Business Resource Center Announces March Workshops

By Sonia Isotov     

The County of Maui Office of Economic Development announced today its schedule of upcoming business startup, financing, and business development workshops for March.   

The Maui County Business Resource Center is located at the Maui Mall, across from IHOP.

These educational events are normally free or very affordable, and delivered by industry experts, at the Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC) located in the Maui Mall.   

“Cost Cutting Strategies for Small Business”
Tuesday, March 8, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Learn about tips and tools for creative cost-cutting measures that makes strategic sense. Cut expenses in areas of your existing business to outpace the competition.   

“ABC’s of a Business Plan”
Wednesday, March 9, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Susie Thieman of the MEO Business Dev Corp will discuss the reason for writing a business plan. Participants will receive an outline of the business plan used by MEO Core
Four Business Plan course.   

“4 Steps to Building a Profitable Business”
Wednesday, March 16, Noon to 1 pm – FREE
This presentation provides you with four action steps: 1) Identify your target audience, 2) Develop a program that will get you paid, 3) Create a marketing strategy, and 4) Sell your products and services.   

“Separating your Business Credit from Personal Credit”
Friday, March 18, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Learn how to build business credit without any personal credit or individual guarantees. Mike Kern will share his financing expertise derived from being a business owner for over 45 years. 

“Taking Advantage of Increased Visual Marketing Opportunities”   

The Office of Economic Development ;s Small Business Advocate, Karen Arakawa, manages the Maui County Business Resource Center

Tuesday, March 22, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Learn about the new Maui County Sign Ordinance Amendments and how your business can use it as an opportunity for marketing exposure. Dollar for dollar, signage is the clear winner when it comes to visibility and sales. Doug Allan, owner of Island Signs, was a member of the subcommittee that provided suggestive changes to county rules in regards to commercial signs. He has been designing and manufacturing signs for more than two decades.   

“Bringing New Products to Market”
Thursday, March 24, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Want to bring tutu’s ono cookies to market, or that next great skin product? Whatever the new food or product idea you have, SCORE Marketing Consultant, Steve Rose will outline the basics of getting it ready for retail. Maui resources for new product introduction will also be covered. Steve Rose is President of Gingseng Strategies, a Maui based “Adapogenic Consulting Company” and is past chair of The Made in Maui Trade Association.

“Starting a Business in Maui County”
Friday, March 25, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Karen S. Arakawa, Small Business Advocate
Lectured by Karen S. Arakawa of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, this seminar covers general information and requirement for starting a business in Maui County. Handouts, websites and other helpful information included.  

“Business Financing Available”
Monday, March 28, Noon to 1pm – FREE
Would a term loan of up to $30k help you start or expand your business? Would an emergency loan of up to $2k help your business immediately? do you have bad credit? If any of these examples apply to you and your business, you will want to hear what David Daly, Loan Fund Manager of MEO, BDC, has to say about their loan programs.   

 “Personal Development Strategies for Business Success”
Wednesday, March 30, Noon to 1 pm – FREE
How would you like to learn about turning your dreams, gifts and talents into a revenue reality? This class will teach you empowerment strategies that will lead you to financial success in both business and in life. Leslie Garcia, the instructor, is a real estate broker and a life coach. She holds a degree in Sociology and Business Administration from Whittier College.     

For more information, please call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247.