Martin Community College-Williamston Campus

Williamston, NC

Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies from start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business.

Speaker: Christy Jones

This seminar is appropriate for any board that seeks greater clarity or understanding about its roles and responsibilities and expectations for board engagement, including and balance and partnership between board and staff. Attendees will learn the role and function of board members; the traits of an effective board; the importance of having diversity on a board; and how to conduct effective board meetings.

Speaker: Callie Northern-Herring

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 you 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. This seminar is designed for new and existing business owners

Speaker: Christy Jones

Market research isn't just for startups; it's an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service.

Speaker: Jerry Edmonds, III

The seminar is designed to help small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs understand how to access credit and capital for their businesses. It will review the six basic principles many lenders use to make credit decisions and provide an overview of the resources available in North Carolina for small businesses. Finally, the seminar will cover the Rural Center's Microenterprise Loan Program and provide details about its lending criteria and application process.

Speaker: JaLisha Richmond

Gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business. Become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes. Discover how everyday business decisions can have tax implications that can affect your bottom line. This seminar is important for both new and experienced business owners.

Speaker: Rhonda High

Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive seminar.

Speaker: Jerry Edmonds, III