Small Business Development Classes for April

Sales Tax Instruction - Wasilla

4/3/2012 10:00 - 12:00 pm FREE

Presenter- Maureen Graham, City of Wasilla

In order to conduct business within the City of Wasilla, a business is required to collect and remit city sales tax. This informational workshop, presented by the City of Wasilla Finance Department, will explain all that a business owner needs to know about Wasilla sales tax. Representatives from the City of Palmer and Houston will also be present to answer questions. This workshop is free of charge but pre-registration is required; 373-7232.

Health Care Reform: 2012 & Beyond, The Impact on Our Small Businesses - Palmer

4/6/2012 10:00-12:00pm $20.00

Presenter- Dave Kaufman, Alaska Employee Benefit Specialists

This course will provide an overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act from the perspective of Alaska Small Business and discuss upcoming changes facing business owners. Key topics will include; minimum essential benefits, small business tax credits and up-coming changes to health benefit plans. By understanding the implications of new and proposed regulations, business owners can be better equipped to make appropriate decisions and enhance profitability. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

Starting a Business - Wasilla

4/10/2012 9:00-11:00am FREE

Presenter- Julie Nolen, AKSBDC

Are you thinking about starting your own business? If so, this workshop was built for you! This workshop will cover basic issues faced when starting a new small business such as feasibility study, business planning, business licensing, legal forms of business, selecting a location, business record-keeping, hiring employees and access to business loans. Let the SBDC help guide you through the process of starting a small business. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 required.

How to Write a Business Plan - Wasilla

4/11/2012 12:00-4:00pm $50.00

Presenter- Julie Nolen, SBDC

This workshop will cover the basics of writing a business plan and how it can help you focus your business, obtain financing, and keeping your business on track. It is relevant for everybody in business, from the person just planning to start to the seasoned entrepreneur. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

Google Apps in the Cloud for Small Business - Wasilla

4/12/2012 10:00-12:00pm $25.00

Presenter- Joe Schaafsma, MacHaus

Learn how to use the power and cost effective Google Apps with cloud computing to enhance your small business tools. We'll explain what cloud computing is, and the advantages of using Google's services to boost efficiency, lower costs, and remove the headache of extra upkeep and maintenance. Topics will include services like email, chatting, documents, shared calendars and much more. Simple and useful tools on the surface, but pair these tools with the cost effective and maintenance free power of Google Apps, and you've got a combination that can't lose. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

What Women Want: Dress for Success - Wasilla

4/13/2012 8:00-10:00am $10.00

Presenter- Megan Wilson, Younique Boutique

This monthly women's group will give women in business what they want...business information & networking opportunities. Topics change monthly, this month learn about dressing for success! We are known for our casual style here in the Valley, but what does that mean for women in business? How do you dress to accurately represent the competent business professional that you are? How do you easily put together a professional look? Learn the tips and tricks of matching your professional attire to your professional attitude. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

Small Business Insurance - Wasilla

4/17/2012 10:00-12:00pm $20.00

Presenter- Mike Combs, Combs Insurance Agency, Inc

This open format workshop will cover these basic questions about business insurance. • Why do I need it? • Different types of insurance – General Liability, Work Comp, Property • Business Auto/Hired Non-Owned Auto • Contractors, contract surety, license & permit bonds • When to get legal advice • Premises vs. job site liability • Why does my insurance agent charge a fee? Plus your questions! Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

What You Should Know About Credit Card Services - Wasilla

4/19/2012 10:00-12:00pm $20.00

Presenter- Erika Bills, Northrim Bank

This class will give a brief overview of what merchant processing is and how it can affect your business. We will discuss contracts, rates and the difference between independent credit card companies and bank credit card companies. Also discussed will be PCI compliance and how it could affect your processing this year. Learn the best way to process cards and keep your cost down. Consider how this information can help your business be more efficient. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

Basics of HR, Workers' Comp, Employee Benefits & Payroll - Wasilla

4/24/2012 9:00-12:00pm $30.00

Presenter- Rita Corwin, Swan Employer Services

What you don't know CAN hurt you! Labor laws and regulations are constantly changing. It is the responsibility of the business owner to know all of these laws, but who has the time? Not keeping current can cost your company time and money. As a business owner, learn what you need to know to move forward on your business venture. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

SBA Programs & Services - Wasilla

4/25/2012 2:00-3:00pm FREE

Presenter- Nelida Irvine, SBA District Office

Interested in getting access to capital to start or grow your business? Or would you like to learn more about SBA guaranteed loans? This seminar will answer those questions for you and teach you how to find the resources to start or grow your existing business. Find out just what the SBA has to offer! Presented by Nelia Irvine with the Small Business Administration, preregistration required at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232.

Starting a Business - Wasilla

4/26/2012 2:00-4:00pm FREE

Presenter- Julie Nolen, AKSBDC

Are you thinking about starting your own business? If so, this workshop was built for you! This workshop will cover basic issues faced when starting a new small business such as feasibility study, business planning, business licensing, legal forms of business, selecting a location, business record-keeping, hiring employees and access to business loans. Let the SBDC help guide you through the process of starting a small business. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 required.

5 C's of Credit - Wasilla

4/26/2012 10:00-12:00pm $20.00

Presenter- Amanda Clayton, Key Bank

This workshop will cover what a lender will be evaluating on a credit application and what each term means in general. The presenter will explain some "hiccups" that come up and how they are viewed by lenders and what can be done to fix them. A simple cash flow analysis sample will show how lenders determine capacity. The workshop goal is for each participant to know how to assess their own credit risk and therefore how to approach a lender. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

Income Taxes for Small Businesses - Wasilla

4/27/2012 9:00-4:00pm $120.00

Presenter- Katie Carney, CPA, Carney & Associates

This workshop is a must for self-employed business owners whether you do your own taxes or not. It is designed to help business owners learn more about the tax laws that apply to them. Topics will include proper documentation and deduct-ability of business income, expenses and IRS "hot topics". Explanations of self-employment tax and estimated tax payment requirements are also included. Does not include payroll taxes or preparation of actual forms. The workshop will be presented by Katie Carney, CPA, of Carney & Associates. Preregistration at www.aksbdc.org or 373-7232 and prepayment required.

The Alaska Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.