The Kilgore College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a partnership program with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), has teamed-up with local banks to offer East Texas entrepreneurs an eight-part course, "How to Start and Operate a Business in East Texas."

 

The course will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings, from Sept. 27 through Nov. 15 at Kilgore College—Longview, Hendrix Building, Room Number 107, located at 300 S. High Street.  

 

A certificate of completion will be presented to each student completing all eight classes, and the course has been approved for CEU (continuing education units).

 

Tuition for the course is $99 which includes an entrepreneurial startup guide and all course materials.  Seating is limited and early registration is recommended. 

 

To register and to receive more information on this and all SBDC training programs, call the SBDC at 903-757-5857 or 1-800-338-7232. 

 

For more information, visit the SBDC website: www.KilgoreSBDC.com or follow them on Facebook, YouTube & Twitter @ #KCSBDC.

 

 

About the course:

 

This course was designed in an effort to aid current and future entrepreneurs not only with the difficult decision of going into business for themselves, but also with the difficult day-to-day decisions regarding the operation of a business.

 

Whether it is poor or ineffective management, lack of financial resources, or just a lack of information and planning, many business startups fail within the first five years of operation. Courses such as this are key to the success of owning and operating a business in East Texas.

 

“If you are looking to start a small business or learn how to successfully operate a current business, this course is for you.  After twenty years of offering this course in Longview, many people have found the guidance and direction to successfully operate a small business.  This course has a high success rate among small business owners.  This year in particular we are focusing on access to capital for small business owners, we have heard the concerns of our local businesses and this class will address that question and many others,” said Brad Bunt, SBDC Director.

 

This course will cover eight separate sections on the proper operation of a business, which includes a variety of topics important to small business start-ups and existing businesses. 

 

From making the initial decision to starting a business, to planning for your company's tax savings, this course will help you with opening a business, as well as keeping that business running as efficiently as possible. 

 

The course will be presented in a weekly, step by step, practical approach to business as opposed to a theoretical or academic approach, with the small business owner and potential owner in mind. 

 

Material covered each week will later be included in the different sections of a business plan. 

 

“Classes feature local professionals who examine topics relevant to small business.  Startup and existing businesses join us each year to learn not only small business basics, but also advertising strategies, tax and corporate laws, insurance policies, financing programs, marketing trends, government forms and filing requirements, bookkeeping basics, and much more. Those attending have the unique opportunity to interact with an insurance agent, attorney, CPA, banker, marketing consultant, and others throughout the program.  These professionals volunteer each week to lend their expertise in support of local entrepreneurs.  Small business regulations and conditions are constantly changing, so small business owners must stay informed to ensure long-term success” said Melanie Northcutt, SBDC Training Coordinator.  

 

Over the years, hundreds of local business owners have gotten their start after attending this series of classes.  In addition, many established businesses have found the classes helpful for updates on tax laws, and other legal rules and regulations examined throughout this course.

 

 

Course schedule:

 

Thursday, Sept. 27:

"Making the Decision to Go Into Business”

Instructed by Ron Collier – Collier Consulting Group, President

 

Thursday, Oct. 4:

"Insurance Requirements”

Instructed by Larry Clemens – Brown, Cook & Taylor Insurance, Agent

 

“Choosing the Legal Form of Business”

Instructed by Casey Goolsby – Boon, Shaver, Echols, Coleman & Goolsby, P.L.L.C., Attorney

 

Thursday, Oct. 11:

"Planning For a Tax Savings"

Instructed by Jason Cooner - Cooner & Cooner, P.C., CPA

 

Thursday, Oct. 18:

"How to Prepare a Business Plan"

Instructed by Heath Hamberlin – Texas Bank & Trust,VP

 

Thursday, Oct. 25:

"Financing a Small Business"

Instructed by: Troy Moore – Bancorp South, Community Bank President

 

Thursday, Nov.1:

“Marketing Your Small Business”

Instructed by: Marc Willson – The Willson Group, Owner

 

Thursday, Nov. 8

"Bookkeeping Basics"

Instructed by: Jason Cooner - Cooner & Cooner, P.C., CPA

 

Thursday, Nov. 15:

"Beginning Your Business:  Start-Up Overview"

Instructed by: Brad Bunt – Kilgore College SBDC, Director

 

 

Course sponsors are:

Austin Bank

BancorpSouth

Capital One Bank

Chase Bank

Citizens Bank

Citizens National Bank

Regions Bank

Spring Hill State Bank

Texas Bank & Trust