Straight Talk Series 2017 - 8 Sessions or Just Session 1

January 31, 2017 Session 1

Business Plans I and Library Resources – A business plan provides you with a comprehensive, detailed overview of all the aspects of your business.  It is critical to start, grow and obtain financing for your business.  The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library provides a wealth of information for free to business owners.  This seminar will teach you the critical inputs to your business plan and about the important services provided by the library and how to access them.  Cost only $5 per seminar or $30 for all 8.

February 8, 2017 Session 2 (Wednesday)

Business Plans II and Elements of a Financial Plan – To successfully operate a business, it is necessary to understand your Balance Sheet, P&L and Cash Flow.  This program will provide you an understanding of the most important part of the business, how your cash and money work for you.  Cost only $5 per seminar or $30 for all 8.

February 14, 2017 Session 3

Business Ethics, Risk Management from the Legal Perspective and The Affordable Care Act -  Business Ethics are critical no matter what industry you are in, the wrong move can make or break your business.  Understanding the d ifferent organizational types (Sole Proprietor, LLC, Corporations) have a significant impact on your business.  This seminar will provide you an understanding of business ethics and the steps you need to take to protect your business legally. Also information on health insurance and the Affordable Care Act. Cost only $5 per seminar or $30 for all 8

February 21, 2017 Session 4

Home-Based Business Strategies for Success, New York State Taxes.Contracting with the Federal Government can be very good business. Learn strategies for success when running a home-based business, information on what you need to do for your New York State sales and income tax. 

February 28, 2017 Session 5

Risk Management from the Insurance Perspective and Federal Taxes – Protecting yourself, your employees and your business is critical to every business owner.  Join us to learn about insurance protections you should take to run your business.  The second part of this workshop will focus on Federal Tax strategies and information.

March 7, 2017 Session 6

Marketing your Small Business and Getting your Business Online for less than $100 – Marketing brings customers through your door to generate sales.  Marketing is an ever-evolving and important business process.  One important part of Marketing in 2017 is making sure your business is online.  This program will teach you strategies and tactics for Marketing your business and how to get your business online for less than $100.

March 14, 2017 Session 7

Social Media & Internet Marketing Secrets, Crowdfunding and How to Borrow Money – Social Media and Internet Marketing create significant leads and advantages for small business owners. Your Credit Score is an important part of getting a small business loan.  Attend this program to learn the secrets of social media and internet marketing. Learn the fundamentals of online crowdfunding and best practices for how to borrow money.

March 21, 2017 Session 8

Managing your Credit Score and Funding your Small Business – Capital is crucial to the success of a business, whether you are trying to expand or you are trying to start the business.  Understanding the process of borrowing money, what lending institutions are looking for and how to prepare to ask for a loan are very important to small business owners.  In this panel discussion you will hear from experts in the lending industry who will help guide you through the process of borrowing money.