Training Programs

The Small Business Development Center at TTU offers a variety of no-cost and low-cost training seminars which target problems and technology that small business owners need in order to be successful. These seminars are a great way to learn about emerging business technologies and other options to expand or supplement your existing small business. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to own your own business to attend these seminars.

Below are the descriptions of our most common training seminars. Please visit our website at www.cookevillesbdc.org to check for the next available session of these seminars.

Small Business 101: How to Start a Small Business

This two-hour seminar is offered monthly and is geared toward those individuals who are thinking about starting a small business. It is also appropriate for new and existing small business owners and operators who want to know more about the basics of small business management. Topics include: licensing requirements, business planning, legal business structures, obtaining financing, and an entrepreneurial personality assessment. A short question and answer period follows the seminar.

Cost: Free

The Plan: Business Plan Basics for the Entrepreneur

Business planning is an essential step in starting a business. This two-hour seminar covers the parts of a business plan, how to get your ideas organized and on paper, key make-it or break-it points for success, common mistakes, and much more. Every participant also takes home a copy of "The Plan," a 35 page business planning guide written by John W. Nelson, III. This is a step-by-step business planning guide with examples and a fill-in-the-blank format to make business planning as painless as possible.

Cost: $10 (includes "The Plan" business plan guide booklet)

Customer Service for Small Business

Good customer service is essential for the success of a small business. This seminar will cover the basics of both in-person and online customer service. Scheduled topics include personalities, appearance, wait and appointment times, product knowledge, professionalism, discounts/specials, netiquette, and more.

Cost: Free

Knowing and Understanding Your Credit

Debbie Reynolds, a small business banker, and Becky Greer, a community banker, will be teaching an FDIC Money Smart Program about the importance of knowing and understanding your credit. Specifically, the seminar will focus on your credit score and how it can effect borrowing money for your business, and ways to build and repair a poor credit history. This seminar is co-hosted by Regions Bank.