The 13th annual event at the Buffalo Convention Center is a half-day seminar that includes lectures on specific topics of interest, as well as one-on-one business counseling. Participants can also take advantage of opportunities to network with other business owners and visit information booths staffed by local business resources.
The seminars are 60 minutes each, with participants able to choose two of the five topics as well as the introductory session on “Business Basics,” which deals with business plans. Other topics are how to clean up a personal credit history in preparation for getting a loan, how to apply for the loan itself, how to run a home-based business, and information on taxes, permits and licenses.
Special invited guests include Erie County Executive Chris Collins, Buffalo Mayor Byron
W. Brown, and senior SBA officials from Washington and New York City.
The program will run from 8 a. m. to 1:30 p. m. The cost is $20 at the door, or $15 for those who pre-register by Wednesday, or $10 for students with valid identification. Veterans with proof of status are free. The fee includes a continental breakfast, parking and a coupon for free admission to the actual Straight Talk series.
The series offers more information about starting, running, or growing a business. It begins in February and runs for eight straight Tuesdays from 6 p. m. to 8:30 p. m. at the Rev. Bennett Smith Family Life Center at 833 Michigan Ave. The cost is $5 per session without the coupon.
By Jonathan Epstein
NEWS BUSINESS REPORTER
