Get Ready to Start Your Business
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT STARTING A BUSINESS? WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW WHAT STEPS COULD HELP YOU TURN YOUR IDEA INTO A PROFITABLE BUSINESS?

This two-hour workshop will help you to understand what you need to do to begin to organize your business and how to develop your idea into a successful, sustainable business. In the first section of the workshop, we will discuss legal and tax registrations, tradename protection, insurance, risk management, employment taxes, the important points about getting a loan, and your accounting and bookkeeping needs.

In the second half of the workshop, we will discuss the activities that successful businesses use to create a sustainable business: goal setting, developing an idea, validating your idea, finding your business model, market research, your business plan, implementation, and innovation. We will have plenty of time to answer your questions and we will give you some great material to help you continue planning after you leave. If you are thinking about starting a business, we can help you with your planning and development to get you started right.  

Speaker(s): Brian DeClue, Steve Paddock

​Register for this event at the VtSBDC Website here.

The VtSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.  Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

​What would you do to help your neighbors?
We can help you fund it.  Stop in and apply this Friday!

The Bennington Idea Fund is a non-profit organization with a simple goal: Empower people to alleviate poverty.  We use investments from local businesses to create small grants that anyone can apply for.  If YOU think you have an idea that’s right for the Idea Fund, our team will be on hand at The Lightning Jar to answer all your questions and to help you complete an application on the spot.  Idea Fund grants can be used to help start a business, promote a community organization, support a specic individual in need, and so much more!

Date: Friday, Jan. 15
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: The Lightning Jar at VSECU, 194 North Street (Rite Aid Plaza), Bennington, VT

For more information, visit us at: BenningtonIdeaFund.org

And find us on Facebook!

​Or call Mickey McGlasson at: (802) 442-0713 ext. 8

WHEN
Friday, January 15, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (EST)

Are You Ready For the Marketing Bootcamp?
This workshop will include a panel of marketing professionals who will discuss their own marketing experiences and answer your questions. 
What are your marketing goals for 2016? Do you want to reach more customers? Do you have the capacity to expand? Do you want to grow your bottom line? You may be an expert in the product you make or the service you provide but without effective marketing you and your business are not reaching your full potential. 
Invest your valuable time by attending the Marketing Bootcamp for Small Business, a hands-on workshop to help you create your own, effective marketing plan. The program will consist of a 3-hour interactive workshop, plus two follow-up, 1-hour,  facilitated small-group meetings to check in on your progress and receive feedback. The goal of the series is that you will develop your own one-page marketing plan that specifically identifies goals, strategies, and tactics for implementation. See improved results in your 2016 bottom line!
Who should attend:

• People who are just starting out with their business and need to develop their first marketing plan,
• People who want to grow their business,
• People who aren't getting the results they want from their current marketing plan,
• People who don't have a marketing plan,
• People who are wondering if their ad and promotional dollars are being well spent,
• People who are considering new markets

The regular cost for this workshop is $99 for all three dates, however Bennington County businesses may attend for free as part of the VtSBDC’s Build Your Business Initiative.  Space is limited, so you must register to reserve your spot.
The event is being held Jan. 21, 9 AM till Noon at the Lightning Jar at 194 North Street in Bennington. Questions? Call 802-989-9605. 
Register for this event at the VtSBDC website here.

The VtSBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.  All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.  Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

WHEN
Thursday, January 21, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)