Rogers State University’s Innovation Center (formerly the Center for Economic and Community Development) has announced its spring series of small business workshops designed to assist area small businesses and entrepreneurs in developing successful enterprises.
The workshops are free and open to interested business owners, managers and entrepreneurs. All of the workshops will be held in the newly constructed Innovation Center facility, located at 2000 University Dr. on the Claremore campus. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
The workshops will be presented by state and area business specialists, as well as the Innovation Center’s professional staff. The workshop schedule for the Claremore campus includes:
Be Your Own Boss! The First Steps to Small Business Start-up, Jan. 12, 6-9 p.m., presented by Jeri Koehler, Business Development Specialist with the Innovation Center. This workshop will allow individuals to assess their own strengths and weaknesses as an entrepreneur, and discover what information is needed to start a business and where to find it.
Six Steps to a Winning Business Plan, Jan. 26, 6-9 p.m., presented by Jeri Koehler, Business Development Specialist with the Innovation Center. This workshop will address the essential steps to writing a successful business plan.
Business Valuation Basics for the Business Owner – Wait ‘Til You Want to Exit and It’ll Be Too Late!, Feb. 9, 6-9 p.m., presented by David Perkins, business valuation expert and editor of The Business Owner. This session presents the basic concepts of business valuation for the business owner and provides a framework for understanding business valuation.
Light the Fire for Great Performance!, Feb. 23, 1-4 p.m.,presented by Vicki Anderson, co-author of three books and the former corporate university manager for the Nordam Group. A good performance management process is a crucial skill for successful leaders. Get great performance from employees by communicating clearly and using coaching and feedback as important tools along the way.
Make A Big Splash With Just A Little Cash!, Mar. 9, 6-9 p.m., Innovation Center, Claremore campus, presented by Peggy Striegel, President of Striegel, a full service advertising and public relations agency. This workshop will provide an overview of advertising and promotions, including public relations, advertising, and marketing plans.
Using Financial Information to Increase Profitability, Mar. 23, 6-9 p.m., presented by Tom Franz, CPA. Most small business owners and managers underutilize easily accessible information which can help them manage their business more profitably. Learn what types of financial information your business should accumulate and how to use that information to be more profitable.
Labor Law Compliance: What You Don’t Know Will Hurt You!, April 6, 1-4 p.m., presented by Dr. MaryRose Hart, Assistant Professor, RSU Department of Business. As your business grows, so will your employer obligations. Whether you have one employee or 50, know what your responsibilities are and what policies you should have in place.
Forecasting Your Future, May 17, 1-4 p.m., presented by Dr. Bert Tollison, Department Head/Associate Professor, RSU Department of Business. Understand the basics of forecasting sales and determine your businesses break-even point. Use forecasting to manage inventory, predict cash flow needs and stay competitive.
For more information or to register, call RSU’s Innovation Center at (918) 343-7533 or email [email protected].