Thinking about starting a business and wondering how to go about doing it?

A workshop geared toward helping women looking to start a new business will be held in Sapulpa to help answer those questions.

Titled “Entrepreneurship 101,” the workshop is being presented by the Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.

The workshop runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p..m., Sept. 30, 2009, at the Central Technology Center, 1720 S. Main, in Sapulpa.

 Presenters are Dewey Brandon, Oklahoma Tax Commission; John Blue, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center, and Sam Vaverka, REI.

The workshop will offer information on business formation and structures, a step-by-step guide to business registration, bookkeeping techniques, and a line-by-line explanation of the primary business tax forms.  Participants will learn the steps to filling out the various business tax forms and which forms and tax laws have changed according to the latest legislative decisions.

A marketing segment will provide ideas on how to market without blowing the business budget.
Another workshop will focus on how to write a business plan to help get the business off the ground.

In addition, the seminar includes information on obtaining funding for starting or expanding one’s business. Participants will learn how to approach a lender, what is expected of the borrower and what homework needs to be done in advance of seeking financing.  

Although the workshops are targeted toward women, all business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to attend. There will be question and answer periods throughout the workshop.  

The workshop is co-sponsored by Sapulpa Chamber of Commerce, Sapulpa Main Street, OSU Cooperative Extension, Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and REI’s Women’s Business Center which is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

For additional information, contact Dr. Barbara Rackley or Lori Smith at 800-658-2823.  Also visit REI’s website at www.ruralenterprises.com.