Lenoir Community College Small Business Center

Kinston Enterprise Center, Building 26

Kinston

This workshop will provide details of the step by step process for creating an Internet business. Under this easy to understand format you will receive valuable tips and learn effective strategies for making sales the first day you go online! Start writing your business plan around one of the various products that are available for starting a business now!

Speaker: S. Carver

A business plan can be the most important tool a small business owner has. Learn how to turn your ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. This seminar teaches new and established business owners the important components of a business plan and helps you lay the foundation for a winning plan. Find out how marketing, operations, and finance are interrelated. Discover how a business plan is used by potential lenders, the dos and don’ts of writing a plan and steps for making the process easy. Learn how to create a business plan that will provide a sound footing for the small business future. Start by creating simple profit center models that will help the entrepreneur project the customer base, profitability of various products and services; and will address important funding and marketing challenges.

Speaker: S. Carver

Extraordinary service isn’t something you can fake. It must come from inside you – from the heart. Delivering true from-the-heart service is about connecting with people and making them feel special. Knowing what your customer wants and believing you can make a difference is key to developing a successful customer service plan. In this workshop, participants will discover what it takes to create a culture that will provide extraordinary customer service. You will learn how to: • Create a vision for customer-focused service • Deliver your vision “plus one” • Add your “Personal Signature” to all aspects of your service If you do not proactively develop better “customer focused” service, you are basically conceding your customers to the competition.

Speaker: J. Bullins

This workshop is designed to provide you with a sound platform for establishing an efficient and effective system of forecasting, collecting, and reporting the information which is critical to the financial success of your business. The session covers: - Why is record keeping important? - General requirements to begin record keeping - Accounting systems - Account reporting PLUS - 10 Basic book keeping and tax requirements Understanding financial fundamentals helps you to identify the loss leaders and profit centers of your business, while allowing you to understand the impact that managing your operations properly can have on your bottom line, and then use this information to satisfy your tax obligations and achieve your financial goals.

Speaker: K. Beauchamp

Many businesses require permits and licenses from local, county, state and even federal agencies. Federal and state tax requirements are not the only reason to keep good, up-to-date records for your business. While the last thing you want to do is to have the IRS or State Department of Revenue hassling you, good recordkeeping habits will allow you to focus on generating revenue rather than worrying about catching up on your book keeping. Both new and existing business owners will benefit from this seminar.

Speaker: T. Ormsby

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program that offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business-owners valuable business skills. HP LIFE offers participants a path to realizing their business dreams. The NC Small Business Center Network, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), is pleased to offer this innovative program to NC entrepreneurs and small business owners free of charge! This program is self-paced, making it possible for more aspiring entrepreneurs to participate. All you have to do is register to start.

Speaker: Various

Section 501(c)(3) is part of the US Internal Revenue Code that allows for federal tax exemption for non-profit organizations. In addition, receiving this exempt status is vital to receive grants and tax deductible donations. This seminar outlines and explains the step-by-step process to applying for this exemption through the IRS.

Speaker: A. Lewis