Region II ISBDC offers a variety of helpful workshops
Customer service tips and tax considerations for hiring employees are among the workshop offerings over the next three months that will be put on by the Region II Idaho Small Business Development Center at Lewis-Clark State College.
Eleven workshops will be offered between Jan. 19 and March 30 and all are open to the public. Most of the workshops have a small fee ranging from $10 to $25, and some are free. Each workshop is described below along with dates and fees.
To register or for more information on any of the workshops, contact the Region II Idaho Small Business Development Center office at (208) 792-2465 or e-mail adanttila@lcsc.edu
Boot Camp, Friday, Jan. 19, 6-9 p.m., Administration Building, Room 12, fee $10
Do you want to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This 3-hour workshop will give you an overview of the things you need to know and do to start your business. Topics included are: Self-employment assessment, business feasibility, initial market research, start-up expense/financial feasibility, choosing a business structure, obtaining financing, determining regulations, setting prices, creating marketing materials, and developing a business plan.
Customer Service, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6-9 p.m., Admin Building, Room 12, free
This workshop will define exceptional customer service and why it is so important in today’s market. With hands-on activities and models, participants will be better able to recognize and deliver exceptional service. Main topics include face-to-face and telephone interaction with up-to-date information about e-mail etiquette.
Hiring, Firing and Employee Incentives, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA $25
This class will cover topics such as how to fire an employee, creative ways to reward employees, how to hire the right people, and effective interview questions.
Quick Books, Monday-Tuesday, Feb. 12-13, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $25
This class will teach you how to navigate the software and work with lists, bank accounts, credit card transactions and balance sheet accounts. It will teach you how to enter sales, receive payments and make deposits. Inventory and payroll procedures will also be demonstrated.
Home Computer Security and Identify Theft, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, FREE
Want to feel comfortable and safe on the internet? Learn how to protect yourself and your computer from internet scams, identity theft, and viruses by attending the free Home Computer Security Workshop presented by the Idaho SBDC. Topics to be covered include antivirus software, anti-spyware, operating system updates, internet browser updates, application software updates, installing a firewall and using strong passwords. All are welcome to attend.
“How to Start a Business” Boot Camp, Monday, Feb. 26, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $10
Do you want to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This 3-hour workshop will give you an overview of the things you need to know and do to start your business. Topics included are: self-employment assessment, business feasibility, initial market research, start-up expense/financial feasibility, choosing a business structure, obtaining financing, determining regulations, setting prices, creating marketing materials, and developing a business plan.
Tax Considerations for Hiring Employees, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $25
This workshop provides tax information for small business owners who have employees or plan to hire new employees. Topics covered include record keeping, types of employees, independent contractors, employer identification numbers, employment tax forms, and the electronic federal tax payment system (EFTPS).
Tell vs. Sell, Tuesday, March 6, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $25
Do you know what the difference is between advertising and marketing? You can find out by taking this fun and informational workshop presented by the Idaho Small Business Development Center. Learn how to develop a marketing plan, how to advertise your business and how to “brand” your business. Also learn to sell benefits and set yourself apart from your competition by exploiting your core competencies.
“How to Start a Business” Boot Camp, Friday, March 16, 9 a.m.-noon, LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $10
Do you want to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This 3-hour workshop will give you an overview of the things you need to know and do to start your business. Topics included are: Self-employment assessment, business feasibility, initial market research, start-up expense/financial feasibility, choosing a business structure, obtaining financing, determining regulations, setting prices, creating marketing materials, and developing a business plan.
Record Keeping and Cash Flow Management, Wednesday, March 28, 6-9 p.m., LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $25
This workshop will help the small business owner avoid IRS problems and provide a model for good record keeping. Topics include: IRS services, taxpayer ID number, record keeping systems, accounting methods, bookkeeping systems, business transactions, business records, and business taxes.
Customer Service, Friday, March 30, 9 a.m.-noon, LCSC Campus, Room TBA, $25
Give yourself and your employees an edge in today’s market by providing exceptional customer service! This workshop defines exceptional customer service and provides tips for delivering quality service to your internal and external customers. Main topics include face-to-face and telephone interaction with up-to-date information about e-mail etiquette.

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