LEWISTON, Idaho – The Region II Idaho Small Business Development Center is offering a variety of workshops during May, including QuickBooks, marketing and building business networks, at five locations in north central Idaho.
Pre-registration is required for all of the workshops. Unless otherwise noted, registration is available online at www.lcsc.edu/sbdc, by emailing ISDBC@lcsc.edu, or calling 208-792-2465.
Here is the May workshop schedule broken down by offerings in each location.
LEWISTON:
QuickBooks Basics (Part 1 & 2): May 3 and 10, and also May 17 and 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m., 406 Main St.
In this two-part basics class, learn how to create a company file from scratch; add customers, vendors, products and services; and manage and reconcile bank accounts and credit cards. In the second class, the focus is on entering sales, receiving payments, recording deposits, entering and paying bills, setting up inventory items, tracking and paying sales tax and reviewing important financial reports. This is a hands-on course held in the ISBDC computer lab where students will be completing training exercises alongside the instructor. Students will be able to keep a copy of the lab manual in DVD format for future reference. Instructor: Su Brown. Cost: $60(includes both classes)
Tapping Local Pride in Downtown Lewiston: May 22, 2-6 p.m., Community Action Partnership Conference Room (north door), 124 New 6th St.
A conversation and tour for small businesses. Who are your best customers? How you can get them in your door? What value do you provide your customers? How do visitors see your business? A panel will include several local business owners and resource providers. A tour of Main Street retailers is included followed by refreshments and networking. Cost: $20 (free to Beautiful Downtown Lewiston members)
GRANGEVILLE:
QuickBooks 2016: May 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 201 E. Main St.
This class will teach QuickBooks 2016; a computerized accounting system that helps record sales, invoice customers, record deposits, enter and track bills, and write checks. Instructor: Janice Gobbi. Cost: $85. Pre-register: call Carla Wilkins at 208-792-2447, or email cnwilkins@lcsc.edu
RIGGINS:
Value Marketing & Website for Small Businesses: May 9, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 121 Lodge Street
Information on creating customer solutions, channels, cost vs. revenue, marketing content, websites, social media, Google optimization, and productivity. An hour break will be taken for lunch. Instructor: Barbara Leachman. Cost: $60
OROFINO:
QuickBooks 2016: May 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 416 Johnson Ave, Suite #1
This class will teach QuickBooks 2016; a computerized accounting system that helps record sales, invoice customers, record deposits, enter and track bills, and write checks. Instructor: Janice Gobbi. Cost: $80. Pre-register: Call Danielle Hardy at 208-476-5731, or email dchardy@lcsc.edu
COTTONWOOD:
Building Your Network: Learn, Engage and Connect: May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 506 King St.
Existing and potential small business owners meeting regularly, receiving practical instruction and knowing the resources in their communities can make a difference in the businesses they launch and lead. Learn about networking models and techniques. Includes light refreshments, door prizes, presentations from business development professionals, expertise from established local businesses, networking, and one-on-one consultations. Instructor: Kathee Tifft. Cost: Free. Pre-register: Contact the Nez Perce County Extension Office at 208-799-3096 or email nezperce@uidaho.edu.
Effective Elevator Pitches: What to Say & How to Say It: May 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 506 King St.
The “elevator pitch” refers to the quick presentation to explain your business proposition before you reach the top floor in an elevator. Knowing what to say and how to structure a solid pitch is essential for seeking agreement. Whether looking for venture capital, trying to sell a client, or applying for a job, a pitch will be made. Instructor: George Tanner. Cost: Free. Pre-register: Contact the Nez Perce County Extension Office at 208-799-3096 or email nezperce@uidaho.edu.
How Do Your Potential Customers Know You Exist? Website Marketing & Google Optimization: May 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 506 King St.
Help your customers find your business, find your website, and communicate with you. Learn what Google wants from you and what you can get from Google. Includes light refreshments, door prizes, presentations from business development professionals, expertise from established local businesses, networking, and one-on-one consultations. Instructor: George Tanner. Cost: Free. Pre-register: Contact the Nez Perce County Extension Office at 208-799-3096 or email nezperce@uidaho.edu
Show Me the Money: Financial Management and Strategy: May 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 506 King St.
What are your financial statements telling you? How does your business compare with others in your industry? How can you use financial ratios for better management and efficiency? What do lenders look for? This session will focus on financial management and improving your business performance. Includes light refreshments, door prizes, presentations from business development professionals, expertise from established local businesses, networking, and one-on-one consultations. Instructor: Judy Schumacher. Cost: Free. Pre-register: Contact the Nez Perce County Extension Office at 208-799-3096 or email nezperce@uidaho.edu.
Your Business Model: The Difference Between So-So and GREAT! May 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m., 506 King St.
The holy grail of attracting, growing, and keeping a loyal customer base has baffled small businesses for decades. Even when a business is exceeding revenue targets, they are often uncertain as to why. And no one can confidently build a business upon uncertainty. This seminar aims to unpack the essential recipe and process that can be confidently applied to creating or remaking your business model. You will come away with a keen understanding of your prime customer segments and how to harness your core resources to optimize that understanding. Instructor: Todd Broadman. Cost: $90.