Programs | Seminars | International Trade Center | Resources

SEMINARS AND TRAINING PROGRAMS

According to statistics, lack of adequate planning is one of the key reasons 50% of small businesses fail within the first four years. The Business Resource Center's mission is to maximize small business success, and to that end, provides ongoing seminars and training programs to support business start up and growth. Find out about current seminar dates and times under Events.

Seminar Descriptions:

Smart Start to Business Success is designed for the first time entrepreneur who is exploring the possibilities of business start up and seeking basic information on legal, accounting, funding and business insurance issues. Topics include:

• Choosing the legal entity
• Accounting and record-keeping
• Financing
• Insurance options
• Business services available in Howard County

Smart Start To Business Success is presented by area attorneys, accountants, bankers, and insurance advisors. This seminar provides an excellent opportunity to network and find out about areas resources available to assist the first-time entrepreneur.

Developing Your First Business Plan is specifically designed for the first-time entrepreneur. Key issues addressed will include: 

• Business concept
• Market opportunity
• Pricing and competition
• The balance sheet
• Income and expense projections
• Types and sources of funding

The instructor, Vincent J. Mallozzi is President of International Marketing Systems, Inc., a business management/consulting firm working with and teaching entrepreneurs to maximize performance and profits. Mr. Mallozzi focuses on assisting business owners with a full range of planning, counseling and training services.  He has developed and delivers business courses through the auspices of Howard Community College and SCORE (Counselors to America's Small Business).

Franchising: Safe or Hidden Risks? Travel with an experienced guide to explore the world of franchising and how it works.  Discussion will include:

• The fundamentals of buying a new or existing franchise
• Why franchising is so successful
• How to select the right industry and the right franchise
• What a franchisor looks for in a prospective franchisee
• The disclosure document
• Avoiding pitfalls

The Instructor, Lee Meizlesh, is an experienced guide with extensive knowledge and practical experience in franchising and business brokerage.

Government Contracting Seminar is designed for owners of large and small businesses who are considering competing in the Federal market and those who are in the early phases of entry.

• Procurement jargon
• Evaluating and identifying the market
• Effective strategies and tactics for marketing to the federal government 
• Proposal & contract development
• Minority and Small Disadvantaged Business Certifications
• Contract administration and the FAR
• Accounting vs. Government Contract Accounting
• Components of the accounting system
• Policies and procedures

Gloria Berthold, Dennis Smythe and Rhonda Tomlinson recently partnered to form Government Contracting Resources, LLC (GCR), a national organization which serves the needs of those companies interested in doing business with the government as well as enhancing operations for those who are in the early phases of entry.  GCR will help you navigate the the maze of government contracting and will cover the steps to procurement success.  GCR presents an overview of government contract terminology, regulations, Minority and Small Disadvantaged Business Certifications, and accounting processes--all which will position you for success in the federal contracting arena.

Selling Your Business? Get the Biggest Paycheck of Your Life! You built a small business and now you're thinking about selling it.  However, you don't have a clue as to how to prepare, value, market, negotiate, or close the deal.  Learn about the total process, from your decision to sell to packaging a deal that will bring you the maximum value.  Issues addressed include:

• Preparing for the sale
• Likely buyers
• Preparing appropriate documentation
• Discussions/Negotiations
• Valuation
• Packaging for maximum value
• Closing the deal
• Avoiding common mistakes

The instructor, Rich Madzel, is an experienced entrepreneur and partner of Business Match, Inc. (BMI).  BMI functions as a consultant to owners of small businesses to sell or prepare their business for sale.  After 17 years of operating, in April 2005, Rich Madzel sold his local business in only 14 days.  Since that time he has sold or participated in the sale of six more companies and is currently negotiating the sale of others.  His most recent sale was completed in just five weeks.  Rich Madzel has "been there, done that."  The process that BMI uses to achieve this success will be the basis for this workshop.

Export Howard County: Focus on Small Business will help you take the first steps to launch your business into the global marketplace.  Workshop graduates will learn what it takes to compete globally and create an effective Export Marketing Plan. This is a two-session workshop.

Entry-level topics will include:

• Assessing export readiness and market potential
• Developing market entry strategies
• Identifying "best" export markets
• Building distribution networks
• Finding export customers
• Mechanics of exporting

Intermediate-level topics will include:

• International legal considerations
• Shipping your product
• Pricing, Quotations, and Terms
• Business travel abroad
• Financing Options/Methods of payment
• After-sales service

The instructor, Vincent Mallozzi, is currently president of International Marketing Systems, a professional management organization working with and teaching business owners how to achieve increased performance using the Decision Level Management system.  Mr. Mallozzi works with small and mid-size companies seeking to expand.  He provides due diligence services for clients developing international technology transfer programs.  He has been successful in winning new business contracts with governmental agencies overseas.  These contracts have allowed his clients to penetrate new overseas markets or agencies with significant growth opportunities.

All seminars and workshops are held at the Center for Business and Technology Development, Thomas Dorsey Building, 9250 Bendix Road, North, Columbia, Maryland 21045.  For on-line seminar registration and credit card payment, click on events or call (410)313-6550.