part 3
 9:    Fundamentals of Starting a Business
16:    Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan
21:    Small Business Loan Workshop
23:    QuickBooks Essentials Part I & II