May Workshop Schedule at Business Resource Center Released

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

By Sonia Isotov

The Maui County Business Resource Center is sponsoring several workshops in May delivered by local business consultants and industry experts with advice and information on a wide variety of topics customized for Maui County small business owners and entrepreneurs.

The workshops are generally free, unless otherwise noted below, and 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.

May 18 (Tuesday) – “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.

May 19 (Wednesday) – Quick + Easy Marketing “Miracle Cures” by Timothy Wenk
Learn how to quickly improve your marketing and get more customers (all on a very tight budget).  This full hour workshop will be jam-packed with low-cost (and even no-cost) marketing techniques your small business can use right away. BONUS:  The first 15 people who attend will get a 1-hour audio CD, “How to Double Your Business”. For 30 years Mr. Wenk has been a professional magician!  What can a magician possibly teach you about marketing?  Plenty!  99% of magicians are unable to “make it” — unable to make it into a profession.  On the other hand, Tim has developed it into a thriving business. How? By using the exact same marketing techniques, tips, and strategies he’ll be teaching in this seminar.

May 24 (Tuesday) – “Cost Cutting Strategies for Small Business” by Rennie West
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 for years to come.  Please bring in your current Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss statement to make the most of this workshop.  Instructor, Rennie West, has extensive experience in management in the restaurant industry.  In 2006, she was the recipient of the Mayor’s Small Business Award for businesses with 50 or more employees.  She loves to share her visions and business experiences with entrepreneurs.

Richard Kehoe, MBA, CPA is a long-time SCORE counselor, and the lead SCORE representative on Maui. He delivers the QuickBooks workshop.

May 26 –“QuickBooks for Small Business” by Richard Kehoe, 5 pm to 8 pm, $45 per session

Learn to set up your companies QuickBooks in a small class setting with personalized tutoring.  This class is for new users and will teach you how to record sales, receive payments, prepare invoices and balance your checkbook.  Get customized answers and schedule a follow-up appointment at no cost to discuss YOUR solutions.  Sponsored by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and presented by Richard Kehoe, CPA and lead SCORE counselor.

May 26 (Thursday) – “How a Risk Management Program Can Save Your Business Money” by Thomas Somermeier
This workshop will provide information on why you should have a health and safety program/plan.   Worker’s Compensation and Claims Management and the Substance Abuse Prevention Program will be addressed. Thomas Somermeier currently holds the position of Director of Risk Management for Kilakila Employer Services and Majestic Risk Management Services. He has been involved in security, safety and health, and public service positions, here on Maui. Before moving to Maui Thomas served in the Fire Service for 18 years in Northern California as a Battalion Chief and Fire Chief. Thomas is the President of the Maui Safety Association and Chairperson of the Maui Chamber of Commerce Business Education Committee.

May 31 –“I Don’t Know What I’m Doing:  Ten Reasons Why NOT TO Go Into Business – Do It Anyway” by Dr. Robert Santry
This workshop provides insight into early roadblock which new business owners face at the beginning.  The entrepreneur faces ten reasons why not to go into business.  The instructor, Dr. Robert Santry, demonstrates how to deal with the terror barrier (fear) and turn negative thinking into positive thinking, and make a breakthrough.  Dr. Robert Santry serves as CEO and Master Coach-Consultant-Trainer of Life & Success Adventures.  He enjoys helping people discover passion and purpose and turn it into a profit-making business.

The Maui County Business Resource Center is a County of Maui project thru the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development. Free business counseling sessions are also available with experience SCORE counselor. To register or make an appointment with a SCORE counselor, please call the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247. Seating is limited and all workshops are subject to change or cancellation.