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| Greetings, The Center is in full swing providing workshops and trainings for Merrimack Valley entrepreneurs. Be sure to check out all the exciting opportunities coming up in October below. We have so many great workshops, given by truly talented business advisors. We are fortunate to have among our instructors, The Growth Coach, Ellen St. George Godfrey, NMTW Community Credit Union, The Economic Justice Project, Ye Huang, and many more who give their time to share their expertise. Be sure to RSVP early for these great workshops to reserve your spot! Did you know that GREEN restaurants and businesses have a competitive advantage? According to a recent survey of consumers, - 53% indicated they would choose a restaurant that is socially and environmentally responsible over another which isn't.
- 23% said they would make the same choice even if the wait time was longer.
- 47% said they expect to pay more at a restaurant with a social and environmental focus.
(SCA's Tork Brand 2011 Survey)
Learn more from Stephen Green's Why Go Green workshop! The Center is pleased to announce that we are growing! We are seeking a self-directed individual for the position of business advisor. The Business Advisor will provide technical assistance to existing and prospective small business owners. For additional information and complete job description please visit Community Teamwork Inc's Website. Sincerely, Stacie Hargis
Director  
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| Upcoming Small Business Workshops and Trainings Click HERE for a complete 2011-2012 listing. Workshops this month: Social Media Monday, September 19, 2011 / 2:00 -4:00 pm This workshop is offered in partnership with the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and Lowell Telecommunications Corporation. "The Times, They Are A-Changin", and we know that social media marketing now plays a vital role in the success of businesses and organizations. This seminar provides an overview of various online marketing tools including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. If you are a beginner or intermediate user, you will benefit from this workshop taught by Danielle Bergeron, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, who has years of experience promoting her own business through social media. COST: no fee LOCATION: Lowell Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) studios, 246 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: Email, 978-322-8400 Personal Finances for Business Owners Thursday, September 22, 2011 / 6:00 -7:30 pm This workshop is offered in partnership with Family Finance Solutions of Community Teamwork, Inc. and NMTW Community Credit Union. Learn how to better keep your personal finances separate from your business. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: Email, 978-322-8400 LOOK AT ALL THE GREAT WORKSHOPS COMING UP IN OCTOBER: Be sure to RSVP early to save your spot! Legal Considerations Monday, October 3, 2011 / 6:00 -8:00 pm This workshop is offered in partnership with the Economic Justice Project. This is a comprehensive 2-hour overview of legal issues that are important to small business owners. Experienced business attorneys will touch on topics such as which legal entity is right for your business, asset protection, contracts, employment, and leasing/zoning. Audience participation is always encouraged and the workshop is interactive with an opportunity for questions and answers. COST: no fee LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Social Media Tuesday, October 4, 2011 / 10:00 am -12:00 pm This workshop is offered in partnership with the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce and Lowell Telecommunications Corporation. "The Times, They Are A-Changin", and we know that social media marketing now plays a vital role in the success of businesses and organizations. This seminar provides an overview of various online marketing tools including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. If you are a beginner or intermediate user, you will benefit from this workshop taught by Danielle Bergeron, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, who has years of experience promoting her own business through social media. COST: no fee LOCATION: Lowell Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) studios, 246 Market Street, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Why Go Green? Thursday, October 6, 2011 / 6:00 -8:00 pm Businesses today are under a lot of pressure to show that they are environmentally sound and energy efficient. Some businesses have additional requirements that are important for qualifying for business contracts or to distinguish your business among your competitors. This workshop will provide an overview of green requirements that may apply to your business or may be important for your business. When we refer to green, we are talking about environmental, waste management, sustainability or chemical issues. There are range of requirements which when managed, can save you money and set your business ahead of your competition. The easiest steps usually start with reducing waste of materials, energy and water. We will cover a range of issues and recommendations on information you may want to gather to show how your business is doing. If you are a small retailer, a food establishment or a tech company, you will learn ways to reduce your utility costs, learn useful information resources and start improving your business. This workshop is taught by Stephen Greene of Howland Greene Consultants LLC, an expert in environmental issues, product stewardship and sustainable practice. His experience and expertise can help your business turn environmental challenges into strategic advantages. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 The Importance of Time Management In Your Business Tuesday, October 11, 2011 / 8:00 -10:00 am Effective time management is a fundamental key to success for business owners and busy professionals. This workshop will teach you how to develop goals and how to prioritize your activities to achieve those goals. You will learn to identify and eliminate time wasters and how to focus on your highest value tasks. Using technology as a time enhancer will also be discussed. At the end of the session, you will walk away with a specific plan to use your time most effectively, helping you to grow your business.
This workshop is taught by Jim "Pouli" Pouliopoulos, The Growth Coach®, a certified Strategic Mindset® business coach with over 25 years experience in a variety of industries including high-tech, medical, government and professional services. He has contributed to the success of large companies including General Electric and IBM as well as a number of successful small businesses as a marketing consultant, product manager, director of marketing and sales, spokesperson, public speaker, trainer, facilitator, market researcher and engineer. Additionally, Jim is an adjunct faculty member at Bentley University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he teaches business and marketing courses.
COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Right Start Entrepreneurial Training ***The next 6 class series begins October 12, 2011*** 6-class series runs every Wednesday Aug 31, 2011 - May 9, 2012 Wednesday nights from 6:00 - 9:00 pm *except for the week of November 23, 2011 The Right Start Entrepreneurship Training Program provides a solid educational foundation on which to build a small business. Practical, flexible, and taught by small business professionals, this six-class series will help you learn the difference between success and failure. Starting August 31st, this series runs continuously throughout the year so that you can either take all six classes in a row or once a month, as needed to fit your schedule. Training provides a firm foundation of practical knowledge to build your business and covers these topics: Intro to Business, Marketing, Sales, Bookkeeping and Taxes, Financing, and Business Law. Get the tools you need for success! COST: $90 for all 6 classes LOCATION: Community Teamwork Inc., 155 Merrimack St., (Bon March Building) 3rd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 How To Protect Your Business Thursday, October 13, 2011 / 6:00 -8:00 pm This workshop will first focus on different business formations, and their advantages/disadvantages, as well as rights and liabilities of business owners in different business forms: sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs. Then, the instructor will focus on the strategies and techniques to protect small businesses through a variety of liability insurances and business succession planning. This workshop is taught by Attorney Ye Huang, who specializes in business law and estate planning law, with 14 years experience in financial protection and business succession planning. Besides practicing law, he also manages MetLife New England Agency Lowell Branch in Lowell, MA. Active in his communities, Attorney Ye Huang also serves as Chairman and President of Asian American Association of Quincy. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 The Living Business Plan Monday, October 17, 2011 / 6:00 - 8:00 pm This 2-hour interactive workshop will focus on developing and using a business plan as a living document to not only breathe new life into your business, but also as a tool to grow in a concerted effort. Participants will: - Revisit their vision, core values, and core purpose to make sure they are on track;
- Learn simple methods to analyze and measure how their business is progressing so you can make course corrections before it's too late;
- Fine tune their current goals and map out steps so they stay focused on what their customers really want and stop wasting time;
During the workshop, participants will draw from their own business to develop a written version of their living business plan. This workshop is taught by Ellen St. George Godfrey, an entrepreneurial coach in the Merrimack Valley who tackles strategic planning, goal setting, finding and developing employees, and managing the stress which often overwhelm small to mid-size business owners and executives. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Marketing Your Business Monday, October, 24, 2011 / 8:00 -10:00 am Understanding and applying strategic marketing can help grow your business in any industry, market or economy. This workshop will teach you the four basic functions of marketing and how they impact your business operations. You will learn the five strategies to grow your business in any environment. At the end of the workshop, you will have a clear set of effective marketing plans that you can implement immediately. This workshop is taught by Jim "Pouli" Pouliopoulos, The Growth Coach®, a certified Strategic Mindset® business coach with over 25 years experience in a variety of industries including high-tech, medical, government and professional services. He has contributed to the success of large companies including General Electric and IBM as well as a number of successful small businesses as a marketing consultant, product manager, director of marketing and sales, spokesperson, public speaker, trainer, facilitator, market researcher and engineer. Additionally, Jim is an adjunct faculty member at Bentley University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute where he teaches business and marketing courses. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Start A Home-Based Business Tuesday, October 25, 2011 / 3:00 -5:00 pm What does it take to start a home-based business? Attend this workshop to learn more about how you can turn your interests and hobbies into a money making endeavor. This workshop is taught by Terry Williams, Assistant Director of the Center. COST: $10 LOCATION: The Center, 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Quickbooks Comprehensive 2-night Workshop Wednesday, October 26, 2011 & Thursday, October 27, 2011 / 6:00 -8:00 pm Is your accounting system really just a box full of receipts and scribbled notes? Feel like you're flying by the seat of your pants? Not doing as well as you should and unsure how to fix it? WAIT NO LONGER...HELP IS AT HAND! Quickbooks is the easy-to-use accounting program millions of small businesses use to organize their finances and provide the information they need to increase profits and grow their businesses. This class will cover basic accounting principles and is designed for beginning Quickbooks users. Learn to: - Post Transactions
- Generate Financial Reports
- Generate Invoices
- Pay Bills
- Print Checks...and much more!
COST: $125 for both nights LOCATION: Community Teamwork Inc. Computer Lab, 3rd Floor, 155 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852 RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 Connecting Your Business to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Thursday, October 27, 2011 / 10:00 am -12:00 pm This workshop is offered in partnership with the Operational Services Division (OSD) of the Massachusetts state government. OSD administers the procurement process of the Commonwealth.This OSD workshop is designed for businesses who are interested in learning how to do business with the State. This workshop includes: Where to find bidding opportunities, Bidding process for Statewide Contracts, Comm-PASS Overview, Marketing to public entities and OSD programs and services that support the business community. COST: no fee LOCATION: TBD RSVP: shargis@comteam.org, 978-322-8400 If you have any questions, please call 978-322-8400 or Email Us. | |
| *************************************************************************************************************** | | Announcements Announcements are a community bulletin and do not reflect any opinion, mission or program of
the Lowell Small Business Assistance Center or Community Teamwork Inc. *************************************************************************************************************** Beware of this scam: Recently, an entity calling itself "Compliance Services" mailed solicitations entitled "Annual Minutes Requirement Statement Directors and Shareholders" to numerous Massachusetts corporations. This solicitation offers to complete corporate meeting minutes on behalf of the corporation for a fee. Despite the implications contained in the solicitation, Massachusetts corporations are not required by law to file corporate minutes with the Secretary of State. Find out more: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/cor/cormccalert.htm *************************************************************************************************************** Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce Business Expo DATE: September 22, 2011 TIME: 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM More Info: Click Here *************************************************************************************************************** Lowell Open Studios DATE: October 1 and October 2 TIME: 11 am - 5 pm More Info: Click Here *************************************************************************************************************** Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Expo and Health / Wellness Fair DATE: October 6, 2011 More Info:Click Here ************************************************************************************************************** Tell Us
Do you have a business related announcement you would like to share? Do you offer a business service that you think would benefit other businesses? Please send your announcements directly to Stacie Hargis. |
| | | Resources ************************************************************************************************************ Small Business Assistance Center Microloan Fund NEED FINANCING?
Want to grow and/or enhance your small business? Unable to get conventional bank financing? The Small Business Assistance Center's Microloan Fund Program serves entrepreneurs in the Merrimack Valley who lack access to conventional credit. Interested Businesses Should Contact Us Directly: Terry Williams, Assistant Director 978-322-8402 twilliams@comteam.org More Info: Loan Products Loans up to $5,000; No prepayment penalties; Low annual interest rate; Technical assistance and training on small business topics. Eligible Businesses Existing businesses (in business at least 12 months) Retail Service Wholesale Eligibility Criteria Must be unable to obtain a conventional bank loan; Business located within the Merrimack Valley; Must be able to demonstrate a capacity to repay the loan; Must be willing to receive technical assistance | | ************************************************************************************************************ IRS Small Business Workshop - Hear briefings on new and existing small business initiatives that will have a direct impact on operations.
- Make contacts with agency representatives who can help you navigate through the "maze" of government agencies.
DATE: September 21, 2011 TIME: 9 am to 12:00 pm LOCATION: Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA To register or to obtain additional information please contact foconnor@CityofLawrence.com or araceli.rios@irs.gov. |
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| In Case You Missed It | The Cloud is coming! Do you know what the Cloud is and how it is going to change your business? USA Today How do you know when the time is right to duplicate what you've done with your restaurant? Learn from this restaurant: New York Times |
| The mission of the Lowell Small Business Assistance Center is to provide entrepreneurs from ethnically and economically diverse groups with the education, tools and resources needed to create, sustain or expand viable small businesses.
Location: 88 Middle St., 2nd Floor, Downtown Lowell, 01852 Phone: 978-322-8400 |
| | | | | The Lowell Small Business Assistance Center
is a one-stop business assistance center that provides one-on-one counseling, entrepreneurship training, and a variety of seminars. Call
(978)322-8400
for more information. | |
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