You are Invited to Attend
CONGRESSMAN COLLIN PETERSON’S
SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE FAIRS
Friday, February 18, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
1593 11th Avenue
Granite Falls, Minnesota
OR
Friday, March 4, 2005
8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Shooting Star Casino Convention Center
777 Casino Road – Hwy. 59 South
Mahnomen, Minnesota
Workshops every Hour!! Exhibit Hall open all Day!!
Proudly co-sponsored with Minnesota State Community and Technical Colleges, the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers, the U.S. Small Business Administration and Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Who Should Attend?
· If you are in business or just thinking about starting your own business this is an event you won’t want to miss!
· In the exhibit area you will be able to speak to representatives of exhibiting organizations about how they can help you in your business! Talk to non-profit organizations, for-profit firms and government agencies that have programs to help you succeed in business!
· Are you in business as a farm operation? Many of the workshops offered will also be helpful to you!
· Take advantage of the workshops offered throughout the day. You decide which workshop you would like to attend – we’ll give you a complete schedule the day of event!
Lunch will be provided
SCHEDULE of EVENTS:
8:30 a.m. Registration Opens
9:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Workshops
8:30 – 2:45 p.m. Small Business Exhibits open all day
For Up to Date Information go to http://collinpeterson.house.gov
Workshops
FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE MARKETPLACE
This presentation will have four experts in their field provide information to take a food product from the Kitchen and make it ready to be marketed. This will include information that is food specific, such as requirements for food handling and equipment required for food preparation, labeling requirements, and how to convert recipes to large batch. Market research, business planning and cash flow projections will also be discussed.
BUSINESS BASICS
Do you have a business idea but don’t know where to start – At this workshop, a leading business expert will help you to explore the fundamental steps to starting a business. Topics such as business plan development, personal decision-making, and resource connections will be covered. Representatives from various public organizations will also be on hand to explain their small business assistance services.
FINANCING YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
This information packed session will help you understand how to apply for a loan, how to approach a banker, what resources are available that can help, how to measure financial progress and whether venture capital is available. A panel of experts will discuss traditional and creative financing sources.
SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT
By now you must have some idea how huge the federal government expenditures have become. Federal procurement is now growing by $100 billion each year. Would you like to get a piece of that but don’t know where to start? The program is an introduction to the basics. You’ll get a feeling for the market, how it is segmented, the buying channels, the terminology, the registration and certifications involved, and the starting points for positioning yourself to sell into this market.
MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS
Marketing is the heart of a successful business plan. At this session we will look at how to identify your target market and how to profile a typical customer. Together we will explore questions such as How will you reach those customers and attract them to the business – Why should they buy what you are selling and why should they buy it from you. What is unique about the product or service? What should the price be? How many customers are necessary to make the business a success? Is that a realistic target?
TAX-SAVINGS AND RECORD KEEPING TIPS FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Get a leg up on next quarter’s tax time by attending this workshop. Experts will help you better understand record keeping and tax preparation for your business. Learn what to track throughout the year and pick up useful tips to become more organized to make tax time a little smoother.
UTILIZING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IN YOUR BUSINESS
Are you uncertain of how to use your financial statements to manage our business? Financial statements can tell you what you are doing right or wrong in your business. This worship will start you down the path of using financial statements to make informed financial decisions.
WINNING CUSTOMERS AND KEEPING THEM FOR LIFE
Customer Service is about doing something special for your customers and coworkers. It is about being totally focused on the moment and on the person or task with which you are engaged. At this workshop, we will focus on ways to improve customer service from creating a more worker-friendly and creative-thinking work environment, to attracting and retaining the best employees.
WHAT JOB ZONES MEAN TO YOUR BUSINESS
Job Opportunity Building Zone (JOBZ) is a new economic development incentive offered by the State of Minnesota designed to stimulate business activity in Greater Minnesota. But what does JOBZ mean to your business? In this session, you will learn about the program details, eligibility requirements, zone locations, tax incentives, the tax benefit calculator and the application process.
WHERE IS EVERYONE? SMALL BUSINESS INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGIES
Tired of spending money on your web site without seeing any bottom-line results? In this session, we'll discuss methods of improving the quality of visitors to your business web site. We'll explore Internet marketing opportunities that can improve the visibility of your company, increase "hot leads" from potential customers, and extend your reach into the global marketplace.
PAY TO PLAY: SEARCH ENGINES IN 2005 – SMALL BUSINESS INTERNET MARKETING STRATEGIES
How do small businesses compete with the unlimited Internet marketing budgets of large corporations? In this session, we'll explore the current state of search engine marketing and advertising, and identify opportunities for small and home-based businesses to extend their market reach.
EXPORT PROCESS – AN INTRODUCTION TO EXPORTING
You’ve heard about sales opportunities in overseas markets, maybe even received a couple of overseas inquiries, and now decided it’s time to explore bringing your products or services to the world. The Export Process seminar will help you get started and present valuable resources. This export seminar will give you the information needed to make sound decisions and chart a course to export success. Topics will include: The basics of exporting, assessing your company’s export readiness, finding the right market for your product or service and State, Federal and Local Trade Resources. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn more about growing your business.
OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKETING FARM AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
A panel of experts will explore opportunities in marketing farm products to increase profits. Find out what skills are needed and how much capital is required to produce products that are in demand.
LABOR MARKET INTELLIGENCE FOR BUSINESS DECISION MAKING
It is hard to make informed decisions without information….so successful decision-making requires an understanding of regional and community economic conditions and trends. This practical presentation will familiarize participants with the demographic, economic, and job market data available at a local level from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development, the US Census, and other sources. Participants will learn how the data can be interpreted and applied to their business needs.
WHY SMALL BUSINESSES FAIL AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT
According to SBA data, 50% of small businesses fail in the first 18 months and 80% go out of business in the first 5 years. Why do these businesses fail? This session will talk about why businesses fail. The audience will be provided with a format to put their businesses on a profitable track to success. (THIS WORKSHOP WILL ONLY BE PRESENTED IN GRANITE FALLS)
THE TOP FIVE EMPLOYMENT ISSUES
If you have employees, you will want to attend this session. During this workshop we will explore the dimensions of the top five hot buttom employment issues; role of the manager, harassment, overtime pay, independent contractors and employee discipline. (THIS WORKSHOP WILL ONLY BE PRESENTED IN MAHNOMEN)
PRODUCER OWNED ENERGY – OPPORTUNITIES AND ISSUES
Michael Sparby, Project Development Director with the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Producer Owned Energy Center will discuss the opportunities and issues regarding renewable energy projects, including ethanol, bio-diesel, wind, biomass and biogas.
POWER NETWORKING: HOW TO SOLVE ANY PROBLEM BY CONNECTING WITH THE RIGHT PERSON
Ask yourself this question:
Do you want to call people or do you want them to call you?
You've heard it before from many people: "it's not what you know, it's whom you know". And frankly - they're right. A well-developed and effectively used network is critical to the success of any business, organization or endeavor. The driving force behind networking is the ability to share information and resources with like-minded people to optimize your success. This is especially critical when starting a new business or contemplating becoming self-employed. There are many pitfalls and problems one can avoid by being well -networked and a “problem solver extraordinaire”— a person who sees a problem as a challenge and an opportunity—not an obstacle. If you're ready to move beyond the typical business card exchange at industry or social events, don't miss this empowering seminar.
REGISTRATION FORM
RESOURCE FAIR TO ATTEND: (Please circle)
Friday, February 18, 2005 – Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Granite Falls, Minnesota (Please register by Friday, February 11th)
Friday, March 4, 2005 – Shooting Star Casino and Convention Center, Mahnomen (Please register by Friday, February 25th)
IMPORTANT: Please list the names and addresses of EACH registrant! You may use other sheets of paper if needed.
NAME: _______________________
TITLE: ______________________
FIRM OR AGENCY: _________________________________________
ADDRESS: __________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
PHONE #: _______________
EMAIL: ___________________________
Advance registration is $15 per person and includes lunch, refreshments and breaks during the day. Registrants will receive a conference schedule and information packet at the door.
Please make checks payable to MSCTC (Minnesota State Community and Technical College) and mail to: MSCTC, Customized Training Division, 900 Hwy. 34 East, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
OR
To utilize credit card payments, please call Joyce Priewe at MSCTC toll-free at 888-234-1299 to register.
