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 main objective of the SBDC is to assist in new business startups and to keep already existing businesses in operation by helping the small business owner or prospective owner help him or herself.

The Center provides free 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 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 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). We offer free Wi-Fi to our clients as well as free use of the computers in the Learning Center.

The following are upcoming seminars that will be held at the Small Business Development Center:

• “First Step to Starting Your Own Business” on Jan. 26 and March 11 from 6-8 p.m. No Fee.

• “Business Plan with Business Plan Pro” on Feb. 9 and March 25 from 6-8 p.m. No fee.

• “Scams, Shams & Flimflams” on Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Brown Bag Lunch). Great seminar on how to protect your business from money and identity theft. This seminar will be held at Huntsville Police Department, the presenter will be Officer Joe Thornton. No fee.

• “Quick Books Pro 2009 Part I” on Jan. 28 from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $50.

• “Quick Books Pro 2009 Part II” on Feb. 4 from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $50.

• “Quick Books Pro 2009 Part III” on Feb. 11 from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $50.

Call for reservations or register online at http://www.shsu.edu/sbdc.

If you would like to make a reservation for the seminar or an appointment to see a counselor for free, confidential, one-on-one counseling, please call (936) 294-3737.