Business Workshops Announced

Are you a business owner or looking to become one? Victoria Compton from the Economic Development Council reminds us that because of the EDC’s grant from the USDA last year, islanders can now attend most of the EDASC (Economic Development Association of Skagit County) classes below via webstream at very low cost….

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County presents the next installments of its Education Series. Sessions are designed for both the seasoned business professional and the budding entrepreneur. The series is designed around workgroups that allow business owners to engage and learn from each other’s experiences. Topics presented in this program are based on current needs with the most current listings available on-line at www.Skagit.org.

Business owners, managers and entrepreneurs may participate in these sessions in-person or by live web streaming to a computer near them.

12/6 – Swing in to the Holidays. Join us in kicking off the 2013 Holiday Season in high style! This festive evening is filled with music, good friends, champagne & diamonds, delicious food and a high-energy fast-paced auction. All proceeds benefit EDASC & our programs. 6pm: Social Hour, featuring special entertainment. 7pm: Elegant dinner catered by Swinomish Lodge followed by a lively auction, entertainment and dancing. Registration information available on-line or by calling 360-336-6114.

12/10 – Planning and Financing a Business. A three and a half hour odyssey of what it takes to start and maintain a high performing business. From financing to business plans this is a must do for anyone who has recently started or is considering to launch a business. FREE! 1:00pm – 4:30pm. Refreshments provided.

12/11 – SBA and Other Lending Programs. Join with other business owners, lenders and lending program officials in a discussion regarding the various government lending programs. From small to massive the tools and resources for your projects will be on the table. Bring your questions – take home contacts to take plans in to action. 10:00 – 11:30am. No cost!

12/19 – Stump the Business Advisor. Have a tough question? Something on your mind? Join in this talk radio show formatted session. Attend live for the entire event or stream/call in for just your question. Unscripted and hosted and by EDASC’s own Kevin Hoult and James McCafferty. Register on-line for in-person attendance or surf to: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/830600045 to participate on-line or to receive a call in phone number. 4:00 – 5:00pm. No cost!

1/7 – Exporting Resources. Exporting is becoming critical to most businesses – from agriculture to retail. In this session discuss tools and processes to identify new markets, understand how to ship your items and how to make sure you get paid. Bring your questions and find answers from exporting experts. $10 member or streaming, $20 non-members. 12:00 – 1:30. Lunch provided.

1/14 – Planning and Financing a Business. A three and a half hour odyssey of what it takes to start and maintain a high performing business. From financing to business plans this is a must do for anyone who has recently started or is considering to launch a business. FREE! 1:00pm – 4:30pm. Refreshments provided.

1/23– Private Placement. Are you thinking about using someone else’s money in your business? In the past year the rules about how a business attracts and contractually obligates itself to individuals have shifted dramatically. In this session hear from Washington’s Department of Financial Institutions how your business may be able to legally attract outside private investments. $10 member or streaming, $20 non-members. 12:00 – 1:30. Lunch provided.

Sessions are presented in the EDASC offices located at 204 West Montgomery in Mount Vernon (unless otherwise noted in the description). Advanced registration is required on-line at www.skagit.org or 360-336-6114.

The EDASC Education Series was created by EDASC in response to concerns from local business owners and overall increased demand from new businesses. This series presents a wide variety of business topics designed for both those opening a new business or those wanting to take their business to the next level. “In these uncertain economic times it is imperative that business owners and managers be given the support they need,” said Don Wick EDASC’s Executive Director.

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