I would like to take this opportunity to reintroduce the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and briefly discuss the functions and goals of this office. The SBDC was established to further economic development through the provision of management and technical assistance to small businesses.

The Center provides assistance, guidance and the tools for clients to perform the work for themselves. The SBDC specializes in new business startup information, business planning, market feasibility, loan packaging assistance, bookkeeping and accounting, tax planning and information, marketing to government entities, international trade and many other areas too numerous to mention.

In addition to the above services provided, the SBDC conducts a minimum of two free or very low-cost workshops, conferences or small business seminars monthly. Training courses range from introductory courses for aspiring entrepreneurs to advanced seminars for experienced small business owners. There is also a Computer Learning Center located in the SBDC offices which introduces clients to computers and software packages with hands-on tutorial training programs.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free computer assistance on a variety of software products to our clients. The SBDC computer learning center is now an up-to-date center with newer computers and connected directly into Sam Houston State University (SHSU). This Center is also available for short and long-term leasing. We continue to provide instruction and assistance in the latest in software, including the industry leader, Microsoft Office 2007 and Windows XP.

The Center will be offering QuickBooks Pro 2009 ($50 a session), (PART I) on Tuesday Feb. 17, (PART II) Tuesday, Feb. 24, and (PART III) Tuesday, March 3, from 6-9 p.m. and Business Plan Pro 11.0 (no fee) as part of the regular business training schedule. Training on Adobe Photoshop and In Design is available upon request.

I am often amazed at the number of small businesses that are still using the stubby pencil method of running their businesses. As small businesses become established, their need for a computer and a variety of business software quickly grows. Despite the ease of setting up computerized books, billing procedures and word processing, many business owners/managers are hesitant to take the first step and often don't know where to begin. The Small Business Development Center can help with many of the problems that arise and I urge every small business to take advantage of our computer assistance.

If you need assistance in developing a business idea, but aren't sure how to get started, we are offering a “First Step To Starting a Small Business” seminar on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and March 19 at the Small Business Development Center. If you would like to make a reservation, call (936) 294-3737.

Robert A. Barragan is the Director of the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) (College of Business Administration), located at 2424 Sam Houston Avenue, Building A, Huntsville, Texas. The office hours of the SBDC are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. To make an appointment, or for more information, please call the SBDC at (936) 294-3737. The SBDC serves Walker, Leon, Madison, Trinity, Houston, San Jacinto, and portions of Liberty and Montgomery Counties.