Training
The Small Business Center offers training in the form of seminars, workshops, and short courses to help you with business basics. Most are offered at no charge.
Online Classes
No time to come to campus? Investigate business related online classes you can take from your home or office.
Employee Training
Do you need specialized training for your employees? Through Industry Services, you can find a variety of customized training to suit your needs.
Upcoming Seminars
Following is a list of free seminars of interest to entrepreneurs and those who would like to start a small business. These seminars make up the Small Business Development Series that is designed to instruct the entrepreneur in topics related to operating a small business.
- Use the easy online registration form to preregister for seminars.
- Call 919-209-2015 to sign up for these seminars, space is limited so preregistration is preferred and encouraged.
10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business
This workshop will give you an overall understanding of the steps you need to take to make your dream venture a reality.
Course Code: SBC 3601 01P
Dates/Days: January, 11, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1034A
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 27P
Dates/Days: March, 15, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Advertising and Marketing
Develop a marketing plan for your business that works and does not break the bank doing so. Learn steps and tips to successful marketing.
Course Code: SBC 3601 06F
Dates/Days: November, 30, 2009 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 36P
Dates/Days: April, 12, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Basic Bookkeeping for Your Small Business
Do you know the basic bookkeeping methods needed to run a business? Join this session to learn from an expert what it takes to effectively manage the finances of your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 22P
Dates/Days: February, 22, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2014
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Communications Toolbox
How do you communicate with a culturally diverse workforce? Use the communication tools from this course to build relationships and enhance your influence. You will examine communication challenges, (angry E-mails and difficult conversations), Communication strategies for writing E-mails and other correspondence, Conducting conversations by phone, in person and in business meetings. You will also learn how to give positive and corrective feedback.
Course Code: SBC 3601 11P
Dates/Days: April, 15, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center Discovery Room
Instructor: Michele Langley and Theresa Murphy
Registration Fee: FREE
Book: None
Compliance and Legal Issues in the Workplace
This course will address questions such as: What is compliance? How do new supervisors know if they are out of compliance? What legal issues in the workplace should a supervisor be concerned about? Why is documentation important?
Course Code: SBC 3601 13P
Dates/Days: April, 29, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center Discovery Room
Instructor: Michele Langley and Theresa Murphy
Registration Fee: FREE
Book: None
Cookies and Trojans and Worms, Oh My! – Keeping Your Computer Safe and Clean
Is your computer running slower than it used to? Are you getting strange errors and warnings from the programs you use? Are you afraid to go online? Do you just want it to work? Learn what things you can do to protect your computer from malicious attack, what things you do daily that can slow down a computer, and how you can keep your machine properly maintained and protected with little to no technical knowledge.
Course Code: SBC 3601 15P
Dates/Days: February, 04, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 45P
Dates/Days: April, 29, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Do More with Less: Improving Your Efficiency with Computer Shortcuts
Ever wonder how some people get so much done on a computer while others seem to endlessly hunt for the right menu, toolbar button, or key on the keyboard? Become one of the tech-savvy individuals who let the computer improve their efficiency and speed up their work. You will learn keyboard shortcuts, multiple methods for navigating Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications, and simple configuration and process changes that can make your life with a computer much more rewarding. The time you spend in this seminar will come back to you time and again in savings later. Don’t miss these tips!!
Course Code: SBC 3601 21P
Dates/Days: February, 18, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 32P
Dates/Days: March, 25, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Fifteen Common Mistakes That Will Undermine Any Business
Opening and operating a small business normally involves a great deal of time and a substantial financial investment. During this two-hour seminar, you will learn the fifteen most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs that ultimately undermine their business. Regardless of whether you are opening or operating a business, this seminar will prove to be invaluable in helping you form a legal, profitable, and growing business. Make a solid investment in the future survival of your business by making plans to attend this informative seminar now!
Course Code: SBC 3601 33P
Dates/Days: March, 29, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1210
Instructor: Moore
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Financing Your Small Business
Are you exploring financial options for starting or maintaining a small business? If so, this is a seminar that you don’t want to miss! Learn from the lenders themselves important information on what it takes to get funding for your business. Topics to be explored include the importance of a strong business plan, lender financing options, SBA loan processes, and tips for grant research and writing. This seminar is a must for the savvy business owner!
Course Code: SBC 3601 39P
Dates/Days: April, 19, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Cockrell and Andrews
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
From Chaos to Order: File Management for Your Small Business
Are you trying to manage your business records using computer technology? Join this course to learn efficient electronic file management for your business. In addition, a basic introduction to Microsoft Access will help you learn to build data bases and reports that will help you in your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 41P
Dates/Days: April, 21, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1031
Instructor: Wissinger
Registration Fee: Free (You are welcome to bring your lunch.)
Book: None
From Losing My Job to Owning My Job
This seminar is a hands-on way to learn more entrepreneurship. It encourages participants to think like an entrepreneur while learning about small business management. By the end of the seminar each participant will have created a plan for how to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.
Course Code: SBC 3601 25P
Dates/Days: March, 01, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A
Instructor: Cockrell
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
From Online Voyeur to Active Participant: Steps to Joining the Social Media Process
So you have heard about these social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more and you think you may want to take advantage of the marketing potential they supposedly hold, but you don’t necessarily want to jump in the deep end and you’re still concerned about the risks associated with getting involved in the social media process. This course will help to define a process for getting involved at your pace, beginning as an observer of how your target market and others use social media to becoming an active participant in your own right.
Course Code: SBC 3601 24P
Dates/Days: February, 25, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 46P
Dates/Days: May, 06, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1031
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Home-Based Business: How To Start One That Works
Do you want to run a home-based business? What type of business will you start? How will you market it? How will it affect your taxes? How will it affect your home life? Can you really make the kind of money you see in the ads? In this seminar, home-based entrepreneur Mike Collins will show you how to:
- Choose the business that FITS you
- Plan your start up
- Find the permits, handle the legal issues and incorporate if necessary
- Create a business plan
- Find money for your business (It may be hiding close by)
- Market your home-based business
- Handle the stress of a business that works too well, or doesn’t work well enough
- Get out when it’s time
But, the best part of this seminar is that you will discover questions you didn’t know to ask. The presenter, Mike Collins, has been a home-based entrepreneur for over 25 years. His programs are consistently rated “Excellent.”Course Code: SBC 3601 19P
Dates/Days: February, 15, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A
Instructor: Perfect Workday Co.
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
How to Ask for the Appointment and Get It: The 12 Steps to Start Getting Appointments and Stop Cold Calling!
Stop wasting your time and come learn the 12 easy steps to make an appointment with anyone. Cold calling doesn’t work but you still need to make sales appointments. Chris offers you “The Parking Lot Guarantee” that you will walk out to your car at 2pm, grab your cell phone, call your next prospect and have an outline that will dramatically increase your ability to make an appointment with that person.
Course Code: SBC 3601 07P
Dates/Days: January, 27, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Morrissette
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
How to Start and Run a Successful Lawn Maintenance-Landscape Contracting Business
Today, many are searching for a small business enterprise they can start quickly and generate additional income. Insight and benefits of experience of a contractor that started a commercial and residential grounds-lawn maintenance corporation and owned and managed it over ten years are here for you. See how an organization can grow to mow, trim and blow over three thousand apartment every month in twelve NC towns. Explore the opportunities to complete high dollar landscape design and installations and to learn about eight other related profit centers. Learn about up front investments to start your company, small or large. Steve explains the basic fundamentals of your investments, time, and returned on investment. Get the details of equipment needs and types, cost of the equipment estimates, financing, personnel, insurance, fuel and maintenance investments and issues will be discussed. "How to bid-quote prospect jobs, contracts and opportunities" are covered as well. The pitfalls, limitations and risks will be discussed. Enter this field with your eyes wide open and know "up front" what it will take to suit your needs and expectations. Plenty of time is allowed for questions and discussion.
Course Code: SBC 3601 16P
Dates/Days: February, 08, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2014
Instructor: Carver
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
How to Write a Business Plan
Fail to plan and you plan to fail. This workshop covers the basics you need to put together a business plan that will assist you with start up and funding your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 04F
Dates/Days: December, 07, 2009 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 09P
Dates/Days: February, 01, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 43P
Dates/Days: April, 26, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Life is Good: …and work can be too!
The Life is Good TM Company has become an icon of optimism throughout the world. Explore the philosophy that drives this fascinating and fast growing Company. Learn the surprisingly simple secrets to their success, including practical principles you can translate to any environment you work and live. Put into practice, these four pillars will improve and transform significant aspects of your work, your team’s work, your customer service, daily decision-making and your overall sense of mission and purpose as an individual and as an organization. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!
Course Code: SBC 3601 02P
Dates/Days: January, 13, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Ostrishko
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Linkedin 101
Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have ever though about using social media tools like Linkedin in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss this power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started -don’t waste another moment online without a strategy!
Course Code: SBC 3601 44P
Dates/Days: April, 28, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1031
Instructor: Hughey
Registration Fee: Free (You are welcome to bring your lunch.)
Book: None
Old Before Sold? – Making the Right Computer Purchase Decisions for Your Business
Technology changes quickly and it seems impossible to keep up some days. We’ll show you how to balance your budget needs without buying equipment that can’t last long enough to meet your business needs. Learn basic technology terms and concepts associated with purchasing computers. Get informed about how you can plan for the future while buying for today by planning for upgrades rather than replacements during your 5-year depreciation cycle.
Course Code: SBC 3601 05P
Dates/Days: January, 21, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 38P
Dates/Days: April, 15, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Performance Management & Coaching
How do you set performance expectations? How do you measure performance? How do you give corrective feedback to a low performing employee? What steps do you take once you’ve identified a performance problem? How can you reward employees when there’s no money in the budget? How can you coach staff and motivate your team? These questions and more will be addressed in this series.
Course Code: SBC 3601 12P
Dates/Days: April, 22, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center Discovery Room
Instructor: Michele Langley and Theresa Murphy
Registration Fee: FREE
Book: None
Roberts Rules of Order and Meeting Management
Are you in a position of leadership and need to learn the basics of leading an effective meeting? Are you a board officer that needs a refresher in Robert’s Rules of Order and correct parliamentary procedure? This seminar will discuss essentials of meeting management and how to use parliamentary procedure to guide your meeting to its best results. This seminar is co-sponsored with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is included. To register for the session, call the Chamber at 919-773-8448.
Course Code: SBC 3601 04P
Dates/Days: January, 20, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: TBA
Registration Fee: $20.00
Book: None
Search Engine Optimization: A Walkthrough
In this course you will be taken through the process of optimizing a small business webpage for search engines. You will learn how to: determine quality keywords and phrases for your search engine optimization goals; create and edit meta tags within your website to best represent your web page to search engines; modify site content to reflect the image you are trying to present to the search engines; take advantage of accessibility features that double as search engine optimization methods; and to track your progress on your road to successful search engine positioning.
Course Code: SBC 3601 18P
Dates/Days: February, 11, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 42P
Dates/Days: April, 22, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Sell to the Federal Government Now!
Do you want a share of over $5 billion in military and other federal purchases in North Carolina every year? Your existing business can sell to federal government agencies including military installations, EPA, Agriculture, Coast Guard, VA and others right here in North Carolina and across the country. Federal business is booming. It's for you; you can do it, and the Military Business Center (NCMBC) can help!
The session will include Information about:
* How the government buys - and where you business fits in
* Socio-economic and small business programs in federal government contracting
* Registering as a government contractor: know the language, know the steps
* Identifying and pursuing prime and subcontract opportunities
* Teaming in government contracting: you don't have to "go it alone!"
* Marketing your business to government buyers and prime contractors
* North Carolina Military Business Center resources to help you find, compete for and win contractsCourse Code: SBC 3601 26P
Dates/Days: March, 10, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Pogue
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Simple Yet Effective Customer Service
Providing effective and rewarding service to your customers does not have to be complicated or expensive. In this lighthearted and informative, two-hour seminar, you will learn how the first and the last five minutes of every transaction are the most crucial. Presenter Robert Moore has over 29 years of experience in customer service relations and as a small business owner. During this seminar, he will illustrate excellent and “less than perfect” customer service using “real” experiences encountered in his lifetime. This is NOT your normal customer service seminar! Come prepared to laugh, learn and leave inspired!
Course Code: SBC 3601 17P
Dates/Days: February, 10, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1210
Instructor: Moore
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Taking the Guesswork Out of Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace
Are you observing dilated or contracted pupils, slurring of speech, or behaviors that previously have not been exhibited by an employee? If so, drugs and/or alcohol may be involved. Take the guess work out of suspecting an employee with a drug or alcohol problem. Learn the warning signs of substance abuse and the signs of impairment. Learn the appropriate approach to act on your suspicions and how to prevent substance abuse in the workplace. This is a great session for managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, safety officials, and designated employer representatives.
Course Code: SBC 3601 31P
Dates/Days: March, 24, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Harris
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Tax Implications for Starting Your Small Business
Get your business off on the right foot by complying with North Carolina tax laws from the beginning. Learn about topics ranging from the proper registration of your business to how to handle complicated withholding challenges to how to pay the right amount of property taxes. This seminar will give you all the information you need on your state tax obligations, freeing up your time to focus on growing the business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 30P
Dates/Days: March, 22, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A
Instructor: NC Department of Revenue
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
The ABC’s of Starting a Business
Starting your own business may seem like an overwhelming task, but it really is not that hard if you take it step by step. This workshop is an in-depth walk through on the mechanics of developing a business concept, feasibility, licensing, and the written plan, plus the financial projections by line item. This workshop is a must for those starting their own business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 14P
Dates/Days: February, 02, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1034A
Instructor: Killette
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
The Perfect Workday
What would be a perfect workday for you? Can you describe it? If you could set and meet your priorities, work more effectively with the people around you and move closer to a balanced life, wouldn’t that come close to a perfect workday? This seminar is just for you!
- Understand how much time you really have
- Plan on purpose and plan with a purpose
- Set and track priorities: Are you trying to do too much?
- Confront and handle the information avalanche
- Get It done and still have a lifeCourse Code: SBC 3601 34P
Dates/Days: March, 31, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Perfect Workday Co.
Registration Fee: Free (You are welcome to bring your lunch.)
Book: None
The Role of the Supervisor
The role of the 21st century supervisor demands skills in the areas of planning, organizing, staffing, leading, negotiating, coaching, project management, and much, much more. This class will examine all of these roles, including how to avoid making the mistakes that most supervisors make in their new roles.
Course Code: SBC 3601 10P
Dates/Days: April, 08, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center Discovery Room
Instructor: Michele Langley and Theresa Murphy
Registration Fee: FREE
Book: None
Understanding And Improving Your Credit Score
Now more than ever, having good credit is important in being able to obtain a loan. Your credit score is also important in determining the interest rate of your loans, your insurance premiums and deposits required for phone and utility services. As of October 1, 2005, every adult in North Carolina has been able to receive a free credit report from each of the three credit reporting. Do you understand these reports and how to read them? In this three-hour seminar we will discuss the history of credit scoring, how to read a credit report, and what factors are used in calculating your FICO or Beacon score. This seminar will also include methods individuals should employ to improve their credit scores, and the importance of maintaining good credit and the positive financial consequences it produces. Using several proven methods, your credit score could increase by 50-100 points or more within 60 days. Make plans now to attend!
Course Code: SBC 3601 06P
Dates/Days: January, 25, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1320
Instructor: Moore
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Using Social Media to Market Your Business
Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have ever though about using social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, or Twitter in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss this power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started -don’t waste another moment online without a strategy!
Course Code: SBC 3601 28P
Dates/Days: March, 17, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: Hughey
Registration Fee: $20.00 This seminar is co-sponsored with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is included. To register for the session, call the Chamber at 919-773-8448.
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 37P
Dates/Days: April, 14, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Hughey
Registration Fee: Free (You are welcome to bring your lunch.)
Book: None
Web to English Translation: Effectively Communicating with your Web Developer
Does talking to your web developer leave you questioning whether they learned English in high school? Are you left unsure of whether the language barrier challenges will eliminate any hope of getting the online image you are hoping for? Get familiar with some of the common terms and concepts in the web design industry. Learn where to find answers to become an educated consumer of these services. Explore some of the different types of web sites and marketing approaches used online and how these can be aligned with your business plan.
Course Code: SBC 3601 03P
Dates/Days: January, 14, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 29P
Dates/Days: March, 18, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
Website 411: A Guide to Improving Your Online Presence
This seminar will help you to better understand how to improve your chances at success when doing business online. Learn ways in which you can add features to your existing website to better improve your customer retention, increase online sales and inquiries, track performance, and achieve higher search engine positioning. Plan to take some of these ideas back to your office for immediate use or to pass on to your web designer to improve your online presence. Participants should be familiar with basic web design concepts or have a website for their business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 17F
Dates/Days: December, 03, 2009 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1032
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 08P
Dates/Days: January, 28, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm- 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: NoneCourse Code: SBC 3601 35P
Dates/Days: April, 08, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 2012
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None
| For more information, contact: | |
| Rosa Andrews Director of Small Business and Occupational Licensure 919-209-2015 rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu | |
| Continuing Education Division 919-209-2168 | |
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