More Free Classes Than Ever At County Business Center

The Maui County Business Resource Center offers numerous workshops and business development services; located at the Maui Mall in Kahului.

By Sonia Isotov

Karen Arawaka, the Small Business Advocate for Maui County, and the new manager at the Maui County Business Resource Center has outdone herself this month as she’s secured more speakers than ever to deliver expert advice and information on a wide variety of topics pertinent to Maui County small businesses.

The workshops are free and run normally from 12 pm – 1 pm at the Maui County Business Resource Center, located at the Maui Mall, in Kahului, across from IHOP. Space is limited so call to reserve a spot for workshop on business startup, financing, and a variety of business development topics.

April 12 – “Critical Communication” by Wave Bannister
Would you like to learn how to deal with challenging co-workers and customers?  Author, Emotional Therapist and Global Speaker, Wave Bannister, has spent numerous hours assisting entrepreneurs and business teams with this crucial subject.  He will be presenting solutions to help you to overcome this challenge.  Wave’s recent book, “How to Talk to Someone You Don’t Want to-But Have to” is also the foundation for his University of Hawaii Maui College class.  A class overview of this upcoming luncheon is available at 222.wavejbannister.com.

April 20 – “Protecting Trade Secrets, Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights” by Shannon S. Imlay, Esq.
Discover the strategic uses of intellectual property and cost-effective ways of protecting your ideas. The class will educate entrepreneurs, inventors and business owners on how to protect intellectual property, the cost of protection, the pros and cons of working with invention promoters, and where to turn for resources.  Shannon S. Imlay is an intellectual property attorney practicing on Maui and licensed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

April 21 – “The Business of Art” by Ira Ono
Ira Ono, renowned Hawaii artist, entrepreneur, and educator, will speak on pricing your product for profit; creating a competitive edge for foolproof presentations, focusing on buyers of galleries, gift shops and department stores; creating multiples for increased sales; what to look for in hiring trustworthy home workers, independent contractors and other studio help. Also included are internet marketing; catalog sales; trade show; visual merchandising and affordable display techniques; packaging and presentation for wholesale, retail and fine gallery sales.

April 26 – “Top 5 Ways to Boost Your Business” by Julie Migneault
Are you looking to generate more income? Have you lost sight of why you’re in business? Perhaps your business is thriving, but you would like more balance in your life, more time for YOU.  Maybe you just want to maintain the success and ease with which you’ve grown your business. Are you just starting out and want to avoid common pitfalls? Julie Migneault is a business coach and consultant devoted to helping organizations create sustainable, successful businesses. She works with clients who are ready to take their business to the next level through her coaching and consulting methodologies.

Richard Kehoe, MBA, CPA is a long-time SCORE counselor, and the lead SCORE representative on Maui. Numerous business owners have received his free business counseling and mentoring at the MCBRC.

April 27 – “Starting a Business in Maui County” by Karen Arakawa
Lectured by Karen Arakawa of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, this seminar covers general information and requirements for starting a business in Maui County.  Handouts, website addresses and other helpful information included.

April 28 – “The ABC’s of a Business Plan” by Susie Thieman
Susie Thieman, Director of MEO Business Development Corp. will discuss the reason for writing a business plan.  Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught by MEO’s Core Four Business Plan Course.  Thieman has more than 25 years of small business startup and management experience and oversees the MEO business loan funds.

As seating is limited, reservations are requested and may be made by calling the Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC) at 873-8247.  Attendees are asked to bring their own lunches.  All workshops are subject to change or cancellation.  Appointment for free business counseling sessions with experience SCORE counselors can also be made by calling 873-8247.  The MCBRC is County of Maui Facility brought to you by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.