SBDC Update

The SBDC- The Larimer Small Business Development Center

This page includes information on services and activities available to you from Larimer County. The Estes Valley Partners for Commerce provides this as an informational resource to our members.

Volunteer today to help out fellow business owners!

The Larimer Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is actively seeking volunteer writers and photographers to help us capture and share client successes. The SBDC works with thousands of business owners to improve cashflow, streamline operations and create a little peace of mind when business gets overwhelming. There are many success stories these business owners would like to share, they just don’t have the time. That’s where our wonderful volunteers will come in.

Scheduled as our counselors recognize a client success (quarterly or so), a volunteer writer and photographer will go to that client site to interview the owner and take a few pictures. The desired end result is a 300-500 word article to be used in a press release, Colorado SBDC annual report or other communication vehicle to showcase the SBDC client. All parties (photographer, writer, SBDC and client) will be recognized for their contributions.

If you want to give back to the business community, are a creative writer or photographer and want the exposure outlined above this opportunity is for you! Contact the Larimer Small Business Development Center at 970-498-9295 for more details.

…. March 2010 ….

Business Planning for Success

Wednesday, Mar 3, 8:30am - 12:00noon

$40 prepaid, $50 the day of the event, if space is available

Participants will learn the basics of developing a comprehensive Business Plan for their business start-up, expansion or financing. They will also receive information about how to access small business assistance from the SBDC and other state and local resources. Presented by Donna Beaman.

Beginning Financial Management

Friday, Mar 5, 8:30am - 12:00noon

$60 prepaid, $70 the day of the event, if space is available

Prerequisite: Must know Excel. This 4 hour workshop is a good place to start with compiling financial projections. It includes formulated spreadsheets that help create your budgets. Learn how to forecast sales and revenue, create a cash flow budget, determine time to secure funding, use financial statements to develop business plans, make better management decisions and set financial performance goals. Curriculum developed by Leo Giles; presented by Julie Cline.

Right Start I – First Step: Select Your Business Type

Tuesday, Mar 23, 7am – 9am

$25 prepaid, $35 the day of the event, if space is available

An early morning two-hour workshop that covers business registration and forms, business entity-type selection and other timely tips every prospective entrepreneur needs before starting a new business venture. Presented by Attorney Tom Selken.

Right Start DOCS

Tuesday, Mar 23, 10am – 11:30am

$25 prepaid, $35 the day of the event, if space is available

This workshop will discuss the importance of By-laws/Operating Agreements, Buy/See Agreements, Articles of Incorporation/Organization, Subscription Agreements and Stock Certificates for multi-owner businesses. Presented by Kevin E. Houchin (Houchin & Associates, PLLC).

…. April 2010 ….

Business Planning for Success

Thursday, April 1, 8:30am - 12:00noon

$40 prepaid, $50 the day of the event, if space is available

Right Start I – First Step: Select Your Business Type

Tuesday, April 20, 7am – 9am

$25 prepaid, $35 the day of the event, if space is available

Trademark and Copyright

Tuesday, April 20, 10am – 12:00noon

$25 prepaid, $35 the day of the event, if space is available

This class will round out your understanding of the interrelationships of intellectual property law. Presented by Kevin E. Houchin (Houchin & Associates, PLLC).

QuickBooks Overview – Held at Front Range Community College

Saturday, April 24, 9:00am – 1:00pm

$59: must pre-register and pre-pay; cost includes materials

This Front Range Community College class will cover what QuickBooks can do for you. Other topics to be covered are backing up your system, navigating through the program, and a brief overview of setting up a sample company. This class is perfect for the person who has never used the program or is within their first year of use. Presented by Sheryl Sexton.

The Quickbooks Overview Workshop is held in room BP112, Blanca Peak Building, Front Range Community College, 4616 S. Shields, Fort Collins. To register, call FRCC at 204-8686, or register in person at FRCC Continuing Education, Room MA141, Mount Antero Building. Cost is $59. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Right Start II: Taxes & Recordkeeping

Thursday, April 29, 8:30am – 12:00noon

$40 prepaid, $50 the day of the event, if space is available

Kevin Dryg, CPA, will present step-by-step guidelines for business record keeping and tax filing (including sales, use tax and payroll taxes) for different start-up entities.

Registration: Only pre-registration and pre-payment reserve a seat. Please register on-line at: www.sbdc-larimer.com. You can call 498-9295 with a Visa or MasterCard payment or drop by with check/cash. Payment is expected prior to the class date. If paid the day of the class, the cost is $10 more. A 48-hour notice of cancellation is required for a refund.

Location: All classes are held at the Fort Collins Small Business Development Center except the Quickbooks Workshops. The Fort Collins SBDC is located in downtown Fort Collins at the Key Bank Tower, 125 S. Howes Street, Suite 150, (80521).

Parking: Parking is available one block west of the Key Bank Tower, the NW corner of Oak and Meldrum.

Additional Information: Refer to our website at www.sbdc-larimer.com

Small Business Development Center, 125 S. Howes, Suite 150, Fort Collins, CO 80521

(970) 498-9295; (970) 498-8924 fax