Schoolcraft College's Small Business and Technology Development Center is offering several seminars in January that cater to the unique needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Reservations are required. To reserve a seat for these or any other SBTDC seminars, visit http://www.schoolcraft.edu/bdc/sbtdc_seminars.asp for registration instructions or call 734-462-4438. All of the seminars are held at the VisTaTech Center on Schoolcraft College's main campus in Livonia, Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile Roads.

The Entrepreneur Series
Business Legal Issues: Tues., Jan 12, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., $40
Writing a Business Plan: Wed., Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., $40
Starting a Business: Wed., Jan. 20, 6 - 9 p.m., $30
Marketing Your Business: Thurs., Jan. 21, 6 - 9 p.m., $40
Finance: Wed., Jan. 27, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., $40

In addition, an intentensive , 10-week program, FastTrac® NewVenture™, begins Thursday, January 14. These half-day sessions (9:30 a.m. - noon) run through March 18. The fee is $700 for the program. FastTrac® NewVenture™ provides the opportunity to objectively evaluate your concept and plans for moving forward, begin building an infrastructure for your business operations and processes, understand how to access human, financial, business resources, and build an actionable business plan.

"SBIR/STTR 101: Introduction and Overview" will be held Tuesday, January 19 from 9 a.m. - noon. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are federal grant programs that fund early-stage research and development projects. SBIR specifically funds projects at small technology companies or with individual entrepreneurs who form a company. STTR funds projects for small businesses working cooperatively with researchers at universities and other research institutions.  The course is $50 per person.

"Working for Yourself: The Ins and Outs of Becoming a Consultant, a Contractor, or other Service Provider," will be offered Tuesday, January 26, from 6 -9 p.m. and the cost is $40.

"Management Survival Strategies for Michigan-Based Manufacturers" will be offered Tuesday, January 12 and Thursday, January 14, 8 a.m. - noon. Each session is free and presenters will discuss business acumen, financial and cost management, and strategic decision making to survive and thrive in a prolonged recessionary market.

The Schoolcraft College SBTDC is part of a state network (MI-SBTDC) that provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing , including new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators. The MI-SBTDC at Schoolcraft College provides services and support to Western Wayne and Southwest Oakland counties.