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February 9, 2010 Madison	SMALL BUSINESS DISCUSSION CIRCLE (TAX ISSUES) Talk with a WWBIC representative in an informal group setting about a specific business issue.  Take home a valuable packet of business resources.
February 9, 2010 Eau Claire	ABC's of Business  The ABC’s of Business Ownership 3-Day Workshop                                        The Western Dairyland Business Center and Women’s Business Center present The ABC’s of Business Ownership.  This 3-day workshop will be held Tuesday evenings in February on the 9th, 16th, and 23rd.  This workshop teaches participants how to start a business by assembling the pieces of a business plan.
February 9, 2010 Watertown	First Step to Starting a Business Single-evening class covers basics of starting a business, helps you make sure starting a business is right for you and introduces you to resources for new business start-ups. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
February 9 - April 27, 2010 Eau Claire	Entreprenuerial Training Program Evolve Your Idea, Plan for Profit.    Understanding the full scope of what it takes to start and run a small business is like climbing the proverbial mountain. We understand the necessary steps to success, that’s why we developed the Entrepreneurial Training Program. It’s an efficient set of classes designed specifically to help you develop a valued business plan and recognize what it takes to build a thriving business! A comprehensive business plan is the most critical part of your new venture Serves as your objective decision guide Reduces costly trial and error Required by lenders if seeking financing Will attract potential investors Greatly increase your chance of SUCCESS Whether your business is brand-new or expanding, writing a business plan is essential. The toughest parts are doing the research, organizing the information, and taking the time to write the plan. When you finish the weekly assignments in the Entrepreneurial Training Program, you will leave with a completed dynamic business plan.
February 10-11, 2010 Green Bay	Supervisory Leadership I Supervisory Leadership I offers guidance for aspiring or new leaders and pragmatic recommendations for leaders who seek to develop strong teams and drive outstanding results.  Explore different leadership styles and discover your own unique style.  Understand the transition into leadership and how your role and responsibilities are defined.
February 10, 2010 Milwaukee	WILL MY BUSINESS IDEA WORK? Will My Business Idea Work? Have you made the decision to go into business?  The next step is to explore the potential of your business idea.  We will focus on examining the feasibility of your business idea, exploring ways to market the product or service, and identifying some next steps & resources for starting your business, including an introduction to the business plan.
February 11, 2010 Milwaukee	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and on't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
February 11, 2010 La Crosse	Financial Basics for Business Financial statements can help you make key decisions for your business. This three-hour workshop provides an introduction to three basic financial statements used by business owners: income statement, cash flow statement, and the balance sheet.  Not only will you learn how to read these financial statements, but you will also learn how to use them for better management control.
February 11 - April 15, 2010 Kenosha	SMALL BIZ $mall Biz This series provides in-depth learning for starting a business.  Participants can complete a draft of their business plans through weekly worksheets and exercises.  Extensive information will be provided on business financing and ownership, market research, marketing strategies. record keeping, cash flow, business operations and management.  Weekly guest speakers will include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs.  ***Orientation session is required for all Small Biz participants.
February 11 - April 29, 2010 West Bend	Entrepreneur Training Program Entrepreneur Training Program - Business Plan               The Entrepreneur Training Program combines the power of classroom instruction using the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac curriculum, with peer networking and experienced business counseling to help you create the best business plan for your concept and learn the critical skills you need to open a business. Are you struggling to write your business plan? Are you looking for financing? Do you need a strategy to guide your growth plans? If so, enroll now to develop a plan and your abilities to start a business.
February 12, 2010 Fitchburg	New Year, New Strategic Planning Workshop Focus Strategic Solutions, a Madison-based business strategy and leadership development organization, has scheduled to debut the New Year, New Strategic Planning Workshop events on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the AAA Wisconsin in West Madison and Friday, February 12, 2010 at Promega in Fitchburg from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. At these full-day seminars, Jonathan and Carol Harrison will provide resources and guidance on topics that include the correct way to goal plan and execute productive tactical plans for both organizational and personal achievement , how to implement and maximize a dashboard to successfully achieve  goals, new ways to assess the impact of 2009 activities on 2010 actions, “getting yours” even in tough economic times, and other strategy topics to help those involved with business stay ahead of their competition.
February 13, 2010 Kenosha	QUICKBOOKS 101 QuickBooks™ 101 Do you need QuickBooks to computerize your bookkeeping? Learn how to best utilize this software to track your accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales and use tax, and other features in this basic introduction course. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
February 13, 2010 Kenosha	QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED QuickBooks™ Advanced Learn how QuickBooks takes all of your company’s information to create reports and maintain your business’ vital information. This workshop is meant to be one step above the QuickBooks 101 workshop. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
February 16 - March 30, 2010 Madison	Writing a Competitive NIH SBIR/STTR Research Proposal Are you seeking federal investments to support internal research and development projects for top line growth? Are you planning to submit an SBIR/STTR proposal for the NIH April or August deadlines? Do you want to learn how to write a more competitive research proposal? Do you need to learn about NIH research proposal guidelines? Do you need to learn the new NIH review process for SBIR/STTR proposals? Attend this special, eight session SBIR/STTR writing course for entrepreneurs and researchers to write and submit a competitive NIH research proposal for the upcoming deadlines.
February 16, 2010 Madison	Introduction to GSA Schedules Programs Every year Federal buyers use the GSA (General Services Administration) Schedules as their preferred method of purchasing.  Under the GSA Schedules Program (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules or the Federal Supply Schedules) GSA establishes long-term government wide contracts with businesses that provide commercial products and services.  Once a contract is established, these products and services can be ordered directly by government agencies.  State and local agencies, in certain circumstances, use GSA Schedules for their purchases.  This course will help you decide whether pursing a GSA Schedule contract is right for your business.
February 16, 2010 Madison	GSA Solicitatinos - Responding to Requirements This in-depth seminar focuses on how to complete the GSA Schedule solicitation paperwork and how to make a successful proposal/offer.  You will receive specialized guidance on organizing and positioning your company for a 5-year GSA contract award, including how to understand pricing policies and the regulations required in order to maximize a GSA Schedule contract.
February 16 - April 20, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Start-up Workshop (FastTrac New Venture) There’s no shortage of enthusiasm for starting or growing a business. And seemingly no limit to the availability of “how to,” “what to do,” and even “when to do it” guides for entrepreneurs. FastTrac NewVenture was designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development, FastTrac NewVenture helps you uncover the answers, and also helps you determine the questions to ask. This is a 10 session workshop that meets every Tuesday from February 16, 2010 - April 20, 2010 at 6pm-9pm.  Sessions are 3 hours long.
February 16 - May 11, 2010 Green Bay	"Stepping Up to New Opportunities" - E-Hub's Signature Entrepreneur Series Class meets on Tuesdays for 12 weeks from 6:00-8:00 p.m.   Urban Hope Entrepreneur Hub's ("E-Hub") signature entrepreneur series equips aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses with solid business ethics, exposure to innovative thinking, business planning skills, entrepreneurial management training, a culture of community leadership and dozens of hands-on small business and entrepreneurial issues and challenges.  The participant is empowered to realize his or her potential to create an impact on the economic landscape.   An "all-star" cast of volunteer business leaders, CEO's, attorneys and accountants spend hundreds of hours teaching, mentoring and networking with the entrepreneurs.   The three interrelated areas of training (business planning skills, entrepreneurial management training and a snapshot of 40 small business issues and challenges) lead progressively toward the participant becoming successful in overcoming obstacles and barriers confronted in entrepreneurship.  Each participant is exposed to all elements of preparing a business plan and its execution.   An affordable day and night series are offered.  Participants have come from over 80 communities throughout Wisconsin.
February 17-18, 2010 La Crosse	Maximizing Performance (Elective) If you are responsible for improving the performance of your work group, you will benefit by discussing performance issues with your peers from throughout the region.  Small business owners and production supervisors will find this seminar very practical and the suggestions are readily implemented.  People from health care, human services, banking, communication, engineering, utilities, construction, wholesale, retail, and manufacturing business settings have benefited from attending past sessions.
February 17 - May 5, 2010 Milwaukee	Entrepreneur Training Program Entrepreneur Training Program - Business Plan               The Entrepreneur Training Program combines the power of classroom instruction using the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac curriculum, with peer networking and experienced business counseling to help you create the best business plan for your concept and learn the critical skills you need to open a business. Are you struggling to write your business plan? Are you looking for financing? Do you need a strategy to guide your growth plans? If so, enroll now to develop a plan and your abilities to start a business.
February 17 - March 24, 2010 Madison	Developing Your Business Plan A written business plan helps you control your business rather than letting it control you. Attend this workshop to learn the business planning process and start writing your plan. Discover how to target your market, analyze competitors, and examine your strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to set goals and develop financial projections. At the end of the five sessions, you should have a first draft of your plan. Includes a comprehensive business planning text valued at $20!
February 18, 2010 West Bend	Advanced Government Contracting for Construction This course is the next step after “Introduction to Government Contracting for Construction.” It is geared to prime contracts and subcontractors that have completed the introductory course or that have some previous experience with government contracting.
February 18, 2010 Madison	BUSINESS LOAN INVESTIGATION LUNCH Have you ever wondered what to expect when applying for a business loan?  Meet a loan officer and find out the answers to your questions over an informal lunch.  Find out what loan officers and financial institutions are looking for in a good business plan.  Gain a better understanding for what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can prepare yourself to apply for a loan.  Bring your own lunch and your questions!
February 18, 2010 La Crosse	Planning Basics for Business Writing a business plan is more than a document, it is a planning process that will help your business be more successful! This three-hour class gives an introduction to what goes into a business plan, what resources are available, and how to get started. The class includes worksheets and exercises, a discussion of software programs and a look at sample plans.
February 19, 2010 Madison	Finding Federal Opportunities - Computer Lab This is a hands-on interactive workshop that will be held in a computer lab.  The first half of the training will be devoted to providing tips and techniques on how to search the Internet and government websites.  During the second half of the workshop, go online to locate government contracting opportunities targeted to your business.
February 19, 2010 Racine	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
February 19 - March 24, 2010 Madison	Entrepreneurial Training Program Entrepreneurial Training Program This is a comprehensive combination of courses, individual coaching and business plan development that is designed to help entrepreneurs develop business skills and attract financing. This program is available for start-up ventures or business expansion.    The Wisconsin Department of Commerce  is supporting this series through an Entrepreneurial Training Grant program. To take advantage of the Commerce grant reimbursement, participants must apply through the SBDC prior to starting the coursework.  Applications must be completed at least two weeks prior to the first class session.
February 20-27, 2010 Madison	START SMART: BUSINESS PLANNING BOOT CAMP Start Smart (Business Planning Boot Camp) One of the most important parts of starting or growing your business is writing a business plan.  This abbreviated business planning series is perfect for entrepreneurs who want to get started on the business planning process.  Over the course of two Saturdays and a one-on-one meeting with a WWBIC representative, participants will complete a draft business plan through worksheets and exercises. Lunch will be provided.
February 22, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: BANKING 101 How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
February 23, 2010 Milwaukee	LinkedIn LinkedIn can be your most powerful networking tool. Build networks- build sales prospects.  Learn the power of LinkedIn.   Presented by Wayne Breitbarth, M&M Office Interiors and LinkedIn Trainer, in partnership with South Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
February 23, 2010 Wautoma	Getting Your Business Ready for the Recovery This two-hour workshop will explore how to best position your business or start a new business to take advantage of the economic recovery and recent trends, such as green technology. In addition to financing options, there will also be a discussion of some of the top trends in marketing, new products, and technology for 2010 and beyond.
February 23, 2010 Kenosha	BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR Learn about a variety of financing options and the steps necessary to apply for a loan. Participants will meet representatives from several traditional and alternative financing agencies to learn which program will best suit their business financing needs.
February 24, 2010 Verona	MARKETING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY  This hands-on workshop explores a wide range of marketing strategies and tips used to get the word out about your business, attract and retain new customers, operate in a competitive marketplace, and fuel business growth. Topics include: low-cost promotion ideas, the three steps of a cost-effective marketing plan, and how to obtain free publicity.
February 24, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and on't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
February 24, 2010 Milwaukee	BUDGETING 101 Learn the skills needed to plan and stick to a budget.  The class is for people interested in budgeting for the first time or people who want to review their current budgets.
February 24, 2010 Oshkosh	Getting Your Business Ready for the Recovery This two-hour workshop will explore how to best position your business or start a new business to take advantage of the economic recovery and recent trends, such as green technology. In addition to financing options, there will also be a discussion of some of the top trends in marketing, new products, and technology for 2010 and beyond.
February 25, 2010 La Crosse	Marketing Basics for Business Marketing is the strategic foundation for business success.  Selecting target markets, analyzing the competition, building your promotion calendars and evaluating your marketing results will help keep your business on the right path. Begin to plan your marketing efforts.
February 25, 2010 Black River Falls	Internet Marketing Internet Marketing Class Offered for Small Business At the Western Dairyland Business Center’s Internet Marketing class, attendees will learn how to register a domain name, find a web host, locate free and inexpensive tools for building & maintaining the site, and finally optimize the site for better search engine placement. Individuals interested in marketing a product, service or business online are encouraged to attend.  Information will be presented for individuals who already have a business web site and for individuals who are considering launching a web site.
February 25, 2010 Cudahy	First Steps to Starting a Business  This exciting workshop is a great starting point for anyone considering opening a business. During a fast paced three hours, you will: - Start measuring the feasibility of your business idea - Identify the risks and rewards of starting a business - Learn the various business options available - Receive tools to calculate start up costs and other financial information - Learn key marketing tactics - Explore legal considerations - Understand the value and content of a business plan - Identify resources and next steps for starting a business Bring your questions, discuss concerns and network with other potential entrepreneurs. Start working on your business in class and leave with a wealth of information and resources.       "The class gave us a real sense of direction and the encouragement we need to get started. " -Donna & Dan Romani "A great way to get a brief yet detailed overview all while being in a comfortable non-intimidating environment! " -Lindsee Ollman
February 25, 2010 Cudahy	First Steps to Starting a Business  This exciting workshop is a great starting point for anyone considering opening a business. During a fast paced three hours, you will: - Start measuring the feasibility of your business idea - Identify the risks and rewards of starting a business - Learn the various business options available - Receive tools to calculate start up costs and other financial information - Learn key marketing tactics - Explore legal considerations - Understand the value and content of a business plan - Identify resources and next steps for starting a business Bring your questions, discuss concerns and network with other potential entrepreneurs. Start working on your business in class and leave with a wealth of information and resources.
March 1, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: BUDGETING/SAVINGS How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
March 1, 2010 Racine	SMALL BIZ ORIENTATION If you are interested in writing a business plan by participating in our Small Biz Business Planning series, you are required to attend this orientation session.  We will outline the course format, fees, materials and review participant expectations.
March 2, 2010 Kaukauna	Getting Your Business Ready for the Recovery This two-hour workshop will explore how to best position your business or start a new business to take advantage of the economic recovery and recent trends, such as green technology. In addition to financing options, there will also be a discussion of some of the top trends in marketing, new products, and technology for 2010 and beyond.
March 2, 2010 West Allis	START SMART ORIENTATION Start Smart Orientation* This class will provide a preview of our Start Smart series class which teaches people how to write a business plan.  All Start Smart participants are required to attend an orientation session. We will outline the course format, fees, materials, and review participant expectations.
March 2, 2010 Janesville	First Step to Starting a Business Single-evening class covers basics of starting a business, helps you make sure starting a business is right for you and introduces you to resources for new business start-ups. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
March 3-4, 2010 La Crosse	Supervisory Management Two Leadership development continues in four key areas (1) orienting people to your work unit, (2) understanding your communication behaviors, (3) managing time, and (4) using delegation as a development tool.  We build on the leadership skills learned in the first seminar and focus on maintaining a productive work group.
March 3, 2010 Madison	STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Thinking about starting a business? If you're just exploring attend this session to learn the personal considerations to starting yourown business, where to find an idea, how to conduct market research, and how to judge if the idea is financially feasible. Plus take home a packet of great resources on licensing regulations, and local organizations that provide classes, financing and business assistance.
March 3, 2010 Sheboygan	Getting Your Business Ready for the Recovery This two-hour workshop will explore how to best position your business or start a new business to take advantage of the economic recovery and recent trends, such as green technology. In addition to financing options, there will also be a discussion of some of the top trends in marketing, new products, and technology for 2010 and beyond.
March 4, 2010 Madison	Covey's FOCUS Time Management 1 Day Time Management Workshop This is an exciting new program in collaboration with the Small Business Development Centers across the U.S., FranklinCovey.  This one-day seminar is well established as one of the most powerful management development programs in business today and is now available at a special reduced price for small businesses
March 4, 2010 Fond du Lac	Getting Your Business Ready for the Recovery This two-hour workshop will explore how to best position your business or start a new business to take advantage of the economic recovery and recent trends, such as green technology. In addition to financing options, there will also be a discussion of some of the top trends in marketing, new products, and technology for 2010 and beyond.
March 4, 2010 West Allis	KEEPING THE BOOKS Experienced business owners and start-ups alike will learn how to keep accurate business records and will be introduced to basic bookkeeping techniques including QuickBooks™. Learn to recognize patterns in financial records for better planning and management of your business finances in the future.
March 5, 2010 Green Bay	Medical Device Collaborative Gathering Collaboration, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship is the focus of the upcoming Medical Device Collaborative Gathering. The event will bring together researchers, clinicians, manufacturers and entrepreneurs interested in developing and commercializing medical technologies and exploring potential collaborations.
March 8, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: CHECKING IT OUT How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
March 8 - June 7, 2010 Racine	SMALL BIZ $mall Biz (Business Planning Series)* This series provides in-depth learning for starting a business. Participants can complete a draft of their business plans through weekly worksheets and exercises. Extensive information will be provided on business financing and ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow, business operations and management. Weekly guest speakers will include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will tour a business library to begin their research. *Orientation session is required for all $mall Biz participants.
March 8, 2010 Madison	The First Step Thinking about going into business? Spend one evening getting a clear picture of what it's really like to run a small business. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. Learn how to analyze the potential for your business. Discover what information you need and where to find it.  This program is designed for people who have not yet started a business.
March 9 - June 8, 2010 Milwaukee	START SMART Start Smart (Business Planning Series)* This series provides in-depth learning for starting and running a small business. Participants can complete a draft business plan through weekly worksheets and exercises. Extensive information will be provided on business financing and ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow, business operations and management. Weekly guest speakers will include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will tour a business library to begin their research. We also offer a hands-on writing lab in our Computer Resource Center to increase your business-planning success. *Orientation session is required for all Start Smart participants.
March 9 - June 8, 2010 West Allis	START SMART Start Smart (Business Planning Series)* This series provides in-depth learning for starting and running a small business. Participants can complete a draft business plan through weekly worksheets and exercises. Extensive information will be provided on business financing and ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow, business operations and management. Weekly guest speakers will include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will tour a business library to begin their research. We also offer a hands-on writing lab in our Computer Resource Center to increase your business-planning success. *Orientation session is required for all Start Smart participants.
March 9, 2010 Madison	Employment: Hiring and Firing Employment: Hiring and Firing Session #1 of the HR Legal Series       Learn how to use employment references to your advantage. Avoid the pain and potential liability of terminating employees by learning how to evaluate risks, prepare proper documentation, plan termination meetings and conduct exit interviews. Also, review some common mistakes made in managing human resources that may cause problems and legal exposure.
March 9, 2010 La Crosse	Efficient & Effective Search Engine Optimization for Business Owners  Optimizing your Web site’s content will improve your search engine rankings when someone searches on keywords relating to your business. This workshop is ideal for small business owners and managers who want to learn an efficient and effective process for dramatically improving their site’s rankings and doubling monthly unique visitors.   A business owner does not need to know technical skills, like Web programming, to be successful at search engine optimization (SEO). Instead, business owners will rely on their marketing skill and the ability to think like their customers and prospects, versus an ability to write HTML or other form of Web programming. This workshop will teach you how to select keywords that are proven performers, blend the keywords into site content, boost site popularity, and more. More specifically, attendees will learn basic SEO terms, how to use several free SEO tools when selecting the best keywords, how to implement a practical and tactical 15-step process for optimizing site content and building popularity, and how to measure results.  The instructor is Stephen Woessner, author of The Small Business Owner Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your Google Rankings, Double Your Site Traffic…In Just 15 Steps. Guaranteed! Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
March 9-23, 2010 Madison	Human Resource Legal Series HUMAN RESOURCE LEGAL SERIES You may attend individual sessions but many participants benefit most from attending the entire series.  Register for the entire series and save 10% over the cost of individual sessions. Sessions include: Employment: hiring and firing Writing your employee handbook Top 10 most common HR mistakes and hot topics
March 9, 2010 Watertown	First Step to Starting a Business Single-evening class covers basics of starting a business, helps you make sure starting a business is right for you and introduces you to resources for new business start-ups. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
March 10, 2010 Madison	Web Design: Building an Effective Web Presence Building an Effective Web Presence Session 1of the Web Design & Optimization Series      You don’t necessarily need a big budget to create an effective Website for your business.  We will look at cost-effective ways to build a highly successful Web site that magnetizes your customers and is easy to maintain over time.
March 10-24, 2010 Madison	Web Design & Optimization Series Understand how the internet can improve your business by taking the series and save 10%. Sessions include: - Web Design: Building an Effective Web Presence - Search engine optimization (SEO) - e-Commerce Essentials: Tools & Practices
March 10, 2010 Milwaukee	CERTIFICATION FOR WOMEN & MINORITY BUSINESSES Should Your Business Be Certified?  We will discuss benefits of local, state and federal certification programs for your small business. Learn how certification can lead to new customers and more business for you. .
March 10 - April 7, 2010 Milwaukee	Basics of Estimating and Bidding for Contractors Learn the basics of estimating and bidding for government contracts.
March 11, 2010 Madison	Essentials of Leadership & Coaching Essentials of Leadership and Coaching Session #1 of Supervisory/Leadership Series    This module provides insight into aspects of effective leadership, the roles and responsibilities of a successful leader, the strategies needed for dealing with a change in roles and different supervisory styles. Performance coaching is a necessary element in fostering this advantage.
March 11-23, 2010 Madison	Supervisory/Leadership Series Supervisory Leadership Series Supervision is a key factor to the success of any business that has employees. Often, people have not learned how to supervise and lead in an effective manner because they just learned from experience versus having training and skill development in supervision. This series is designed to offer core supervisory leadership skills development with a minimum time commitment.You may choose individual programs, but participants benefit most from taking the entire series and save 10% over the cost of individual sessions.
March 12, 2010 Cudahy	Website Strategies 75% of all purchasers check the internet first. Smart businesses center their marketing focus online.  A well executed internet strategy can offer unparalleled ROI with measurable results. Learn how.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented by Top Floor Technologies in partnership with South Shore Economic Development and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
March 13, 2010 Madison	BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS Experienced business owners and start-ups alike will learn how to keep accurate business records and will be introduced to basic bookkeeping techniques including QuickBooks.  Learn to recognize patterns in financial records for better planning and management of your business.
March 15 - May 14, 2010 La Crosse	UW-La Crosse Project Management Certificate Program The UW-La Crosse Project Management Certificate Program is an innovative and collaborative education opportunity that provides participants with a targeted and unique learning opportunity. Each participant’s program is custom designed to fill the individual skill gaps and designed to work for their planned future career needs. Participants are required to complete 56 hours of learning activities to earn their certificate. Participants will work individually with the instructor to select learning activities in-line with their goals and learning style.
March 15, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: TO YOUR CREDIT How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
March 16, 2010 Madison	Organizational Techniques to Increase Productivity Where do I start when my computers (and desk) are a mess? how to get a handle on organizing my files (hard copy and computer files) how will this help me in my job (example of looking for files that are needed to use to create project plan from one that was done a year ago –use person’s names as file folder names in example) creating a functional file system  naming conventions to use  rules of thumb to keep in mind for how long to keep files  backing up files  maintaining files  how can this be used company-wide Hands on section using Windows Explorer:
March 16, 2010 Madison	Writing your Employee Handbook Writing your employee handbook Session #2 of HR Legal Series. Effective personnel policies lead to the consistent treatment of employees, reduce discrimination, and enhance productivity and morale. Personnel issues are becoming more complex each year; avoid common pitfalls and learn how to understand the legal status of employee handbooks, write your handbook, perform a policy analysis for your business, and review your handbook and introduce it to your employees.
March 16, 2010 Green Bay	Introduction to Custom Manufacturing for the Military This training is geared for the manufacturer that focuses on fabricated metal products, castings, non-metal components and other related industries, who are interested in selling to the Department of Defense.
March 16, 2010 Wautoma	Financing Options for Business Startup and Growth This two-hour workshop will discuss how to secure financing for a new business, or the growth and expansion of an existing business. In addition to traditional sources of debt financing, such as bank loans and government-guaranteed loans, there will also be a discussion of non-traditional sources, including angel investors and government grants.
March 16, 2010 West Bend	Essential Social Media Tools for Small Business Social media is more than just the latest trend, it's the future of building business relationships and branding your business. A 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study found that 60 percent of Americans use social media, and of those, 59 percent interact with companies on social media Web sites. Is your business social media ready? Or are you missing a key opportunity to reach existing and future customers? Join a panel of experts as we navigate through the world of social media. * Learn why and how to use some of the most popular and effective social media tools including: - LinkedIn® - Twitter - Blogging & microblogging - Online photo & video sharing * Find out the time commitments and resources involved in using social media effectively * Hear how other businesses are using social media tools
March 17, 2010 Madison	Show Me the Green: Green Practices for Small Business What do they know that your business and community doesn't? These days, the word "green" shows up almost everywhere. But what does it mean to everyday commerce? Which products and services make sense for your customers and employees, and why? How do all these issues fit together? Customer service. Local knowledge. Understanding the market. Environmental science. Energy conservation. Ethics. Profit. Benchmarks. Managing costs. Tools for collaboration and competition. With rapidly rising utility bills and transportation costs, new government regulations and tax incentives, now is the time to find out.
March 17, 2010 Madison	Search Engine Marketing & Optimization Optimizing your Web site’s content will improve your search engine rankings when someone searches on keywords relating to your business. These search results are called “organic results” and appear on the left-side of the screen in Google. The sites listed in Google’s organic results did not pay to be ranked #1, #2, #3, etc. The sites are simply using optimized content. This workshop is ideal for small business owners and managers who want to learn an efficient and effective process for dramatically improving their site’s rankings and doubling monthly unique visitors
March 17-18, 2010 Green Bay	Successful Negotiation Everyone negotiates, even if they don’t realize it. Negotiations exist in everyday life with family and friends. They exist in business, politics, and within all organizations, institutions and companies. This interactive seminar will help you develop principled negotiation skills.
March 17, 2010 Sheboygan	Financing Options for business Startup and Growth This two-hour workshop will discuss how to secure financing for a new business, or the growth and expansion of an existing business. In addition to traditional sources of debt financing, such as bank loans and government-guaranteed loans, there will also be a discussion of non-traditional sources, including angel investors and government grants.
March 18, 2010 Madison	Communication & Delegation Skills Communication and Delegation Skills Session #2 of the Supervisory/Leadership Series Whether you are communicating with your employees, customers, or suppliers your ability to express yourself well and understand is a major factor of your success. You will get feedback on your behavioral and communication style using the DiSC Personal Profile System and use this self-awareness to strengthen your business relationships.
March 18 - June 19, 2010 Eau Claire	Negotiation Skills We negotiate project deadlines, work assignments, equipment purchases, budget allocations, & more. How well we negotiate constructive outcomes to these situations contributes to our success as managers. If you are like most people, the negotiating strategies you typically employ could be defeating your purpose. Have you ever resorted to "Do it or else..." or "Take it or leave it!"? Or have you tried to achieve an "ideal" solution in the real world? In business, politics & adult relationships, using "natural" strategies or thinking in "ideal" terms can be disastrous.
March 19, 2010 Madison	Wide Area Workflow Does your company have contracts with the Army, Air Force, Navy, or other Department of Defense agencies?  Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) allows vendors to electronically submit invoices and receive reports for Government inspectors to accept contracted goods and services.  WAWF provides the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) details needed to process all transactions electronically for payment.  This training will be conducted in a computer lab for hands-on learning of the WAWF System.
March 19, 2010 Racine	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
March 20 - April 17, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Expansion Workshop (FastTrac Growth Venture) You Can Get There From Here Hindsight is 20/20, so take what you’ve learned in your business and look to the future. Create a framework to improve the performance of your business with FastTrac GrowthVenture. Targeted specifically to entrepreneurs who have experience running their businesses, FastTrac GrowthVenture focuses on the issues you need to: •      Make critical decisions about your business vision and strategy. •      Investigate next-stage growth and opportunity. •      Plan for strategic growth. •      Build and maintain a competitive advantage. •      Lead with clarity. •      Maximize cash flow for future profitability.
March 20 - April 17, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Expansion Workshop (FastTrac Growth Venture) You Can Get There From Here Hindsight is 20/20, so take what you’ve learned in your business and look to the future. Create a framework to improve the performance of your business with FastTrac GrowthVenture. Targeted specifically to entrepreneurs who have experience running their businesses, FastTrac GrowthVenture focuses on the issues you need to: •      Make critical decisions about your business vision and strategy. •      Investigate next-stage growth and opportunity. •      Plan for strategic growth. •      Build and maintain a competitive advantage. •      Lead with clarity. •      Maximize cash flow for future profitability.
March 22, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: CONSUMER LOANS How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
March 23, 2010 Madison	Top 10 HR Mistakes Top 10 most common HR mistakes and hot topics Session #3 of HR Legal Series    Learn about the most common legal mistakes that are made regarding human resource management.
March 23, 2010 La Crosse	Create, Manage, and Measure Effective Google AdWords Campaigns Ideal for small business owners and managers who want to learn the basics of search engine marketing (often referred to as pay-per-click or PPC advertising). With PPC, business owners and managers can selectively promote their products and services exclusively to very specific audiences. PPC clients can even define a geographic region: local, national, international, or a small section of these, as well as eliminate tire kicker prospects by using “negative keywords”.  PPC campaigns are powerful because they deliver targeted messages to Internet searchers and a business owner only pays when someone clicks on the ad. Within the PPC industry, Google’s AdWords platform is the leader and delivers measurable results for clients.  This is a practical and tactical workshop that provides attendees with the knowledge they need to be able to create and manage their own Google AdWords campaigns. More specifically, participants will learn basic pay-per-click terminology, how to create a Google AdWords account step-by-step, how to create a Google AdWords campaign step-by-step, and how to use measure return on investment while refining future campaigns.
March 23, 2010 Madison	Managing Conflict Managing Conflict Session #3 of the Supervisory/Leadership Series Conflict management is characterized by a number of strategies including problem-solving, compromising, and forcing one’s position.
March 23, 2010 Milwaukee	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and on't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
March 23 - December 1, 2010 Galesville	7 Steps to Starting a Business This training session teaches participants how to start a business by assembling the pieces of a business plan. Topics covered include feasibility, proving your market, funding your business, writing a business plan, marketing, business legal structure and more.
March 23, 2010 Madison	START SMART ORIENTATION Start Smart Orientation* This class will give a brief preview of our business planning class entitiled Start Smart. All Start Smart participants are required to attend an orientation session. We will outline the course format, fees, materials, and review participant expectations.
March 23, 2010 Kaukauna	Financing Options for Business Startup and Growth This two-hour workshop will discuss how to secure financing for a new business, or the growth and expansion of an existing business. In addition to traditional sources of debt financing, such as bank loans and government-guaranteed loans, there will also be a discussion of non-traditional sources, including angel investors and government grants.
March 23, 2010 Racine	MARKETING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY  This hands-on workshop explores a wide range of marketing strategies and tips used to get the word out about your business, attract and retain new customers, operate in a competitive marketplace, and fuel business growth. Topics include: low-cost promotion ideas, the three steps of a cost-effective marketing plan, and how to obtain free publicity.
March 24, 2010 Madison	E-Commerce Tools & Practices  E-commerce Tools & Practices  Open your businesses’ doors to the world with an e-commerce site.   In this session you will learn what it takes to successfully and securely conduct transactions on your business web site while taking away lessons learned from what makes shopping experiences succeed or fail.
March 24-25, 2010 La Crosse	Making the Most of Conflict Conflict is inevitable and it can be part of everyday life. We have two basic choices when conflict arises: 1) shy away and try to avoid it, or 2) move into it and work to resolve it. Many people may not realize that by habitually avoiding the fear and emotional tensions that make conflict seem difficult, they are usually increasing the amount and intensity of future conflicts they will have to deal with. Put another way: “If you have to eat a frog, get it when it’s a tadpole.” This takes courage and skill. We can learn a lot about ourselves and others if we can develop the critical skills and self-regulation that can turn potential conflict into discovery, self-confidence, and increased personal power. Your skill and ability to communicate clearly and effectively while addressing conflicts smoothly will be a distinct factor in your future success. These skills are often what separate star performers from the rest of the organization.
March 24, 2010 Verona	TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE   Finding & keeping quality customers is key to any growing business.  However, being simply “good” isn’t enough anymore with today’s educated customers.  This interactive workshop will offer creative and cost-effective ways for you to increase your sales,
March 24, 2010 Oshkosh	Financing Options for Business Startup and Growth This two-hour workshop will discuss how to secure financing for a new business, or the growth and expansion of an existing business. In addition to traditional sources of debt financing, such as bank loans and government-guaranteed loans, there will also be a discussion of non-traditional sources, including angel investors and government grants.
March 24, 2010 Kenosha	BUSINESS BACIS OF ACCOUNTING Experienced business owners and start-ups alike will learn how to keep accurate business records and will be introduced to basic bookkeeping techniques.  Learn to recognize patterns in financial management of your business.
March 25-26, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 1 First-line managers need good leadership skills. Often, however, new supervisors are promoted based on their technical abilities, and have had little training in how to constructively manage a work group. In this seminar, we discuss:   The Supervisory Aspect of Management Moving from an operational to a decision-making role Making the transition smoother and less stressful  Understanding Your Leadership Style Six leadership styles—characteristics, advantages and disadvantages Matching appropriate leadership styles to the situation Motivating Employee Performance The managers responsibility for employee performance and productivity Guidelines for understanding employee behavior Dealing with Non-Performance Developing a correcting / coaching model Understand why workers dont do what is expected
March 25, 2010 West Allis	BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR Learn about a variety of financing options and the steps necessary to apply for a loan. Participants will meet representatives from several traditional and alternative financing agencies to learn which program will best suit their business financing needs.
March 25, 2010 Fond du Lac	Financing Options for Business Startup and Growth This two-hour workshop will discuss how to secure financing for a new business, or the growth and expansion of an existing business. In addition to traditional sources of debt financing, such as bank loans and government-guaranteed loans, there will also be a discussion of non-traditional sources, including angel investors and government grants.
March 27, 2010 Milwaukee	QUICKBOOKS 101 QuickBooks™ 101 Do you need QuickBooks to computerize your bookkeeping? Learn how to best utilize this software to track your accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales and use tax, and other features in this basic introduction course. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
March 27, 2010 Madison	¿Piensa Comenzar Su Propio Negocio? (Thinking About Starting a Business?)   ¿Piensa Comenzar Su Propio Negocio? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) ¿Alguna vez ha pensado en ser dueño de su propio negocio, pero no sabía como empezar? Ud. aprenderá como evaluar sus habilidades y determinar si está preparado para ser propietario de un negocio. Estas clases serán dadas en español. (This class will be taught in Spanish.)
March 27, 2010 Milwaukee	QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED QuickBooks™ Advanced Learn how QuickBooks takes all of your company’s information to create reports and maintain your business’ vital information. This workshop is meant to be one step above the QuickBooks 101 workshop. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
March 29, 2010 Racine	FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERIES: CREDIT/IDENTITY THEFT How do I clean up my credit?  Where does all of my money go?  I am living check to check, with no end in sight- what do I do?  If these are questions you are asking yourself check out this FREE 6 week course on money management.
March 30 - June 1, 2010 Madison	START SMART Start Smart (Business Planning Series)* This series provides in-depth learning for starting and running a small business. Participants can complete a draft business plan through weekly worksheets and exercises. Extensive information will be provided on business financing and ownership, market research, marketing strategies, record keeping, cash flow, business operations and management. Weekly guest speakers will include business professionals and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will tour a business library to begin their research. We also offer a hands-on writing lab in our Computer Resource Center to increase your business-planning success. *Orientation session is required for all Start Smart participants.
March 30, 2010 Milwaukee	First Steps to Starting a Business  This exciting workshop is a great starting point for anyone considering opening a business. During a fast paced three hours, you will: - Start measuring the feasibility of your business idea - Identify the risks and rewards of starting a business - Learn the various business options available - Receive tools to calculate start up costs and other financial information - Learn key marketing tactics - Explore legal considerations - Understand the value and content of a business plan - Identify resources and next steps for starting a business Bring your questions, discuss concerns and network with other potential entrepreneurs. Start working on your business in class and leave with a wealth of information and resources.
March 31 - January 1, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Planning Workshop (FastTrac Listening to Your Business) Where is your business going in the next three years? The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering several four hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, "What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?"
March 31, 2010 Madison	RESEARCHING YOUR BUSINESS IDEA Researching Your Business Idea Have you made the decision to go into business?  The next step is to explore the potential of your business idea.  We will focus on examining the feasibility of your business idea, exploring ways to market the product or service, and identifying some next steps & resources for starting your business, including an introduction to the business plan.
March 31, 2010 Madison	RESEARCHING YOUR BUSINESS IDEA Researching Your Business Idea Have you made the decision to go into business?  The next step is to explore the potential of your business idea.  We will focus on examining the feasibility of your business idea, exploring ways to market the product or service, and identifying some next steps & resources for starting your business, including an introduction to the business plan.
March 31, 2010 Watertown	Marketing to the Federal Government You've searched some of the federal government websites and have located a contracting opportunity.  Or perhaps, through your diligent research you have identified several federal agencies and a major prime contractor that buys your product or service.  What do you do next?  You need to differentiate your company from the competition.  Learn how by taking this class!
March 31, 2010 Watertown	Create an Offer to a Federal Government Solicitation Create a winning offer to real government solicitations in this interactive workshop.  Choose from product, service, or construction solicitations issued from the federal government and try to win that contract. Work on a team or as an individual.
March 31, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and on't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
March 31, 2010 Milwaukee	MARKETING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY This hands-on workshop explores a wide range of marketing strategies and tips used to get the word out about your business, attract and retain new customers, operate in a competitive marketplace, and fuel business growth. Topics include: low-cost promotion ideas, the three steps of a cost-effective marketing plan, and how to obtain free publicity.
April 1, 2010 La Crosse	The First Steps to Starting Your Business The Small Business Development Center offers a class for new business owners. In a small group setting, you will review the basics of going into business and identify your next steps.  Instruction time is three hours, including time for questions and answers.
April 5 - May 10, 2010 Green Bay	"Stepping Up to New Opportunities" - E-Hub's Signature Entrepreneur Series Class meets on Mondays for 6 weeks from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.   Urban Hope Entrepreneur Hub's ("E-Hub") signature entrepreneur series equips aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses with solid business ethics, exposure to innovative thinking, business planning skills, entrepreneurial management training, a culture of community leadership and dozens of hands-on small business and entrepreneurial issues and challenges.  The participant is empowered to realize his or her potential to create an impact on the economic landscape.   An "all-star" cast of volunteer business leaders, CEO's, attorneys and accountants spend hundreds of hours teaching, mentoring and networking with the entrepreneurs.   The three interrelated areas of training (business planning skills, entrepreneurial management training and a snapshot of 40 small business issues and challenges) lead progressively toward the participant becoming successful in overcoming obstacles and barriers confronted in entrepreneurship.  Each participant is exposed to all elements of preparing a business plan and its execution.   An affordable day and night series are offered.  Participants have come from over 80 communities throughout Wisconsin.
April 6, 2010 La Crosse	Economic Indicators: An Update for the 7 Rivers Region Continual regional research builds on a base of information and provides decision makers like you with valuable tools for strategic planning. State Bank of La Crosse, in collaboration with the UW-L College of Business Administration and the La Crosse Tribune, is continuing sponsorship of this program.
April 6-8, 2010 Milwaukee	FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERNET MARKETING Learn the keys to building a successful web marketing strategy.  We'll discuss the primary ways that businesses generate qualified website visits, focusing on serch engine marketing.  Also, we will review ways to improve you website to convert more of your web visits into leads and sales.  Whether you already have an online strategy or if you are just getting started, you will leave with actionable information to grow your business.
April 6 - June 16, 2010 Madison	Entrepreneurial Training Program Entrepreneurial Training Program This is a comprehensive combination of courses, individual coaching and business plan development that is designed to help entrepreneurs develop business skills and attract financing. This program is available for start-up ventures or business expansion.    The Wisconsin Department of Commerce  is supporting this series through an Entrepreneurial Training Grant program. To take advantage of the Commerce grant reimbursement, participants must apply through the SBDC prior to starting the coursework.  Applications must be completed at least two weeks prior to the first class session.
April 7, 2010 Madison	Best Tactics for Promoting Your Website Best Tactics for Promoting Your Website Getting people to a site is half the battle.  This session will focus on promoting your site in the online world with direct e-mail, paid listings, and search engine and directory placements.  You will learn about selecting which directories and search engines to target and how to get listed in the right way.  Measuring site traffic and determining success measures are discussed.
April 7-21, 2010 Madison	Web Marketing Series Understand how the internet can improve your business by taking the series  and save 10%. Series  includes 3 Sessions titled: - Best Tactics for Promoting Your Website - Web copywriting, branding & persuasion - Social Networking and Web Advertising
April 7-8, 2010 Green Bay	Supervisory Leadership II By learning to build a workplace that is inspired, leaders have the opportunity to create a culture of growth and increase the competitive advantage of employee innovation and production.
April 7, 2010 Madison	STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Thinking about starting a business? If you're just exploring attend this session to learn the personal considerations to starting yourown business, where to find an idea, how to conduct market research, and how to judge if the idea is financially feasible. Plus take home a packet of great resources on licensing regulations, and local organizations that provide classes, financing and business assistance.
April 7, 2010 Kenosha	QUICKBOOKS 101 QuickBooks™ 101 Do you need QuickBooks to computerize your bookkeeping? Learn how to best utilize this software to track your accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales and use tax, and other features in this basic introduction course. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
April 8, 2010 Madison	Leader: Coach or Critic Today’s competitive environment demands that you help the people working with you to perform at their highest level.  You must support your stars in growing, and help employees to learn new tasks, adapt to change and develop their abilities for today and the future.  You will improve your power as a coach, helping your people to grow and adapt to today’s dynamic business demands. Proven principles of emotional intelligence, motivation; change and communication will hone your coaching and mentoring abilities. Through better coaching, you’ll enhance your retention, maximize productivity and create a nimble, learning organization.
April 8-9, 2010 Eau Claire	Managing Projects & Project Teams Working together efficiently & effectively to meet project deadlines is a challenge in our fast-paced world. Our approach to managing projects deletes useless theory & cuts straight to the core of what works in today's competitive business world. You will learn long-range project planning techniques, how to run efficient project team or task force meetings, & overview systems for organizing multiple projects. We touch on many other aspects unique to project teams, such as generating project "buy in," enlisting power brokers for project support, solving unexpected problems, & developing strategies for handling crisis situations.
April 8-22, 2010 Madison	High Performance Leadership Series Leaders at all levels are continuously learning and growing whether through on-the-job experiences or planned learning opportunities. If you are looking for a way to enhance your skills to help you succeed in the challenging role of the leader in your organization then check out our High Performance Leadership Series. This three program series will help you sharpen the tough skills of influencing and motivating people to perform, grow and thrive during the ever present change we all live with. You may choose individual programs, but participants benefit most from taking the entire series and save
April 8, 2010 La Crosse	Marketing Basics for Business Marketing is the strategic foundation for business success.  Selecting target markets, analyzing the competition, building your promotion calendars and evaluating your marketing results will help keep your business on the right path. Begin to plan your marketing efforts.
April 9, 2010 Franklin	Understanding Your Industry, Target Market, and Compeition Smart business owners understand their industry, target market, and competitors better than they know themselves.  Learn how to identify and reach your target market, get insights into your competition, and know where your industry is going.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented in partnership with South Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
April 10, 2010 Madison	IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT Your credit score impacts all the aspects of your life.  There are smart ways to begin improving your credit.  Learn how to read your credit report, how to start working on outstanding issues & how to make sure you aer moving forward in a way that will keep your goals for better credit on track.
April 11 - June 2, 2010 Madison	Perspectives for Success -Women in Business Breakfast Series Perspectives for Success Breakfast Series Refresh your mind, body and soul with notable presenters who share their perspectives for success in these presentations.  Increase your self-confidence and enhance skills that will help you on your path to success.  Enjoy a great breakfast buffet while learning and networking.
April 13-27, 2010 La Crosse	Sales-Power Tools Sales — PowerTools is a three-part sales training series designed for business owners, managers and salespeople who are new to selling, or experienced salespeople looking for tools and techniques to blend into an existing sales process in order to maximize results. You will learn how to use 16 proven, results-oriented tools that you can immediately apply to increase sales. As a result of this series, you will better understand your buyer’s motivations and intentions, and successfully open doors with key decision makers (VITOs). You will also learn to close more sales without ever using high-pressure tactics despised by customers. Instead, you will learn the skills you need to develop long-lasting, trusting relationships with customers. And your customers will reward your effort with their loyalty and valuable repeat business!
April 13, 2010 Madison	SMALL BUSINESS DISCUSSION CIRCLE (HUMAN RESOURCES) Talk with a WWBIC representative in an informal group setting about a specific business issue.  Take home a valuable packet of business resources.
April 13, 2010 Milwaukee	SMALL BUSINESS DISCUSSION CIRCLES- INVESTING Talk with an WWBIC representative in an informal group setting about business classes, assistance programs, and information exchange.  Explore a whide range of business topics ssuch as business idea feasibility, marketing research ideas, and business planning.
April 13, 2010 Watertown	First Step to Starting a Business Single-evening class covers basics of starting a business, helps you make sure starting a business is right for you and introduces you to resources for new business start-ups. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
April 13 - May 6, 2010 Madison	Small Business Fundamentals Starting a business? Success in small business depends on hard work, good fortune, and business knowledge. Attend this eight-session course to develop your management skills. Experts in law, accounting, banking, insurance, management, and marketing cover the fundamentals of small business management. Gain knowledge about growth stages and problems, marketing, promotion and advertising, legal issues and requirements, record-keeping, accounting and financial management, financing, insurance and risk management, and business plans.
April 13 - June 16, 2010 Madison	Entrepreneurial Training Program Entrepreneurial Training Program This is a comprehensive combination of courses, individual coaching and business plan development that is designed to help entrepreneurs develop business skills and attract financing. This program is available for start-up ventures or business expansion.    The Wisconsin Department of Commerce  is supporting this series through an Entrepreneurial Training Grant program. To take advantage of the Commerce grant reimbursement, participants must apply through the SBDC prior to starting the coursework.  Applications must be completed at least two weeks prior to the first class session.
April 14, 2010 Madison	Web copywriting, Branding,Persuasion Writing promotional and informational copy for the web can be a challenge.  In this session you will learn the best way to use your web site to communicate your message and to stimulate action from customers.  You will see what works and what doesn’t when writing for the web.  Discuss how to use the web to promote your brand and to persuade visitors to act.
April 14 - May 26, 2010 Milwaukee	Accounting for Small Business- Contabilidad para Negocios Pequenos This course introduces entrepreneurs to accounting terms, creation of financial statements and cash flow management basics. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to set up a basic accounting system using Quickbooks.
April 14, 2010 Milwaukee	DEVELOPING YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS Learn how to effectively formulate, express, and sell your ideas to others and identify how to persuade or recruit the energies of others. In this interactive workshop, you will discover the six dimensions of leadership, assess your current leadership skills, and learn ways to become a better leader.
April 15, 2010 Madison	Sales skills for a Tough Economy  Move the needle on every call Sales has changed. “Find a need and sell a solution” is an antiquated and ineffective cliché. Because markets have become increasingly complex and competitive, new behaviors are required to succeed. Specifically, selling today requires "alignment with client goals" and understanding how the current economic conditions affect the sales process.
April 15, 2010 Madison	Secrets of Successfully Engaging Others Learn the reason why traditional means of motivating others often do not work in today’s diverse workforce. From understanding how our communication affects others to recognizing how others best receive our communication, we can begin to master the principle that “One cannot motivate others - one can only create an environment in which others motivate themselves.”
April 15-27, 2010 Madison	Sales Skills Series Selling skills Series: This series is designed to help you move your selling skills to the next level. Whatever your role is in business development, one or more of these seminars will hone and update your sales skills. There are three seminars in the series, you can take all three and save 10% over the cost of the individual programs!   Sales Skills for a Tough Economy Sales Strategies for a Slow Economy High Performance Negotiation
April 15, 2010 La Crosse	Planning Basics for Business Writing a business plan is more than a document, it is a planning process that will help your business be more successful! This three-hour class gives an introduction to what goes into a business plan, what resources are available, and how to get started. The class includes worksheets and exercises, a discussion of software programs and a look at sample plans.
April 15, 2010 Wauwatosa	IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT Your credit score impacts all the aspects of your life.  There are smart ways to begin improving your credit.  Learn how to read your credit report, how to start working on outstanding issues & how to make sure you aer moving forward in a way that will keep your goals for better credit on track.
April 16, 2010 South Milwaukee	Using Email to Reach Your Market Email marketing is a cost-effective way to acquire new customers, build loyalty, with existing customers, and encourage sales.  Learn techniques on how to incorporate a successful email campaign into your overall marketing strategy.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented by Top Floor Technologies in partnership with South Shore Economic Development and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
April 16, 2010 Madison	Finding Federal Opportunities - Computer Lab This is a hands-on interactive workshop that will be held in a computer lab.  The first half of the training will be devoted to providing tips and techniques on how to search the Internet and government websites.  During the second half of the workshop, go online to locate government contracting opportunities targeted to your business.
April 16, 2010 Racine	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
April 17, 2010 Madison	QUICKBOOKS 101 QuickBooks™ 101 Do you need QuickBooks to computerize your bookkeeping? Learn how to best utilize this software to track your accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales and use tax, and other features in this basic introduction course. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
April 17, 2010 Madison	BUSINESS LOAN INVESTIGATION LUNCH Have you ever wondered what to expect when applying for a business loan?  Meet a loan officer and find out the answers to your questions over an informal lunch.  Find out what loan officers and financial institutions are looking for in a good business plan.  Gain a better understanding for what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can prepare yourself to apply for a loan.  Bring your own lunch and your questions!
April 17, 2010 Madison	QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED QuickBooks™ Advanced Learn how QuickBooks takes all of your company’s information to create reports and maintain your business’ vital information. This workshop is meant to be one step above the QuickBooks 101 workshop. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
April 20, 2010 Rice Lake	Getting Started in Federal Contracting This entry-level seminar provides a solid orientation to the federal contracting environment for those new to this market.
April 20, 2010 Oshkosh	How to Use Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Business This two-hour workshop will look at the practical application of new technologies like social media web sites and search engine optimization to market a business. There will also be a discussion of the resources required to use these technologies and how they can be used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional marketing techniques.
April 20, 2010 Madison	CERTIFICATION FOR WOMEN & MINORITY BUSINESSES Should Your Business Be Certified?  We will discuss benefits of local, state and federal certification programs for your small business. Learn how certification can lead to new customers and more business for you. .
April 21, 2010 Madison	Basics of Financial Management Basics of financial management Session 1 of the Financial Management Series Learn accounting jargon, bookkeeping basics, the three types of financial statements, and how your management decisions affect your firm’s financial future.
April 21-28, 2010 Eau Claire	QuickBooks® Basics Start slowly – apply what you’ve learned Session One – learn how to set up QuickBooks® and start using its basic features. Use what you’ve learned for a week, then come back for … Session Two - where you’ll continue with the basics including lists, accounts receivable, payroll and reports. You don’t need experience with QuickBooks® software, but should be comfortable working on a PC in a Windows environment.
April 21 - May 12, 2010 Madison	Financial Management Series FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERIES You may attend individual sessions but many participants benefit most from attending the entire series.  Register for the entire series and save 10% over the cost of individual sessions. Sessions include: Basics of Financial Management Using Finanacial Statements Budgeting and Profit Planning Managing Cash Flow
April 21, 2010 Milwaukee	BUDGETING ON A SINGLE FAMILY INCOME Raising a family with a single income can be difficult.  Learn from this workshop about different spending and savings strategies which can be used to help you and your family stretch your dollar.
April 21, 2010 Sheboygan	How to Use Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Business This two-hour workshop will look at the practical application of new technologies like social media web sites and search engine optimization to market a business. There will also be a discussion of the resources required to use these technologies and how they can be used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional marketing techniques.
April 22, 2010 Madison	Guerilla Marketing Effective marketing is the key to business survival, growth and success. Guerrilla Marketing gets you started. Gleaned from the same ingenious strategies detailed in the best-selling series, Guerrilla Marketing delivers a powerful summary of essential marketing tactics and cuts to the heart of Guerrilla marketing, while taking you to levels of success you may have thought unreachable.
April 22, 2010 Madison	Leading for Performance and Accountability At the end of the day, what matters most to your company’s bottom line is whether or not every member of your team contributed to your company’s success. Whether this contribution comes in the form of exceeding customer expectations, meeting a challenging performance goal, or solving quality or productivity problems, sustaining your company’s performance and profitability requires that your employees do the right things. This new SBDC program presents a model for managing employee performance and provides you specific tools you can use for setting performance goals, maintaining communication, managing performance, conducting the performance review, and developing performance improvement plans.
April 22, 2010 Oak Creek	Marketing to the Federal Government You've searched some of the federal government websites and have located a contracting opportunity.  Or perhaps, through your diligent research you have identified several federal agencies and a major prime contractor that buys your product or service.  What do you do next?  You need to differentiate your company from the competition.  Learn how by taking this class!
April 22, 2010 Oak Creek	Create an Offer to a Federal Government Solicitation Create a winning offer to real government solicitations in this interactive workshop.  Choose from product, service, or construction solicitations issued from the federal government and try to win that contract. Work on a team or as an individual.
April 22, 2010 Wautoma	How to Use Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Business This two-hour workshop will look at the practical application of new technologies like social media web sites and search engine optimization to market a business. There will also be a discussion of the resources required to use these technologies and how they can be used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional marketing techniques.
April 22, 2010 Burlington	SMALL BUSINESS DISCUSSION CIRCLES Talk with a WWBIC representative in an informal group setting about business classes, assistance programs, and information exchange.  Explore a wide range of business topics such as business idea feasibility, marketing research ideas, and business planning.
April 27, 2010 Madison	High Performance Negotiation Session #3 of the Sales Skills Series: Develop skills to create win-win outcomes in business and personal situations. In today’s world, you are confronted with many competing priorities, resources and values. To sell or to lead people effectively, it is necessary to skillfully handle disputes and conflicts to achieve the best outcomes with the least damage to relationships.
April 27, 2010 Kaukauna	How to Use Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Business This two-hour workshop will look at the practical application of new technologies like social media web sites and search engine optimization to market a business. There will also be a discussion of the resources required to use these technologies and how they can be used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional marketing techniques.
April 27, 2010 Madison	The First Step Thinking about going into business? Spend one evening getting a clear picture of what it's really like to run a small business. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. Learn how to analyze the potential for your business. Discover what information you need and where to find it.  This program is designed for people who have not yet started a business.
April 28, 2010 Madison	Analyzing & Interpreting Financial Statements Using financial statements Session 2 of the Financial Management Series Use your financial statements to take advantage of opportunities, improve business performance and discover problem areas.
April 28, 2010 Madison	Project Management Essentials Project Management Essentials for Small Business. This session takes the mystery out of how to organize and plan projects, meet deadlines, and keep the budget under control. You’ll benefit by saving time and money through improved plans, schedules, and communications.
April 28-29, 2010 La Crosse	Supervisory Management Three Communicating clear, specific expectations to your people is critical for operational effectiveness.  Giving feedback during day-to-day coaching sessions as well as during formal performance reviews is an essential skill. We discuss why there is resistance to performance assessment, how to establish job expectations, and how to conduct productive coaching sessions.
April 28, 2010 Verona	SOCIAL NETWORKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS Social networking can seem confusing and daunting but it can be a valuable tool for small business.  We will discuss the basics of Facebook, Linked-In and Twitter.  Learn how to incorporate these marketing methods into your marketing plan in ways that save you and your employee's time.  Keep it simple, stay on track and let these new forms of marketing work for you!
April 28, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and on't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
April 28, 2010 Milwaukee	BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR Learn about a variety of financing options and the steps necessary to apply for a loan. Participants will meet representatives from several traditional and alternative financing agencies to learn which program will best suit their business financing needs.
April 28, 2010 Fond du Lac	How to Use Social Media Marketing to Grow Your Business This two-hour workshop will look at the practical application of new technologies like social media web sites and search engine optimization to market a business. There will also be a discussion of the resources required to use these technologies and how they can be used to enhance the effectiveness of traditional marketing techniques.
April 28, 2010 Madison	MONEY MATTERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS As an entrepreneur or business owner, you understand the value of having first-rate money management skills~ both personally and professionally.  However, life sometimes gets in the way of doing things right.  Join us for this interactive workshop to discuss practical solutions to managing money at home & at your business.
April 29, 2010 Madison	Emotional Intelligence: Master the Other IQ Emotional Intelligence-Mastering the other IQ Research by the Carnegie Institute concluded: "15% of success is technical skills - 85% is people skills."  Emotional Intelligence is all about people skills - how well you know yourself and your emotions and how well you read and interact with others and their emotions. Learn about how the brain, the body and emotions affect each other, and then how to better manage your own emotions and the emotions of others so you can have clearer, more accurate communications that create cooperation and collaboration in the workplace. Each participant will complete an emotional intelligence assessment in class and will receive access to the online version of the assessment to complete in six months to measure their progress.  This assessment reflects ones style or approach to emotions.  Participants will also complete an assessment that will help them determine specific skills areas to develop for a higher EQ.
April 29, 2010 Madison	Sales Strategies for a slow economy  Selling skills to accelerate your sales career! This course builds on the sales skills course, Sales Skills for a Tough Economy (see description above), to take you to the next level of business development. You will learn how to be strategic in your sales efforts to increase sales, income and business growth. Learn how to make the most sales possible in a slow economy.
April 29-30, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 2 The second seminar in the overview concentrates on four critical concerns for managers:    Establishing Orientation Policies and Procedures Building upon what the new employee brings to the job How to effectively socialize/orient new employees for loyalty, commitment and long-term productivity Understanding Your Communication Style The role and purpose of communication in the organization Tools of effective communication—perception, listening, feedback   Time Management   Clarifying time management and analyzing time use   Systems for managing your work and your time Empowering Your People Delegation issues and learning processes Guidelines for making effective work assignments This seminar builds on the leadership skills learned in the first seminar.
April 29 - May 13, 2010 Madison	People and Communication Skills Series You may choose from the individual programs listed below, but most participants benefit from taking the entire series of all four sessions and save 10% over the cost of individual sessions. Emotional Intelligence: Master teh othe IQ  Having Difficult Conversations Managing Change & Innovation High Impact Communication Using Majors PTI
April 29, 2010 La Crosse	Financial Basics for Business Financial statements can help you make key decisions for your business. This three-hour workshop provides an introduction to three basic financial statements used by business owners: income statement, cash flow statement, and the balance sheet.  Not only will you learn how to read these financial statements, but you will also learn how to use them for better management control.
April 29, 2010 Madison	HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS How To Start Your Own Business Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
May 1, 2010 Milwaukee	QUICKBOOKS 101 QuickBooks™ 101 Do you need QuickBooks to computerize your bookkeeping? Learn how to best utilize this software to track your accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, sales and use tax, and other features in this basic introduction course. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
May 1, 2010 Milwaukee	QUICKBOOKS ADVANCED QuickBooks™ Advanced Learn how QuickBooks takes all of your company’s information to create reports and maintain your business’ vital information. This workshop is meant to be one step above the QuickBooks 101 workshop. Hands-on opportunity to work with the QuickBooks program; limited space available and pre-payment required.
May 1, 2010 Milwaukee	DESIGNING WEBSITES AND ONLINE STRATEGIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS Explore the issues related to designing websites for your small business and discuss business strategies behind the use of websites.  Refreshments provided.
May 3-6, 2010 La Crosse	Certified Global Business Professional Series *Earning the CGBP helps participants eliminate costly mistakes, as well as:    o Reveal methods to open markets, identify risks, and pursue opportunities    o Provide training necessary to engage in global trade    o Diversify skills in global commerce and gain a broad understanding of international trade *The CGBP designation is a nationally recognized and international business credential *Certified professionals can use the CGBP logo and word mark on resumes and business cards May take the entire series or individual daily workshops.  Call for more infomation.
May 3 - June 14, 2010 Madison	MAKE YOUR MONEY TALK This 6-session series is designed as a guide to personal money management, covering such topics as creating a personal budget, developing a savings plan that works for you, and dealing with past and future credit. All individuals who complete the full series will receive a $50 savings bond to kick off or add to your savings plan!
May 4, 2010 Madison	Intro to Microsoft Project  You know the basic project management tools but you want to find an efficient way to develop task lists, Gantt charts, timelines and resource allocation.  This introductory-basic level workshop will introduce you to the Microsoft Project software so you can plan projects much more efficiently and professionally. The outputs from Project can also be used as effective communication tools for a project team, management and customers.
May 4-11, 2010 Racine	MONEY MATTERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS As an entrepreneur or business owner, you understand the value of having first-rate money management skills~ both personally and professionally.  However, life sometimes gets in the way of doing things right.  Join us for this interactive workshop to discuss practical solutions to managing money at home & at your business. (This is a two week series)
May 4 - July 6, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Start-up Workshop (FastTrac New Venture) There’s no shortage of enthusiasm for starting or growing a business. And seemingly no limit to the availability of “how to,” “what to do,” and even “when to do it” guides for entrepreneurs. FastTrac NewVenture was designed specifically for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development, FastTrac NewVenture helps you uncover the answers, and also helps you determine the questions to ask. This is a 10 session workshop that meets every Tuesday from May 4, 2010 - July 6, 2010 at 6pm-9pm.  Classes are 3 hours long.
May 5, 2010 Madison	Budgeting and Profit Planning Budgeting and profit planning Session #3 of the Financial Management Series Learn the steps in the budgeting process.
May 5, 2010 Eau Claire	Using QuickBooks® Effectively Once you’ve completed QuickBooks® Accounting Basics, or if you already have experience with QuickBooks® software, this workshop will build on your knowledge. You’ll leave with a more thorough understanding of some of the advanced features QuickBooks® offers … Plus tips, shortcuts, and optimized practices that will help you: Save time Reduce errors Easily and efficiently produce reports
May 5, 2010 Madison	STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Thinking about starting a business? If you're just exploring attend this session to learn the personal considerations to starting yourown business, where to find an idea, how to conduct market research, and how to judge if the idea is financially feasible. Plus take home a packet of great resources on licensing regulations, and local organizations that provide classes, financing and business assistance.
May 6, 2010 Madison	Having Difficult Conversations Having Difficult Conversations Having Difficult Conversations: Models, Tools, and Techniques for Talking with Others When Emotions Run Wild and the Stakes are High Sooner or later we need to have a conversation with someone that we will find difficult and challenging. If just thinking about this conversation gets your heart racing, this workshop is for you. During this highly interactive session, you will learn insights and tools for approaching this challenging conversation with confidence and composure. When emotions run high and there is a lot on the line, you want to be able guide this conversation toward a productive end. Attend this seminar to learn powerful tips for turning these challenging conversations into satisfying ones.
May 6, 2010 Oak Creek	Introduction to GSA Schedules Programs Every year Federal buyers use the GSA (General Services Administration) Schedules as their preferred method of purchasing.  Under the GSA Schedules Program (also referred to as Multiple Award Schedules or the Federal Supply Schedules) GSA establishes long-term government wide contracts with businesses that provide commercial products and services.  Once a contract is established, these products and services can be ordered directly by government agencies.  State and local agencies, in certain circumstances, use GSA Schedules for their purchases.  This course will help you decide whether pursing a GSA Schedule contract is right for your business.
May 6, 2010 Oak Creek	GSA Solicitatinos - Responding to Requirements This in-depth seminar focuses on how to complete the GSA Schedule solicitation paperwork and how to make a successful proposal/offer.  You will receive specialized guidance on organizing and positioning your company for a 5-year GSA contract award, including how to understand pricing policies and the regulations required in order to maximize a GSA Schedule contract.
May 6, 2010 Burlington	MARKETING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY This hands-on workshop explores a wide range of marketing strategies and tips used to get the word out about your business, attract and retain new customers, operate in a competitive marketplace, and fuel business growth. Topics include: low-cost promotion ideas, the three steps of a cost-effective marketing plan, and how to obtain free publicity.
May 6, 2010 Milwaukee	First Steps to Starting a Business  This exciting workshop is a great starting point for anyone considering opening a business. During a fast paced three hours, you will: - Start measuring the feasibility of your business idea - Identify the risks and rewards of starting a business - Learn the various business options available - Receive tools to calculate start up costs and other financial information - Learn key marketing tactics - Explore legal considerations - Understand the value and content of a business plan - Identify resources and next steps for starting a business Bring your questions, discuss concerns and network with other potential entrepreneurs. Start working on your business in class and leave with a wealth of information and resources.
May 7, 2010 Racine	¿Piensa Comenzar Su Propio Negocio? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Piensa Comenzar Su Propio Negocio? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) ¿Alguna vez ha pensado en ser dueño de su propio negocio, pero no sabía como empezar? Ud. aprenderá como evaluar sus habilidades y determinar si está preparado para ser propietario de un negocio. Estas clases serán dadas en español. (This class will be taught in Spanish.)
May 8 - June 5, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Expansion Workshop (FastTrac Growth Venture) You Can Get There From Here Hindsight is 20/20, so take what you’ve learned in your business and look to the future. Create a framework to improve the performance of your business with FastTrac GrowthVenture. Targeted specifically to entrepreneurs who have experience running their businesses, FastTrac GrowthVenture focuses on the issues you need to: •      Make critical decisions about your business vision and strategy. •      Investigate next-stage growth and opportunity. •      Plan for strategic growth. •      Build and maintain a competitive advantage. •      Lead with clarity. •      Maximize cash flow for future profitability.
May 11, 2010 Madison	Communication & Delegation Skills Communication and Delegation Skills Session #2 of the Supervisory/Leadership Series Whether you are communicating with your employees, customers, or suppliers your ability to express yourself well and understand is a major factor of your success. You will get feedback on your behavioral and communication style using the DiSC Personal Profile System and use this self-awareness to strengthen your business relationships.
May 11, 2010 Stevens Point	Introduction to Custom Manufacturing for the Military This training is geared for the manufacturer that focuses on fabricated metal products, castings, non-metal components and other related industries, who are interested in selling to the Department of Defense.
May 11, 2010 Watertown	First Step to Starting a Business Single-evening class covers basics of starting a business, helps you make sure starting a business is right for you and introduces you to resources for new business start-ups. REGISTRATION REQUIRED
May 12, 2010 Madison	QuickBooks Getting Started QUICKBOOKS™ ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS Accounting has never been easier for small business. Using the power of your computer and QuickBooks™ software, you can efficiently manage all your financial data and produce reports to help you make good business decisions. In this seminar, you will learn how to apply the software to your business accounting. QuickBooks™ Essentials This program will explain and review basic accounting principles and show you how the software incorporates accounting language and principles.  A basic knowledge of this material is necessary for you to setup and use QuickBooks™ 2009effectively.
May 12, 2010 Madison	Managing Cash Flow Managing cash flow Session #4 of the Financial Management Series Forecast and manage cash inflows and outflows to ensure available cash when needed.
May 12-13, 2010 Green Bay	Developing High-Performance Teams Create more effective teams.  Successful teams utilize the tools and resources that promote a strong purpose and team development.
May 12-13, 2010 La Crosse	Manage with Integrity Great managers are people of integrity and live their lives in accordance with a value system. Great managers also have a combination of traits that help inspire people to do and be their best. This leads to a positive culture in the workplace which is essential to maximizing effectiveness. In this workshop, you will learn why it is important to gain clarity on who you are and who you strive to be. You will then learn specific tools which will enable you to live by those values on a daily basis.
May 12-26, 2010 Madison	QuickBooks Accounting Series QuickBooks™ Accounting Series  Includes all three programs--SAVE 10%
May 12, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and don't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
May 12, 2010 Racine	TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE   Finding & keeping quality customers is key to any growing business.  However, being simply “good” isn’t enough anymore with today’s educated customers.  This interactive workshop will offer creative and cost-effective ways for you to increase your sales,
May 12, 2010 Madison	Developing Your Business Plan A written business plan helps you control your business rather than letting it control you. Attend this workshop to learn the business planning process and start writing your plan. Discover how to target your market, analyze competitors, and examine your strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to set goals and develop financial projections. At the end of the five sessions, you should have a first draft of your plan. Includes a comprehensive business planning text valued at $20!
May 13, 2010 Madison	HOW TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS How To Start Your Own Business Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
May 14, 2010 St. Francis	Understanding Your Industry, Target Market, and Competition Smart business owners understand their industry, target market, and competitors better than they know themselves.  Learn how to identify and reach your target market, get insights into your competition, and know where your industry is going.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented in partnership with South Shore Economic Development and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
May 14, 2010 Racine	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
May 17, 2010 Milwaukee	WISCONSIN SAVES: BUILD WEALTH NOT DEBT What vehicles are available to save money?  Am I an aggressive investor?  These questions and more will be answered when you attend the Wisconsin Saves workshop.  We will help you determine how and where to start saving your money whether it be for educational costs, retirement, emergency savings or a special occasion.
May 18, 2010 Madison	Essentials of Leadership & Coaching Essentials of Leadership and Coaching Session #1 of Supervisory/Leadership Series    This module provides insight into aspects of effective leadership, the roles and responsibilities of a successful leader, the strategies needed for dealing with a change in roles and different supervisory styles. Performance coaching is a necessary element in fostering this advantage.
May 18-19, 2010 Madison	QuickBooks Essentials QUICKBOOKS™ ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS Accounting has never been easier for small business. Using the power of your computer and QuickBooks™ software, you can efficiently manage all your financial data and produce reports to help you make good business decisions. In this seminar, you will learn how to apply the software to your business accounting. QuickBooks™ Essentials This program will explain and review basic accounting principles and show you how the software incorporates accounting language and principles.  A basic knowledge of this material is necessary for you to setup and use QuickBooks™ 2009 effectively.
May 18-25, 2010 Madison	Supervisory/Leadership Series Supervisory Leadership Series Supervision is a key factor to the success of any business that has employees. Often, people have not learned how to supervise and lead in an effective manner because they just learned from experience versus having training and skill development in supervision. This series is designed to offer core supervisory leadership skills development with a minimum time commitment.You may choose individual programs, but participants benefit most from taking the entire series and save 10% over the cost of individual sessions.
May 18, 2010 West Bend	Advanced Custom Manufacturing for the Military This seminar is targeted to businesses currently active in pursuing DOD parts contracts.  It is designed to take your to the next level in your military contracting efforts.
May 18, 2010 Wautoma	Successful Selling & Sales Management This two-hour workshop will look at the basics of successful selling including identifying and qualifying prospects, preparing and presenting sales proposals, and closing the sale. There will also be a discussion of how internet resources and other technologies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of your selling and sales management efforts.
May 18, 2010 Racine	CERTIFICATION FOR WOMEN & MINORITY BUSINESSES Should Your Business Be Certified?  We will discuss benefits of local, state and federal certification programs for your small business. Learn how certification can lead to new customers and more business for you. .
May 19, 2010 Madison	Financial Analysis & Benchmarking for Your Growing Business This program exposes the weaknesses inherent in common measurements of working capital.  We will show you how to extend traditional statement analysis by calculating your Net Balance Position (NBP).  Understanding the Net Balance Position of your organization will prepare you to anticipate and respond to emerging liquidity challenges. You will learn how to use the NBP to monitor the health of your company and when to take corrective measures. It will also introduce “Fintel,” a benchmarking tool that small businesses can utilize to evaluate their performance relative to their peers and to broaden their financial statement reporting.
May 19, 2010 Wausau	Marketing to the Federal Government You've searched some of the federal government websites and have located a contracting opportunity.  Or perhaps, through your diligent research you have identified several federal agencies and a major prime contractor that buys your product or service.  What do you do next?  You need to differentiate your company from the competition.  Learn how by taking this class!
May 19, 2010 Wausau	Create an Offer to a Federal Government Solicitation Create a winning offer to real government solicitations in this interactive workshop.  Choose from product, service, or construction solicitations issued from the federal government and try to win that contract. Work on a team or as an individual.
May 19, 2010 Sheboygan	Successful Selling & Sales Management This two-hour workshop will look at the basics of successful selling including identifying and qualifying prospects, preparing and presenting sales proposals, and closing the sale. There will also be a discussion of how internet resources and other technologies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of your selling and sales management efforts.
May 19, 2010 Wauwatosa	PRICING FOR PROFIT Using worksheets provided during this workshop, practice several easy-to-use methods that can help you set prices for profitable levels.  Learn techniques for introducing these new pricing levels to your customers while identifying ways to reduce you own costs to remain competitive.
May 20-21, 2010 Eau Claire	Dealing with Conflict …act quickly, confidently and professionally.  Do conflicts: Make you want to hide, avoid, or blow up Hinder your organizational relationships Impede team performance Keep returning without resolution Multiple points of view are inevitable in the workplace. So is conflict. Conflict is a natural by-product of strongly-held opinions and beliefs. In this two-day, face-to-face seminar you will: Discover how conflict is influenced by role expectations, perceptions, feelings, and past experiences Learn to effect trust, self-esteem and constructive communication through a 10 step approach to building collaborative relationships Apply new skills to real examples of workplace conflict Receive face-to face instruction and feedback from an experienced conflict management coach Practice your new skills in class with others like yourself Register today! Constructive conflict resolution is key to your success.   Who should attend: Anyone who manages people or works in a team-based environment: Small business owners Supervisors Managers Team leaders Team members The longer they remain unsolved, the more complicated conflicts become.
May 20-27, 2010 Madison	Covey's 7 Habits for Small Business This is an exciting new program in collaboration with the Small Business Development Centers across the U.S., FranklinCovey has customized The 7 Habits for Managers program to fit the needs of small business owners, managers and employees.  This two-day seminar is well established as one of the most powerful management development programs in business today and is now available at a special reduced price for small businesses.  “70% of strategic failures are due to poor execution by leadership… It’s rarely for lack of smarts or vision.” G. Colvin & R. Charan, “Why CEO’s Fail” Fortune Magazine
May 20, 2010 Beaver Dam	Selling to the State of Wisconsin The state of Wisconsin spent $1.6 billion on contracts in FY 2008.  This comprehensive seminar provides a foudation for contracting with the State of Wisconsin.
May 21, 2010 Madison	Wide Area Workflow Does your company have contracts with the Army, Air Force, Navy, or other Department of Defense agencies?  Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) allows vendors to electronically submit invoices and receive reports for Government inspectors to accept contracted goods and services.  WAWF provides the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) details needed to process all transactions electronically for payment.  This training will be conducted in a computer lab for hands-on learning of the WAWF System.
May 25, 2010 Madison	Managing Conflict Managing Conflict Session #3 of the Supervisory/Leadership Series Conflict management is characterized by a number of strategies including problem-solving, compromising, and forcing one’s position.
May 25-26, 2010 La Crosse	Managing the Future For the first time in American history, four distinct generations are in the workforce at the same time. Additionally, the American workforce is the most diverse ever and is diversifying at a dizzying rate. Managing employees has never been more complicated and effective communication has never been more important than it is today. Unfortunately, many managers may find it difficult to work with Generation Y workers, claiming these employees have no patience, believe everything is owed to them, are not loyal, and expect to be told how to do everything! Effectively managing these employees is extremely important. Management researchers believe that Generation Y is the most highly educated generation of workers in our history and their exposure to technology, diversity, and international travel make them the key to America’s ability to remain competitive in the age of globalization.   The most successful managers are those who understand the unique motivations of the workforce generations. These managers are finding ways to create work environments that are productive, fun, engaging and build of the strengths of each generation. Management experts argue that if managers evolve as their employees evolve, the end result will be a more dynamic and competitive organization where knowledge is shared, action is taken quickly, and new avenues are opened. In this course you will learn about the unique qualities and motivations of the four generations that make up today’s workforce and how to communicate effectively in an ever-diversifying workplace.
May 25, 2010 Kaukauna	Successful Selling & Sales Management This two-hour workshop will look at the basics of successful selling including identifying and qualifying prospects, preparing and presenting sales proposals, and closing the sale. There will also be a discussion of how internet resources and other technologies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of your selling and sales management efforts.
May 25, 2010 Madison	BUSINESS FINANCING SEMINAR  Learn about a variety of financing options and the steps necessary to apply for a loan. Participants will meet representatives from several traditional and alternative financing agencies to learn which program will best suit their business financing needs.
May 26 - January 1, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Planning Workshop (FastTrac Listening to Your Business) Where is your business going in the next three years? The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering several four hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, "What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?"
May 26, 2010 Madison	QuickBooks Beyond the Essentials QUICKBOOKS™ ACCOUNTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS To get the most out of an accounting software package, you need to customize it for your business.  In this half day hands-on session you will learn how to customize QuickBooks™ 2009 forms and reports to fit your unique business. You will also learn how to enter estimates and produce progress invoices and track time and materials.
May 26, 2010 Verona	BUSINESS LOAN INVESTIGATION LUNCH Have you ever wondered what to expect when applying for a business loan?  Meet a loan officer and find out the answers to your questions over an informal lunch.  Find out what loan officers and financial institutions are looking for in a good business plan.  Gain a better understanding for what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can prepare yourself to apply for a loan.  Bring your own lunch and your questions!
May 26, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and don't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
May 26, 2010 Oshkosh	Successful Selling & Sales Management This two-hour workshop will look at the basics of successful selling including identifying and qualifying prospects, preparing and presenting sales proposals, and closing the sale. There will also be a discussion of how internet resources and other technologies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of your selling and sales management efforts.
May 27, 2010 Fond du Lac	Successful Selling & Sales Management This two-hour workshop will look at the basics of successful selling including identifying and qualifying prospects, preparing and presenting sales proposals, and closing the sale. There will also be a discussion of how internet resources and other technologies can be used to enhance the effectiveness of your selling and sales management efforts.
June 2-3, 2010 Green Bay	Maximizing Performance Fine-tune your coaching techniques and create an environment of excellence.  Get the best out of your organization's most valuable resource - your employees.  In this session, you will learn how to coach for optimum performance while reducing recurring problems.
June 2, 2010 Madison	STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS Thinking about starting a business? If you're just exploring attend this session to learn the personal considerations to starting yourown business, where to find an idea, how to conduct market research, and how to judge if the idea is financially feasible. Plus take home a packet of great resources on licensing regulations, and local organizations that provide classes, financing and business assistance.
June 3-4, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 3 Communicating clear, specific expectations to your people is critical to operational effectiveness. This third seminar pulls key concepts from the first two seminars and focuses on how to provide meaningful feedback. We discuss:   Managing the Performance Appraisal Process What is performance appraisal? Sources of performance data available Preparing for and Conducting Performance Appraisal Meetings Communicating clear, specific expectations Importance of Ensuring Rater Accuracy Critical Skills in the Coaching Process How coaching differs from supervising Giving feedback constructively Conducting Coaching Conversations Mastering coaching techniques
June 4, 2010 Franklin	Using Financial Statements to Improve Your Profitability If my business is profitable, then where is the money? Income statements, cash flow, and balance sheets tell you different things about your business's financial health.  Learn how to use each statement effectively to improve profitability.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented by Tim Nolan, Nolan Accounting, in partnership with South Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
June 7, 2010 Milwaukee	MONEY MATTERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS As an entrepreneur or business owner, you understand the value of having first-rate money management skills~ both personally and professionally.  However, life sometimes gets in the way of doing things right.  Join us for this interactive workshop to discuss practical solutions to managing money at home & at your business.
June 7, 2010 Madison	The First Step Thinking about going into business? Spend one evening getting a clear picture of what it's really like to run a small business. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. Learn how to analyze the potential for your business. Discover what information you need and where to find it.  This program is designed for people who have not yet started a business.
June 8, 2010 Madison	SMALL BUSINESS DISCUSSION CIRCLE (RESOURCES FOR YOUR BIZ) Talk with a WWBIC representative in an informal group setting about a specific business issue.  Take home a valuable packet of business resources.
June 8 - August 31, 2010 Milwaukee	Entrepreneur Training Program  The Entrepreneur Training Program combines the power of classroom instruction using the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac curriculum, with peer networking and experienced business counseling to help you create the best business plan for your concept and learn the critical skills you need to open a business. Are you struggling to write your business plan? Are you looking for financing? Do you need a strategy to guide your growth plans? If so, enroll now to develop a plan and your abilities to start a business.   Requirements - If you are approved for the grant (see below for more info), you must successfully complete a business plan for the grant funds to be applied - Regular access to a computer, the internet and email as well as skills in Microsoft Word & Excel (click the more link above for details). Please call with any questions. - The time commitment required varies by participant, but on average you can expect to spend about three hours a week outside of class reading and working on your business plan.       Notes A Wisconsin Department of Commerce grant is available to cover 75 percent of the tuition cost.
June 9-10, 2010 Madison	SHRM Essentials of HR Management SHRM’s Essentials of Human Resource Management Certificate Program:  This program is designed for managers, supervisors or other employees that have hiring, performance management or other human resource (HR) responsibilities.
June 14-18, 2010 Madison	Youth Entrepreneur Camp Eligibility: completed 7th or 8th grades in June, 2009 -Learn to make money -Start a business this summer -Make new friends -Understand how business works -Invest money wisely Now, there is an opportunity to foster the entrepreneurial desires of middle school students: the Youth Entrepreneurship Camp presented by the UW-Madison Small Business Development Center.
June 15, 2010 Milwaukee	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
June 15, 2010 Eau Claire	7 Steps to Starting a Business This training session teaches participants how to start a business by assembling the pieces of a business plan. Topics covered include feasibility, proving your market, funding your business, writing a business plan, marketing, business legal structure and more.
June 16, 2010 La Crosse	The First Steps to Starting Your Business The Small Business Development Center offers a class for new business owners. In a small group setting, you will review the basics of going into business and identify your next steps.  Instruction time is three hours, including time for questions and answers.
June 17, 2010 Madison	BUSINESS LOAN INVESTIGATION LUNCH Have you ever wondered what to expect when applying for a business loan?  Meet a loan officer and find out the answers to your questions over an informal lunch.  Find out what loan officers and financial institutions are looking for in a good business plan.  Gain a better understanding for what your strengths and weaknesses are so you can prepare yourself to apply for a loan.  Bring your own lunch and your questions!
June 18, 2010 South Milwaukee	Human Resources Challenges The difference between the success and failure of your business may depend, more than anything else, on your people.  How do you hire and retain the right folks?  Is turnover a good or bad thing?  What is your turnover rate?  What is your turnover cost?  Learn about recent trends in labor and employment law.  Discover how to elevate your people management skills and avoid the missteps that could drain your time, energy, and finances.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented by Attorney Mark Goldstein in partnership with South Shore Economic Development and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
June 18, 2010 Racine	ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEUR? Are You An Entrepreneur? (Thinking About Starting a Business?) Decide if entrepreneurship is right for you. Participants will evaluate their skills and readiness for business ownership and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business.
June 30, 2010 Madison	WWBIC ORIENTATION Are you interested in starting a business or looking to expand your business and don't know where to start?  Attend WWBIC's Orientation session and learn about WWBIC's services which include business & financial education classes as well as ways of which to obtain financing through WWBIC's loan program.
June 30, 2010 Madison	RESEARCHING YOUR BUSINESS IDEA Researching Your Business Idea Have you made the decision to go into business?  The next step is to explore the potential of your business idea.  We will focus on examining the feasibility of your business idea, exploring ways to market the product or service, and identifying some next steps & resources for starting your business, including an introduction to the business plan.
July 20 - August 12, 2010 Madison	Small Business Fundamentals Starting a business? Success in small business depends on hard work, good fortune, and business knowledge. Attend this eight-session course to develop your management skills. Experts in law, accounting, banking, insurance, management, and marketing cover the fundamentals of small business management. Gain knowledge about growth stages and problems, marketing, promotion and advertising, legal issues and requirements, record-keeping, accounting and financial management, financing, insurance and risk management, and business plans.
July 21 - January 1, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Planning Workshop (FastTrac Listening to Your Business) Where is your business going in the next three years? The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering several four hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, "What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?"
August 6, 2010 Franklin	Human Resources Challenges The difference between success and failure of your business may depend, more than anything else, on your people.  How do you hire and retain the rigth folks?  Is turnover a good or bad thing?  What is your turnover rate?  What is your turnover cost?  Learn about recent trends in labor and employment law.  Discover how to elevate your people management skills and avoid the missteps that could drain your time, energy, and finances.   Continental breakfast at 7:00am with program to follow at 7:30am.   Presented by Attorney Mark Goldstein in partnership with South Suburban Chamber of Commerce and the UW-Milwaukee Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
August 9 - July 9, 2010 Madison	The First Step Thinking about going into business? Spend one evening getting a clear picture of what it's really like to run a small business. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses as a business owner. Learn how to analyze the potential for your business. Discover what information you need and where to find it.  This program is designed for people who have not yet started a business.
August 11, 2010 La Crosse	The First Steps to Starting Your Business The Small Business Development Center offers a class for new business owners. In a small group setting, you will review the basics of going into business and identify your next steps.  Instruction time is three hours, including time for questions and answers.
August 25, 2010 Madison	Tax Expo The Small Business Tax Expo is your chance to learn about federal and state taxes including payroll, unemployment compensation and sales taxes. Created for you by Wisconsin Small Business Development Centers, WI Department of Revenue, Wisconsin Institute of CPAs and Internal Revenue Service, you will learn about the following:    The morning session agenda includes: Introduction to Payroll Taxes Basic Tax Topics, such as: "Employee" vs "Independent Contractor" status How to do quarterly income tax estimates How to use withholding tables Deposit requirements and how to make deposits Tax returns to file Workers compensation Choosing  a form of business, pros and cons of legal business entities: Partnerships and LLC/LLP Sole Proprietorship S-Corp or C-Corp   The afternoon breakout sessions discuss details based on your choice of business entity. The breakout sessions are taught by CPAs and accountants.
September 22, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Planning Workshop (FastTrac Listening to Your Business) Where is your business going in the next three years? The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering several four hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, "What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?"
September 29-30, 2010 La Crosse	Supervisory Management One First-line managers need good leadership skills. Topics include (1) the transition to management, (2) analyzing leadership styles, (3) motivating employee performance, and (4) discipline and work rules. Supervisory Management 1 is an excellent introductory course for new managers facing the challenges of leading a work group.
September 30 - October 1, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 1 First-line managers need good leadership skills. Often, however, new supervisors are promoted based on their technical abilities, and have had little training in how to constructively manage a work group. In this seminar, we discuss:   The Supervisory Aspect of Management Moving from an operational to a decision-making role Making the transition smoother and less stressful  Understanding Your Leadership Style Six leadership styles—characteristics, advantages and disadvantages Matching appropriate leadership styles to the situation Motivating Employee Performance The managers responsibility for employee performance and productivity Guidelines for understanding employee behavior Dealing with Non-Performance Developing a correcting / coaching model Understand why workers dont do what is expected
October 5, 2010 La Crosse	Financial Basics for Business Financial statements can help you make key decisions for your business. This three-hour workshop provides an introduction to three basic financial statements used by business owners: income statement, cash flow statement, and the balance sheet.  Not only will you learn how to read these financial statements, but you will also learn how to use them for better management control.
October 6, 2010 La Crosse	Efficient & Effective Search Engine Optimization for Business Owners  Optimizing your Web site’s content will improve your search engine rankings when someone searches on keywords relating to your business. This workshop is ideal for small business owners and managers who want to learn an efficient and effective process for dramatically improving their site’s rankings and doubling monthly unique visitors.   A business owner does not need to know technical skills, like Web programming, to be successful at search engine optimization (SEO). Instead, business owners will rely on their marketing skill and the ability to think like their customers and prospects, versus an ability to write HTML or other form of Web programming. This workshop will teach you how to select keywords that are proven performers, blend the keywords into site content, boost site popularity, and more. More specifically, attendees will learn basic SEO terms, how to use several free SEO tools when selecting the best keywords, how to implement a practical and tactical 15-step process for optimizing site content and building popularity, and how to measure results.  The instructor is Stephen Woessner, author of The Small Business Owner Handbook to Search Engine Optimization: Increase Your Google Rankings, Double Your Site Traffic…In Just 15 Steps. Guaranteed! Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of the book.
October 12, 2010 La Crosse	The First Steps to Starting Your Business The Small Business Development Center offers a class for new business owners. In a small group setting, you will review the basics of going into business and identify your next steps.  Instruction time is three hours, including time for questions and answers.
October 13-14, 2010 La Crosse	Supervisory Management Two Leadership development continues in four key areas (1) orienting people to your work unit, (2) understanding your communication behaviors, (3) managing time, and (4) using delegation as a development tool.  We build on the leadership skills learned in the first seminar and focus on maintaining a productive work group.
October 19, 2010 La Crosse	Planning Basics for Business Writing a business plan is more than a document, it is a planning process that will help your business be more successful! This three-hour class gives an introduction to what goes into a business plan, what resources are available, and how to get started. The class includes worksheets and exercises, a discussion of software programs and a look at sample plans.
October 20, 2010 La Crosse	Create, Manage, and Measure Effective Google AdWords Campaigns Ideal for small business owners and managers who want to learn the basics of search engine marketing (often referred to as pay-per-click or PPC advertising). With PPC, business owners and managers can selectively promote their products and services exclusively to very specific audiences. PPC clients can even define a geographic region: local, national, international, or a small section of these, as well as eliminate tire kicker prospects by using “negative keywords”.  PPC campaigns are powerful because they deliver targeted messages to Internet searchers and a business owner only pays when someone clicks on the ad. Within the PPC industry, Google’s AdWords platform is the leader and delivers measurable results for clients.  This is a practical and tactical workshop that provides attendees with the knowledge they need to be able to create and manage their own Google AdWords campaigns. More specifically, participants will learn basic pay-per-click terminology, how to create a Google AdWords account step-by-step, how to create a Google AdWords campaign step-by-step, and how to use measure return on investment while refining future campaigns.
October 21-22, 2010 La Crosse	Negotiation Skills (Supervisory Management Elective) Managers can learn the strategies, skills, and motivations for negotiating win-win outcomes.  The two-day program will help managers efficiently reach satisfying agreements for both parties in any negotiation and apply the concepts to both everyday situations including specialized contract and conflict situations.  “Negotiation Skills” also qualifies as an elective for the Supervisory Management Certificate program.
October 26-27, 2010 La Crosse	Difficult Conversations: Effective Tools & Strategies for Telling the Truth Each of us needs to have a conversation with someone that we will find difficult. Whether this difficult conversation involves saying “no” to your boss, giving constructive feedback to a co-worker, or conducting a performance review with a wayward direct report, such conversations are filled with stress and anxiety. During this highly interactive workshop, you will learn models, tools, and techniques for approaching your difficult conversations with confidence and composure. You will learn how to: 1) discuss why we engage in self-defeating and self-destructive behaviors during difficult conversations, 2) create safety for yourself and others in the midst of a difficult conversation, 3) describe the two mindsets that drive our beliefs, thinking, and behaviors, 4) demonstrate an integrative model for conducting a difficult conversation, and much more.
October 26, 2010 La Crosse	Marketing Basics for Business Marketing is the strategic foundation for business success.  Selecting target markets, analyzing the competition, building your promotion calendars and evaluating your marketing results will help keep your business on the right path. Begin to plan your marketing efforts.
October 28-29, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 2 The second seminar in the overview concentrates on four critical concerns for managers:    Establishing Orientation Policies and Procedures Building upon what the new employee brings to the job How to effectively socialize/orient new employees for loyalty, commitment and long-term productivity Understanding Your Communication Style The role and purpose of communication in the organization Tools of effective communication—perception, listening, feedback   Time Management   Clarifying time management and analyzing time use   Systems for managing your work and your time Empowering Your People Delegation issues and learning processes Guidelines for making effective work assignments This seminar builds on the leadership skills learned in the first seminar.
November 3, 2010 La Crosse	Basics of Selling on eBay This course is taught by a certified eBay instructor. Participants will learn the basics of selling on eBay, including the following topics: safety, creating an account, creating titles and descriptions, determining pricing, shipping, returns, photography, PayPal, collecting payments, selling strategies, following up after the sale, and general eBay navigation. Optional: a copy of The Basics of Selling on eBay can be purchased for $20 when you arrive in the classroom.
November 4, 2010 La Crosse	QuickBooks Essentials  In this program you will learn QuickBooks™ basic features.  Topics include: entering transactions, producing invoices and checks, setting up vendors, customers, jobs and items, reconciling bank and credit card statements, and producing financial statements. This program is best suited for people who want to start using QuickBooks™ 2009 or have recently started using QuickBooks™ 2009.
November 10-11, 2010 La Crosse	Improving Managerial Efficiency(Supervisory Management Elective) As a manager, you are under pressure to improve your personal efficiency and effectiveness.  By enhancing your personal performance and improving the management of your individual responsibilities, you will become a more effective manager.  The concepts and skills taught are relevant to all managers regardless of your business setting.
November 17, 2010 Elkhorn	Business Planning Workshop (FastTrac Listening to Your Business) Where is your business going in the next three years? The Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA) is offering several four hour workshops specifically designed for entrepreneurs. This program will help you evaluate and measure your personal and business strategies, answering the question, "What do I really want from by business, and how do I get it?"
November 17, 2010 La Crosse	Build an eBay Store! Do you have lots of “stuff” you would like to sell? Are you looking for a way to dramatically grow your eBay sales? Have you considered opening an online eBay Store, but are not sure how it all works?  Join certified eBay University Instructor Jack Waddick for this fun and informative eBay Stores class. Besides explaining the many benefits of having an online eBay Store, Jack will show you step-by-step how to open and fine-tune your store for maximum results. With over 3,000 successful eBay transactions, Jack will share tips, tools, and strategies for marketing to the millions of buyers on eBay. Optional: a copy of The eBay Stores Workbook can be purchased for $20 when you arrive in the classroom.
December 1, 2010 La Crosse	The First Steps to Starting Your Business The Small Business Development Center offers a class for new business owners. In a small group setting, you will review the basics of going into business and identify your next steps.  Instruction time is three hours, including time for questions and answers.
December 2-3, 2010 Eau Claire	Supervisory Management 3 Communicating clear, specific expectations to your people is critical to operational effectiveness. This third seminar pulls key concepts from the first two seminars and focuses on how to provide meaningful feedback. We discuss:   Managing the Performance Appraisal Process What is performance appraisal? Sources of performance data available Preparing for and Conducting Performance Appraisal Meetings Communicating clear, specific expectations Importance of Ensuring Rater Accuracy Critical Skills in the Coaching Process How coaching differs from supervising Giving feedback constructively Conducting Coaching Conversations Mastering coaching techniques
December 8-9, 2010 La Crosse	Supervisory Management Three Communicating clear, specific expectations to your people is critical for operational effectiveness.  Giving feedback during day-to-day coaching sessions as well as during formal performance reviews is an essential skill. We discuss why there is resistance to performance assessment, how to establish job expectations, and how to conduct productive coaching sessions.
December 8, 2010 La Crosse	Financial Basics for Business Financial statements can help you make key decisions for your business. This three-hour workshop provides an introduction to three basic financial statements used by business owners: income statement, cash flow statement, and the balance sheet.  Not only will you learn how to read these financial statements, but you will also learn how to use them for better management control.
December 14, 2010 La Crosse	Planning Basics for Business Writing a business plan is more than a document, it is a planning process that will help your business be more successful! This three-hour class gives an introduction to what goes into a business plan, what resources are available, and how to get started. The class includes worksheets and exercises, a discussion of software programs and a look at sample plans.
December 16, 2010 La Crosse	Marketing Basics for Business Marketing is the strategic foundation for business success.  Selecting target markets, analyzing the competition, building your promotion calendars and evaluating your marketing results will help keep your business on the right path. Begin to plan your marketing efforts.