Beaufort County Community College has free workshops coming up in Beaufort and Washington counties to help small business owners. Join other small business owners who are running side businesses, supplementing their retirement or dreaming of breaking loose from their day job.

“Creating Your Own Company Database and Website” and “Using Canva to Create Your Own Free Marketing Materials” are being held at Washington County Center located at 100 N.C. Highway. 32 North, Roper. All other classes are held in Building 8 on BCCC’s main campus. Some classes can be streamed.

 

Financing your business

Starting your own business is part of the American dream. You’ve given this thought and sought advice. You are just about ready to begin. Then you ask yourself; how do I finance my business; who can give me good, solid, reliable advice; are there loans/grants available to assist me; what should I be aware of? The economy can be tough, so consider taking this course. This workshop will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18.

Creating your own company database & website

According to www.costowl.com, on average hiring someone to design a database ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. It also goes on to state, paper spreadsheets and files only work for the smallest of business. When your business becomes too large to maintain paper records in any sort of effective fashion, it’s time to hire a database design service.

A database stores and manages all of your company’s important information in one place. It can be used to compare sets of data and create customized reports. For example, a database could be used to come up with a list of customers who haven’t done business with you in the last six months. That list could be used to create a targeted marketing campaign, enticing former customers to come back. A database can also be used to: record and manage customer information; generate sales lists; track product inventory and sales. Holly Harrison is presenter. This workshop will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the Washington County Center in Roper.

Getting the Most from Mobile Devices (Better Online Presence)

This class will cover top mobile apps to be more productive in your business.; communicating and reaching your customer with mobile; effective marketing and advertising on mobile devices; video and live streaming on your smartphone; and 52 free apps to market and manage your business. Martin Brossman is presenter. This workshop will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5.

Recordkeeping and Taxes for Small Business

Do you know your product or service upside down and backwards, BUT the numbers just drive you up the wall? Do you really work hard, but always seem to run out of cash at the end of the month? This seminar will help you understand the financial aspects of your business. We’ll talk about tax issues. You’ll become familiar with those financial terms that confuse you, but are the road map to your success. Keith Kidwell is your presenter. You will learn: what makes your business thrive and grow; what is a CPA and when and how do you use them; how to understand financial statements; what your banker is looking for; what federal and state reports are required; and if I made that much money, where is it? This workshop will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9.

Using Canva to Create Free Marketing Materials

Give your business an image advantage by creating amazing and professional looking social media posts, flyers, logos, newsletter, business cards, letterhead, presentations and much more! This seminar will walk you through using this simple platform. You will be amazed at the professional quality materials you can create. It is easy and it’s free! You can collaborate with colleagues on the design through the website, by sending them an invitation and adding them to your account. Holly Harrison is presenter. This workshop will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Washington County Center in Roper.

While all of these workshops are free, participants are asked to pre-register. These classes are offered through BCCC’s Small Business Center. Call 252-940-6375 to register.