Open house in Highland to offer free help for small business owners, entrepreneurs
Owning and operating a small business can be stressful, but the Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering business owners a chance to alleviate some of that strain by learning from experts at an open house in Highland.
“Business owners will have access to all our resources and get an opportunity to ask their most burning questions when it comes to small business ownership,” said Jo Ann May, the interim director of the SBDC. “We deal with all types of professionals.”
Whether it’s just a concept, a start up, or an experienced owner, May said the SBDC can assist anyone at any level.
“We started them (workshops) in late 2014, and did a few that year. During the last two years, we have held at least 10 to 12 a year,” she said. “Sometimes I do two a year and we cover a number of different counties, including St. Clair and Madison counties.”
The “Open House for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs” will be held at Highland City Hall, 1115 Broadway, on Wednesday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Small business counselors will be available to take business questions, discuss growth opportunities, and connect people with potential resources. Business owners can come and go as they please during the four-hour window.
For those who prefer it, a 30-minute, one-on-one appointment with a counselor can be scheduled with an advance appointment.
There will also be a one-hour workshop from noon to 1 p.m. for a more in-depth look at business ownership.
“These workshops are opportunities for the people who might not be able to visit with us on a normal basis,” May said. “And we love coming up to Highland.”
May said the biggest piece of advice she’d give business owners who are just starting out is to focus on the internal and external.
“I would say to build that external network, but it’s important to have a strong, internal structure too,” she said. “And find a mentor, like us.”
For more information or to schedule a one-on-one appointment, contact a SBDC representative at (618) 650-2929 or email Jo Ann May at gdimagg@siue.edu.
About the open house
Who is putting it on? Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center
When and where will it be? Highland City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 31
What will be happening there? Small business counselors will be available to take business questions, discuss growth opportunities, and connect people with potential resources. One-on-one appointments with counselors can also be made. There will also be a one-hour, in-depth workshop on business ownership.
This story was originally published August 26, 2016 at 7:33 AM with the headline "Open house in Highland to offer free help for small business owners, entrepreneurs."