Financial / Financing

“Financing: A Banker’s Perspective”
This session features a representative from a local bank, who will cover the points that a commercial banker looks at when financing a small business loan.  Presenter will also stress and explain the importance of credit.  Presentation is given through PowerPoint.  Recommended for start-ups and existing businesses.

“Financial Alternatives for Starting or Expanding Your Business”
Attendees learn more about the lending alternatives that exist for starting or expanding your business.  Presenters will cover both private lending and public loan programs, as well the requisites that lenders look for in borrowers.  Speakers:  SBDC, ACCION Texas, SBA, and a bank representative.  Recommended for start-ups and existing businesses.

Book keeping

“Basic Accounting for QuickBooks®:  The Theory Behind the Numbers!”
This session is a preparatory course for individuals wanting to learn basic accounting in order to utilize QuickBooks® software.  Attendees will also be taught how to read financial statements and their link to the software.  Recommended for existing businesses.

Legal Issues

“How to Incorporate Your Business”
This session features an Attorney-At-Law.  Join us as he/she discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different business structures.  He/she will specifically cover the requirements necessary to classify one’s business as a corporation.  Seminar is given through PowerPoint.  Recommended for existing businesses.

 “Legal Issues for Small Businesses”
This session, moderated by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, will brief attendees on certain legalities, from contracts to employment to health and safety laws in the workplace, which may affect a start-up or existing small business.

“Immigration Issues for International Investors”
This session features an Attorney-At-Law.  Join us as he/she discusses business & employment visas when doing business in the U.S.  He/she will also discuss what costs and legal requisites exist under these conditions. Recommended for existing businesses.

“Small Business Tax Tips!”
This seminar, moderated by the Internal Revenue Service, will address how an owner can deduct the cost of operating a small business.  Topics to be discussed include:  personal vs. business expenses, depreciation, and capital vs. deductible expenses.  Recommended for existing businesses.

Marketing

“Create Your Own Website!”
This session teaches how to create WebPages from scratch! No need to buy software or outsource anymore. This exclusive workshop will cover the basics of HTML, the computer mark-up language used to create WebPages.  Hand-on workshop includes an HTML 4 book.  Walk away with a floppy disk of your newly created website! ISP/Web hosting info (ftp address, username, & password) is suggested, but not necessary for this workshop. Please bring a brochure or photo, as well as note-taking materials for this workshop.  Limited seating. Registration is made by payment only.   Recommended for Intermediate to Advanced computer users.

Human Resources

“Estate Planning for Your Business”
This session will teach attendees the importance of estate planning with regard to small businesses.  What happens to an estate upon death?  How do Living Trusts work?  Presenter will also cover the importance of a Will, and how one’s family might be affected if one is no longer able to manage one’s own establishment.  Brought to you by SBDC and Edward Jones Investments.  Recommended for existing business.

“Human Capital:  Developing Your Workforce”
Informational workshop that focuses on public programs which allow employers to receive federal and state tax credits by hiring employees that fall under qualifying specifications. Presented in partnership with WorkFORCE Solutions Business Resource Center and Project BusinessLINC.   Recommended for existing businesses.

International Trade

“Doing Business In Monterrey”
A best practices seminar on how to manage business transactions across the US border into Mexico.  Tips will be given on negotiations, culture awareness, presentations, etc.  Specific focus will be given to doing business in Monterrey and the yearly trade mission to this Mexican city.  Presented in partnership with the South Texas Minority Business Opportunity Committee (MBOC).  Recommended for existing businesses.