Center provides multiple training programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners

BY KATIE MULDOON

The Florida Small Business Development Center, hosted at Indian River State College, recognizes the top priority for small business owners is to run the business. Dedicating time to attend business training and professional development education is an almost impossible task for small business owners.

However, significant benefits and opportunities can and do exist for those who participate in continuing business education. Regular participation in business training programs can provide critical and valuable information to owners seeking to grow and expand their businesses and revenues.

Katie Muldoon serves the community and Indian River State College as the Administrative & Outreach Specialist for the Florida SBDC at IRSC.  

The FSBDC at IRSC provides high-value training programs throughout the year that focus on vital business issues including social media marketing and financial management. The center also offers Start-Smart, a class for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Attending business training programs is tough — but what’s not tough about owning a small business. The question is: What would you do to potentially grow revenues and earn more profit?

Here are some of FSBDC’s training opportunities:

DIGITAL MARKETING BOOT CAMP
This three-day program is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, marketing students, managers, and others seeking to strengthen their digital marketing presence, effectiveness and strategy. The focus will be on creating a positive digital presence on social media and establishing a digital marketing strategy. Some of the subjects to be discussed include:

Leanna Haag, FSBDC digital media consultant.

• What a buyer’s persona is and how one can be created for a service or product
• Drafting a marketing plan
• Implementing your marketing plan on social media
• Defining your target market
• Tailoring your marketing message
• Creating a call to action

Conducting the class will be Leanna Haag, an FSBDC digital media consultant. Haag, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing at the University of Central Florida, has acquired years of marketing experience working for corporations to develop and execute tactical marketing plans at the regional and national level.

Haag launched her digital media company, See Level Marketing, in 2009 to assist regional businesses in managing their online presence. She has worked with all types of businesses, including local governments, to improve their search engine ranking with website development and search engine optimization, internet advertising, email marketing, online directories and development of tactical internet marketing plans. She recently accepted the digital media consultant position to help local businesses begin the recovery process from the COVID-19 pandemic.

PROFIT MASTERY
The financial management training program is the Profit Mastery course. This 16-hour course offers the participant high-level training to better understand and manage their business financials.

Partnering with multiple local lenders, the FSBDC at IRSC has scholarships to cover the $499 course cost. Business owners who attend are encouraged to include their bookkeepers, payroll execs, managers, and others who may benefit from strengthening their financial management skills.

Steve LeFever, founder and chairman of Profit, is a national leader in the development of practical financial programs and training for the independent business community. His dual role as a successful entrepreneur and as a commercial banker gives him a unique perspective on financial analysis, business management, and practical business decisions.

The programs are led by veteran business consultants possessing extensive knowledge of financial management. Consultants Frank Fink of Vero Beach, Michael Bernard of Port St. Lucie and Clifton Vaughn of Fort Pierce coordinate classes across the Treasure Coast with programs planned in every county throughout the remainder of the year.

START SMART ORIENTATION
Aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners are encouraged to participate in monthly Start Smart Orientation programs. This two-hour workshop provides a fundamental overview of what it takes to start a business in Florida. It is designed for potential entrepreneurs in the pre-venture or startup phase of establishing a new business. It is the first step in your journey toward reaching your business goals with the guidance and resources that are available through the FSBDC at IRSC.

To register contact your local FSBDC at IRSC at fsbdc@irsc.edu or call 772.336.6285.

See the original article in the print publication

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