Starting a New Business? Get Tips at FBCL!

Are you thinking about starting a new business? Would you like ideas for helping your business grow?  Fort Bend County Libraries will have several programs in May for small-business entrepreneurs.

The programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the branch library or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.

  • Creating a Business Plan” -- University Branch Library – Friday, May 3, 10:30 am, Meeting Room 1.

    SCORE mentor Tiffany Taylor-Hicks will provide insight into how to create a customized business plan that will achieve successful results through increased client sales. Learn how to develop strategies by knowing the competition and understanding one’s customers and their needs.

    Owner of Velvet Rope Experience, Taylor-Hicks is a business consultant, trainer, and entrepreneur. She has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning, business development, creating business plans, and project management.

    This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those attending this program will learn about resources that are available through SCORE and how to draw on the experience of other SCORE members.

    Registration not required.
     
  • Starting a Business” -- Sugar Land Branch Library – Monday, May 6, 7:00-8:00 pm, Meeting Room.

    Many start-up businesses are doomed to failure because of lack of planning. This workshop will cover the various steps one needs to consider when starting a business.

    Business owner Chante Espinosa will explain how and where to begin to establish one’s business. Learn the importance of developing a financial plan, and gain a better understanding of options for funding. Get tips on marketing a business and staying motivated.

    Registration not required.
     
  • Blogging for Dollars” -- Sienna Branch Library – Tuesday, May 7, 2:00 pm, Computer Lab.

    The class will consist of a hands-on introduction for people who would like to learn how to set up and maintain a blog. Discover ways that blogs can be used to earn money or support a business venture.

    Click here to register, or call 281-238-2900.
     
  • CANCELLED: “Simple Steps to Fund a Business” -- First Colony Branch Library – Saturday, May 11, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Meeting Room.

    SCORE mentor Mike Davis will talk about sources of funding for beginning entrepreneurs who are planning to start a new business. Get a better understanding of what financing a business will need and what lenders look for before providing money.

    Davis received his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and has worked in the financial industry for 34 years. As a SCORE mentor, he assists small-business entrepreneurs with their business plants, financial analysis, cashflows, and marketing.

    This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Those attending this program will learn about resources that are available through SCORE and how to draw on the experience of other SCORE members.

    Registration not required.
     
  • Facebook for Business Pages” -- Sienna Branch Library – Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 pm, Computer Lab.

    One of the most popular social-media sites, Facebook offers a wealth of resources for the small-business owner. Learn how a business page differs from a personal page, how to set up a business page, and how to take advantage of some of the unique features that a business page provides.

    Click here to register, or call 281-238-2900.
     
  • Understanding Financial Statements” -- Cinco Ranch Branch Library – Saturday, May 18, 10:30 am-12:30 pm, Meeting Room.

    SCORE mentor Cristy Fontanilla will explain the importance of individual components of financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, sources, and uses of funds. Learn how the meaningful interpretation and analysis of these statements can be critical to the success of a business. Fontanilla will also talk about assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity, and how they relate to the success of a business.

    Fontanilla is a Certified Management Accountant, Internal Auditor, Fraud Examiner, and Public Accountant. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Accounting, at the University of Santo Tomas. She has more than 30 years of experience handling financial reporting, internal auditing, Sarbanes Oxley compliance review, and fraud prevention and investigation. She has worked in manufacturing and service companies in the United States, Canada, and internationally. She is a managing partner with FAS Bookkeeping & Tax Services.

    This program is presented in partnership with SCORE, the non-profit mentoring arm of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE is an all-volunteer group with real-world business experience that is dedicated to helping small businesses succeed.

    Refreshments for this program are provided through the generous support of the Friends of the Cinco Ranch Branch Library.

    Registration not required.