The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Expands Small Business University Course Offerings to Serve Local Businesses

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce an expanded 2019 Small Business University course schedule. Small Business University (SBU) is an 18-series course taught by industry professionals to provide foundational practices to build and maintain a successful small business.

In response to the increasing demand for seminars geared toward small business owners, The Chamber Seminar Team expanded the SBU curriculum to include two series: SBU 100 (11 two-hour sessions) and SBU 200 (seven two-hour sessions). Sessions can be purchased individually or as a series.

“As a small business owner and Chamber member, I am excited to participate in the Small Business University series that will be offered by The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce beginning January 2019,” said Ann Wolford of The Wolford Group and volunteer team leader of The Chamber Seminar Team. “Whether you are a well-established small business or someone considering opening a small business, the offerings will benefit everyone. Whether it’s cash management and budgeting, writing a business plan, or addressing IT or HR issues, the series covers the gamut of essentials for running business efficiently, effectively and profitably.”

“Small Business University grew out of The Chamber Seminar Team and the quality of volunteers and professional network that make up this group,” said Cyndi Alvarado, vice president of membership for The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and staff liaison to The Chamber Seminar Team. “SBU perfectly aligns with The Chamber’s four core functions to advocate for your business, provide marketing and networking opportunities, serve as community and professional resource and promote charitable causes. This professional resource will greatly serve our membership demographic self-described as small business or starting businesses.”

SBU 101 will begin January 30 and meet once a month for two-hour sessions; and SBU 201 will begin April 4. All courses will meet at The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce office, located at 9320 Lakeside Blvd., Suite 200 in The Woodlands.

The cost for an individual session is $50 and Chamber members receive a discounted rate of $25. The SBU 100 series is available for a discounted bundle rate of $200 for Chamber members and $300 for prospective members until January 30. The SBU 200 series is available for a discounted bundle rate of $100 for Chamber members and $200 for prospective members until April 4.

SBU 100 courses include:

SBU 101: So, You Want to be an Entrepreneur? Panelists include Brian Albert, The Strong Firm; Jay Tompkins, Baker Tilly; Jeremy Horton, Woodforest National Bank; Wynter Patterson, Lone Star College Small Business Development Center; and Bob Milner, TerBo Performance Inc. on Wednesday, January 30 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 102: Business Plan Basics, presented by Barry Blanton, Blanton Advisors on Thursday, February 7 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 103: Tax Updates, presented by Kyle Kmiec, Calvetti Ferguson on Thursday, February 28 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 104: Liability and Entity Formation, presented by: Clay McCollor, Knighton & Stone PLLC on Thursday, March 21 from 9-11 a.m

SBU 105: Understanding Your Financials / Cash Management, presented by Lynne Abercrombie, Haynie & Company on Wednesday, April 24 from 9-11 a.m

SBU 106: HR Department for Small Businesses, presented by Haley Paul, Stibbs & Co. on Thursday, May 16 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 107: CRM Software Solutions, presented by Stephen Wright, Wright Business Technologies on Thursday, June 13 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 108: Building Your Marketing Plan, presented by Kristy Sexton, Adcetera on Tuesday, July 16 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 109: Sales Training Essentials, presented by Steve Barry, Waste Connections, Inc. on Thursday, August 29 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 110: Tools to Teaching a Workshop, presented by P. Natalia Turnquest, Providence Corporate Services on Thursday, September 12 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 111: Franchising Opportunities, presented by Josh Cherry, Delta Life Franchising on Thursday, September 19 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 200 courses include:

SBU 201: Securing Funding – SBA Preferred and Non-Preferred Lenders, presented by Richard Rector, Green Bank on Thursday, April 4 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 202: Mock DOL Audit for HR, presented by Cheryl House, Marsh & McLennan Agency on Tuesday, May 21 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 203: IT Cyber Risks, presented by Dean Schulte, Strike; and Noel Kersh, Pathway Forensics on Thursday, June 20 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 204: Social Media Marketing, Panelists include Martin Obiozor, Empowered Pulse and Siva Yenneti, ITVibes, Inc. on Tuesday, July 30 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 205: Pitfalls: How to Manage Your Employees, presented by Haley Paul, Stibbs & Co. on Thursday, August 15 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 206: Alternative Funding Options, Panelists include Jay Tompkins, Baker Tilly; Mac Winston, PPCLOAN; and Byron Ellis, United Capital Financial Life Management on Thursday, October 3 from 9-11 a.m.

SBU 207: How to Keep Growing Your Business, presented by Megan Alarid, Heightened Leaders on Thursday, October 17 from 9-11 a.m.

For more information and registration, visit www.WoodlandsChamber.org/SBU or contact Cyndi Alvarado at Cyndi.Alvarado@woodlandschamber.org or 281-367-5777.