The Round Rock Public Library and the SCORE Austin chapter will offer a series of free workshops for small business owners (or those who are interested in starting their own business) on Fridays, from 1 to 3 p.m., April 10 through May 22. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. SCORE’s Austin chapter celebrated its fiftieth anniversary of service last year.
The Round Rock Biz.ability Workshops include SCORE’s Simple Steps for Starting Your Business. Simple Steps is a five-part series of workshops primarily for those wanting to start a business. It addresses small business essentials including business plans, financial forecasts and marketing. If you are interested in starting a business or have just started a business we encourage you to attend all five workshops in the Simple Steps series.
This Round Rock Public Library and SCORE partnership is also offering timely workshops on email marketing and small business legal issues presented by recognized experts and practitioners.
Registration is required. Click on EventBrite registration button under each class description below to register.
Start-up Basics — April 10, 2015
In the first workshop in the Simple Steps to Starting Your Business series you will learn start-up myths and facts, conduct a self-assessment of you as an entrepreneur, discuss legal structure, licensing and taxes; learn how to establish a legal name, bookkeeping, marketing and finance basics. Presented by local SCORE mentors experienced with small business management, accounting and finance.
Business Concept and Development — April 17, 2015
The second workshop in the Simple Steps to Starting Your Business series includes a review of business concepts, elements of a good business plan and how to develop key information for a viable plan. We will discuss data collection, feasibility plans, ideas, concepts and business models. Presented by local SCORE mentors experienced with small business management, change management and strategic planning.
Email Tips, Tricks and Best Strategies — April 24, 2015
This presentation will provide a deeper look into the importance and effectiveness of why email marketing with social media engagement can drive action. At the heart of small business marketing are the campaigns that drive action—helping a small business achieve its goals and objectives. Newsletters and announcements have become a core component of marketing activities that help a business achieve its goals and objectives. Email is more important than ever to the communication efforts of businesses and nonprofits everywhere and to their customers, donors, clients, or supporters. This workshop will reveal some best practices and considerations for the small business or nonprofit seeking to make their email newsletters and announcements more effective.
Presented by Amy Hadju of Say it Said Marketing, a strategic marketing firm focused on results. Amy is a Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert.
Marketing Your Product Services and Company — May 1, 2015
In the third workshop in the Simple Steps to Starting Your Business series you will learn about creating a brand. We will help you identify your competition, target markets, key demographics and consumer behavior. We will also address business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing strategies. Presented by SCORE mentors with experience in advertising, marketing and sales.
Financial Forecasts and Reporting — May 8, 2015
In this fourth workshop of the Simple Steps to Starting a Business series, you will learn basics needed to manage your small business financials. You will see how to forecast sales and expenses; see true start-up costs; discuss profit and loss and pricing; and how to set and use financial benchmarks. Presented by SCORE mentors experienced in retail management, financial reporting and financial forecasts.
Funding Your Business — May 15, 2015
The final workshop in the Simple Steps to Starting Your Business series covers funding sources, financial statements, accounting and bookkeeping systems, the six C’s of credit, and banking relationships and making the go or no-go business to start your business. Presented by SCORE mentors experienced marketing, banking and strategic planning.
Fearless Business Ownership — May 22, 2015
Learn how to choose the best business and tax structure, social media, employee and independent contractor agreements, non competes, and non-disclosure agreements. An invaluable and upbeat workshop addressing critical legal issues for small businesses.
Presented by Laura Fowler and David Oliver of The Fowler Law Firm. Laura Fowler is founding owner and very hands-on Managing Shareholder of the twenty-lawyer The Fowler Law Firm PC, which provides business and taxation advice to businesses of all shapes, sizes and ages.
David Oliver is Managing Attorney of The Fowler Law Firm – Georgetown where he handles a very active business litigation and probate and estate practice, often tied to succession planning mistakes of business owners.
