WASHINGTON — Beaufort County Community College has free workshops coming up in Hyde and Beaufort 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 Hyde County Davis Center located at 33460 U.S. Highway 264, Engelhard. All other classes are held in Building 8 on BCCC’s main campus. Some classes can be streamed. 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.

How to Start a Business

Are you ready to start a business? What are the advantages and disadvantages? These are samples of the types of questions to be addressed in this core class. The instructor is David Mayo, faculty member teaching in the field of entrepreneurship and the Director of the Entrepreneurship Center in the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University. This workshop will run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14. ­­­­­

Creating Your Own Company Database and Website – It’s Easier than You Think &Will Save You $$

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. Learn how in this class.

The presenter, Holly Harrison, is a versatile and results-driven education and fitness industry professional. This workshop will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. It will meet at the Hyde County Davis Center in Engelhard.

How to Price Your Product (for current & prospective small business owners)

How much should I charge for my product or service? Should I charge by hour or flat rate? Why does it seem like I’m losing money? If you’ve ever found yourself asking these questions about pricing, this workshop is for you. Like most entrepreneurs, Renae Simon, your presenter, is passionate about what she does and that passion and her love for training aspiring and established entrepreneurs on how to conduct the “business” of their business inspired her to establish Step-by-Step Businessolutions. This workshop will run from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.­­­­­

What Are They Saying About Your Business Online?

TripAdvisor. Yelp. Google Places. Angie’s List. Urban Spoon. BBB. Facebook Reviews…and so many more online directories where a local business can be reviewed. Do you know what they are saying about your business? Melanie Diehl, your presenter, helps businesses profit from the digital marketing tools available to them to maximize their market reach. This workshop will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24.

But, I Hate Sales (for current & prospective small business owners)

The idea of sales makes you shudder because you think salespeople are shifty. That’s not true! A good salesperson is a great listener and a problem solver. This workshop will give you a sales process that is easy, honest, and respectful. Your presenter, Jane Maulucci, held a day job for 3 decades working in corporate marketing, sales, and training while freelancing as a copy writer and soft news reporter. Now, through workshops and one-on-one training, plus a handy book loaded with the lessons, she intends to create a tsunami of small business world domination. Ready to join her? Her workshop takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24.

How to Write a Business Plan

Starting your own small business is a huge step for anyone. This class will help you with the fundamentals in writing a business plan. A business plan is the foundation for success when deciding to start a new business or acquire an existing business. Your business plan is key when it comes to seeking funds for your business. The instructor is David Mayo; faculty member teaching in the field of entrepreneurship and the Director of the Entrepreneurship Center in the Miller School of Entrepreneurship at East Carolina University. The workshop will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28.

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. The presenter, Holly Harrison, is a versatile and results-driven education and fitness industry professional. This workshop will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30.­­­­­ It will meet at the Hyde County Davis Center in Engelhard.