Business Workshops Announced

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County presents the next installments of its Education Series.  Sessions are designed for both the seasoned business professional and the budding entrepreneur.  The series is designed around workgroups that allow business owners to engage and learn from each other’s experiences.  Topics presented in this program are based on current needs with the most current listings available on-line at www.Skagit.org.  

5/10 – Planning and Financing a Business.  A three and a half hour odyssey of what it takes to start and maintain a high performing business.  From financing to business plans this is a must do for anyone who has recently started or is considering to launch a business.  FREE! 1:00pm – 4:30pm.  Refreshments provided. 

5/12 – Learning from the Mouse.  Back by demand with expanded content!  Would your customers save for years and then spend 7 to 8 hours in line waiting for your product?  In this session learn the tricks and methods employed by a large entertainment company in creating customer experience.  This workshop is guaranteed to change the way you think about your customers and the way you work with them.  Pixie dust not included.  $10 member, $20 non-members.  Noon – 1:30pm.    Lunch provided. 

5/17 – Marketing on the Internet.  This whole internet thing seems to be staying put… Are you using it to create sales?  Do you know your pay-per-click from your SEO?  In this no-nonsense session explore the ways to promote your company to create sales.   Session presented in partnership with the Sedro Woolley Public Library and held at the Sedro Woolley Community Center, 703 Pacific Street.  FREE!  6:30pm – 8:00pm.   

5/24 – Digging in to Social Media.   Grab your laptop and join in this nearly-all day session on how to use the largest platforms of social media.  Start out with a basic overview of social media and social influence marketing – definitions, best practices, and most effective platforms. Receive tutorials on setting up a Facebook fan page, a Twitter account, a YouTube channel, and tracking SIM campaigns using tools like Google Analytics. Additionally, the class will look at SEO – search engine optimization.  There is pre-session homework for this session and space is limited.  Don’t have a laptop? We can help you rent one.  $60 member, $70 non-members.  10:00am – 3:00pm.    Lunch and snacks provided.  Class size is limited.

5/26 – QuickBooks Users Group.  Not a class but more of a support group.  Join other QuickBooks users in a conversation facilitated by a QuickBooks ProAdvisor to discuss your issues and trends using the widest used accounting software. $10 member, $15 non-members.  Noon – 1:30pm.    Lunch provided.

5/31 – Planning and Financing a Business.  A three and a half hour odyssey of what it takes to start and maintain a high performing business.  From financing to business plans this is a must do for anyone who has recently started or is considering to launch a business.  .   Session presented in partnership with the Sedro Woolley Public Library and held at the Sedro Woolley Council Chambers at City Hall, 325 Metcalf Street.  FREE!  1:00 – 4:30pm.   

6/1 – Exporting Today.  Taking your products and services to new markets is a key growth strategy.  It increases your sales and helps your company better manage the fluctuations of localized economies.  In this session learn more about the resources and strategies to get started or expand your exporting.  $10 member, $20 non-members.  1:00pm – 5:00pm.    Lunch provided.

Sessions are presented in the EDASC offices located at 204 West Montgomery in Mount Vernon (unless otherwise noted in the description).  Advanced registration is required on-line at www.skagit.org or 360-336-6114.  Sessions are produced in partnership with:  Skagit Valley College, Small Business Development Centers of Washington State and Renew Washington a project of the Washington State Library.

The EDASC Education Series was created by EDASC in response to concerns from local business owners and overall increased demand from new businesses.  This series presents a wide variety of business topics designed for both those opening a new business or those wanting to take their business to the next level.  “In these uncertain economic times it is imperative that business owners and managers be given the support they need,” said Don Wick EDASC’s Executive Director.

The mission of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County is to enhance Skagit County’s quality of life through the creation and preservation of healthy businesses and good jobs.

We accomplish our mission with companies that are relocating or expanding to Skagit County; local companies that are expanding or starting up; or Skagit County companies that are working to retain jobs.