"Advertising that Works!"
When: Tuesdays, March 18 & 25
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30-50
Pre-registration required: see below

Business owners: is your advertising working for you? Many businesses pour money into advertising that doesn't pay off in increased sales or a bigger customer base — don't let this be you! Join us for an intensive workshop focusing exclusively on effective advertising for your small business. You'll learn what works and what doesn't, critique several ads, including your own, and even design some new pieces. The workshop is appropriate for businesses currently in operation or that will be opening within the next two or three months.

Pre-registration is required and consists of intake forms (if not previously completed) and payment of workshop fee.
Contact: Michelle

Intensive Business Plan Writing Workshop
If you've been "meaning to" sit down and develop an organized comprehensive plan for your business, now's your chance! Whether you're still at the concept stage or have been in business for years, having a written business plan can give you a great road map for moving your business forward and accomplishing your goals. The key word in this workshop is "writing"— we won't be talking about business plans, we'll be writing them — you'll leave with a framework begun and a clear idea of how to continue the research and outline the rest of your plan.

When: Saturday, April 26
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30-50
Pre-registration is required and consists of intake forms (if not previously completed) and payment of workshop fee.
Contact: Michelle

"Getting Down to Business"
This is our intensive, 9-week, "start-up boot-camp" course, which gives a comprehensive overview of the business start-up process. We have recently revamped the curriculum, making the course shorter while retaining all the essential information you need! We'll cover business plans, finance, marketing, legal issues, taxes and more.

Right for you if:

• you have a definite business concept that you are committed to
• you are ready to move forward with your business planning process
• you hope to get your business off the ground within the next 8 months
• you have very recently started a business and need help
• you are able to commit to an intensive, nine-week course with outside research and homework

When: Wednesdays, April 9 - June 4 (plus orientation session April 2)
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $80-300
Registration: contact Leslie to schedule a pre-class interview.

"Are You Ready for Business?"
This is a four-session introductory course that will give prospective entrepreneurs an overview of the world of business ownership. Topics include business concept screening, researching a business idea, the functional areas of business, resources for business planning, basic market assessment, personal and financial readiness, and much more!

Right for you if:

• you are tossing around several business ideas that you're thinking about
  
• you have a definite business idea but aren't sure if you want to go forward
  
• you are still in the "information-gathering" phase
  
• you don't plan to start your business for another year or more
  
• you are just beginning to think about entrepreneurship and want to know more
  

When: Tuesdays/Thursdays, May 6, 8, 13, 15
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Where: Alternatives' 2nd floor conference room
Cost: sliding scale, $30-90
Registration required: contact Leslie