7 Week Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP)

The Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KU SBDC) in conjunction with CareerLink is starting a seven-week SEAP to help the unemployed.

This workshop is offered to those individuals who are on unemployment. Contact Berks County CareerLink (BCC) at (610) 988-1300 to determine eligibility. If BCC determines you are eligible please call Tracy Ream at (484) 646-4005 or email her at ream@kutztown.edu for more information and orientation.

This seven-week program is designed to help future and existing entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. This dynamic workshop series runs for three hours each week and offers business ideas, business development topics and one-on-one mentoring support. 

 Mull Export Management and Consulting is on Its Way with KU SBDC Marketing Expertise

Mull Export Management and Consulting (EMC) was founded in 2007 by Robert W. Mull, Jr. He identified a niche market--the export of industrial products--based on his background in manufactured goods and his knowledge of Southeast Asia. Mull has taken advantage of the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center's (KU SBDC) international trade services and help with finding funding opportunities.

Robert owns two other exporting companies that operate in the Phillipines. He gained experience in Southeast Asia by selling light construction equipment made in the United States which was shipped overseas. In 1988 Robert began working with Caterpillar, setting up offices in Vietnam. He has also worked with several companies as an export manager.

Click here to read more about Mull Export Management and Consulting and how the KU SBDC helped them market their business.

KU SBDC Outreach
 

The Reading Chamber of Commerce celebrates Three Kings Day because it is symbolic to all Latin American families. The Chamber chooses this day to acknowledge a businessperson of the year. Josie Torres-Boykin was shocked and excited to be this year's honoree.

Josie's company, A Business World, provides translation services for lawyers in and out of the courtroom. "I like helping people who have a problem speaking the English language. When I go to court with them a lot of these people do know English and they do understand it, but expressing themselves in the legal field they have a hard time doing it in English. So, I love being the person that can express what they want to say," she explains. 

To read more about Josie Torres-Boykin and her business, click here. 

Programs Offered to Help Existing Businesses Survive the Economic Crisis

Listening to Your Business Workshop

Listening to Your Business is an interactive program developed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. It is a four-hour live workshop followed by a networking lunch. Meant for existing businesses, this workshop helps business owners chart their three-year strategic vision, determine the business' stage of development, identify business areas that need to be strengthened to support growth and translates goals into action steps--all in the context of today's economic reality. The networking lunch gives attendees the opportunity to meet with other business owners and to speak with KU SBDC consultants and SeedCo staff.

The workbook used during this workshop helps the business owner implement a growth plan. Supplement the workbook with the e-learning module--Strategic Planning and Execution--which is available on our Web site.

For more information on the Chester County workshop on April 22 at our Exton office, please call us at (484) 646-4003.

Click here to register on our Web site. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has a $20 fee.

What's new at the KU SBDC?

KU SBDC will launch a new Web site in the near future.
The new site will have an entirely new look and feel and is designed to be more customer friendly.  

Ready for you now, the new Consulting Services and Learning Opportunities Guide--Click here to access a PDF of our comprehensive guide to all KU SBDC services.  It provides information on one of the largest libraries of business start-up online courses on the Web. It provides you the tools you need to successfully build and maintain your business. You can access the guide online or print out a hardcopy.

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Jazzy New Layout!

Next month's edition of the completely redesigned Success Connection will have a new look and layout. Check your inbox!

How to Obtain a Federal SBA 8(a)/SDB or HUBZone Certification

Do you own a small business and want to understand the Federal SBA 8 (a)/SDB or HUBZone certification process? Take this opportunity to learn about the process. Eligibility requirements will be discussed along with how the certification can help your business grow. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how your certification can help you gain government prime or subcontracts. You will also learn how to submit your application and get tips on how to market your business to federal contractors.

Click here to register.

Certification
Made Simple

This three-hour informational session discusses and reviews the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) certification application.

Participants will be led through the application by a representative from the Department of General Services Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities (BMWBO).

All sessions are held at the Harrisburg location.

Click here to register.

Learning Opportunities:

The Pitch, a Webinar, is the first of two online Webinars which will help you build your business plan.  It is based on Guy Kawasaki's best-selling book on entrepreneurship, The Art of the Start. Sign up today.

Click here and register for this and the other Webinar in the series.
 

The First Step Conference Call-
This free 90 minute call delivers an interactive experience. We will provide you with an hour and a half overview of all KU SBDC client services and learning resources.

For all individuals seeking KU SBDC services, click here to register now. "Your success is our mission."