Ask the Experts about Starting Your Own Business

Ask the Experts about Starting Your Own Business

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One of the biggest problems entrepreneurs face is finding people who are willing to share strategies for success. Problem solved. Lone Star College System has found a cadre of experts in all aspects of entrepreneurship. Tap into the knowledge of experienced people who have successfully started and operated small businesses of their own. Budding entrepreneurs and prospective business owners have a chance to hear about the opportunities and pitfalls of starting and growing a successful business in Montgomery County, thanks to the Lone Star College System Small Business Development Center and the Entrepreneurial Institute at Lone Star College–Montgomery, co-sponsors of a one-day Saturday workshop. The stellar line-up of experts includes Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and Don Ball, SBDC senior consultant and operations expert. They will disclose what it takes personally, professionally and financially to make a successful leap into small business ownership. Roy Bowers is an advisor with National Business Capital Services, a national business that brings together buyers and sellers of businesses. Bowers will address the issues of finding the right opportunity from start-up, acquiring an existing one, or considering various franchise opportunities. Paul Aubert, shareholder with the law firm Winstead & Co., will discuss the importance of “due diligence” investigations. He will cover legal considerations in selecting the right business structure (sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, etc.), the purchase and sale agreement and personal asset protection.  Under-capitalization over the first few years of operations is one of the major reasons why start-up and new businesses fail. Bill Ebersole, president of Community Bank, has helped all kinds of businesses develop. He will address start-up costs, realistic cost and revenue projections,  types of debt and equity financing options that are available—from self-funding, friends and relatives, venture capital and “angel” investors, conventional and SBA-backed loans—and the importance and expectations of each. Gail Lorber, SBDC senior consultant and owner of her own marketing business for the past 30 years has vast experience in marketing and promotion. She will discuss how to select appropriate target markets, research the competition, develop marketing strategies, and create a marketing plan that works. Mary Skaff with the human resources firm of Odyssey One Source, Inc. will provide her expertise as it relates to the hiring process, ways to retain good employees and dismiss ones who don’t work out, the pros and cons of outsourcing, the use of independent contractors and the various protections provided employees by law. Steve Hamilton, SBDC senior consultant and certifies financial consultant, will cover the outline for a business plan and provide step-by-step suggestions for creating a plan acceptable to bankers.Still have questions? No problem. There is a panel of highly successful entrepreneurs to answer questions about finance, marketing, operations, legal, staffing, management, strategizing, and other small business concerns. You’ll not find this kind of straight talk in a textbook. These are the voices of experience from the school of hard knocks. Panelists who have confirmed their participation include Dr. Paul Pearce, president and founder of Nova Biologicals; Dr. Melody Ellis, owner of Accent on Education; Gary Gelfman, Gelfman & Associates, PLLC; and Stephanie Marquard, owner and founder of Kingwood A/C & Heating. The Entrepreneurial Venture is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 17, from 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Lone Star College System Training Center, 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands 77381. Cost is $149, which includes lunch. An Entrepreneurial Venture Partners Certificate will be issued to participants who complete the core workshops. Register online: www.northhoustonbusiness.com or by phone: 832-813-6674.   ###  
Posted by Demilliano, Emily F on 10/29/2007 2:00:00 PM
Lone Star College System
5000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands TX 77381-4356
Phone 832.813.6500
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