Starting a Business in Northern Michigan
Are you starting a new business? This workshop helps you to determine if business ownership is right for you. You will learn essential strategies for starting and managing a successful business, including how to develop a business plan, reach your market potential, and access start-up capital. Find out about local, state, and federal financing programs, hear guest business owners, and discover resources available to help you start and grow a successful business. The cost of this course is partially underwritten by SBTDC. Class breaks one hour for lunch on your own.

Tues., June 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
University Center Rm. 216
Instructor: Chris Wendel
Cost: $59     Code: 10148

Starting an Online Business
If you are considering an online business or have recently launched your own enterprise, this crash course in the “essentials” is a positive next step. Explore the risks, rewards, methods, and special challenges of setting up shop online. What products lend themselves to internet sales? How do you establish a webstore, a shopping cart, and a merchant account? And what about handling accounting, inventory management, packaging, and shipping? Learn the fundamentals of online selling including marketing, search engine optimization, and other key elements for getting your products out in front of potential buyers. Consider do-it-yourself solutions vs. professional support. And, yes, there will be time for questions and discussion.

2 Tues., July 15 & 22, 6-8:30 p.m.
University Center Rm. 212
Instructor: Jordan Lindberg
Cost: $65      Code: 10151

Privacy and Personal Information
Practices in the Workplace
Breaches of sensitive personal data in the workplace happen more often than you think. Find out how to assess your level of risk and discover the impact of a data breach to your company including litigation, loss of customers/business, and the associated financial implications. Learn how to establish and maintain safeguards in handling personal information. Develop a response plan should a breach occur and understand how to create and communicate a privacy policy.

2 Tues., June 24 & July 1, 6-9 p.m.
Scholars Hall Rm. 103
Instructor: Patrick Keyes
Cost: $75     Code: 10153

From Your Table to Market—Food for Thought
Do you make a killer salsa? Is your hummus the envy of Leelanau County? This day-long workshop is designed to fast-track you, the food entrepreneur, through the business process from the planning stages to the finished product. You will get the information you need to take your food product idea and research its viability in the marketplace, perform cost projections, proto-type it, scale the recipe for production, research packaging concepts, production variables, and private-label options, meet government regulations, and develop relationships with the appropriate processor and distributor. The day includes featured guest speakers representing the food processing and distribution industry. The course is taught in cooperation with the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center and Food for Thought.

Mon., June 23, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
University Center Rm. 207
Instructor: Chris Wendel
Cost: $79, includes lunch and materials    
Code: 10164