YSU SBDC and Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to host business workshops

The Ohio Small Business Development Center and Export Assistance Network at Youngstown State University is partnering with the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County to host a series of business workshops in October.

The workshops are designed to help those attending discover and capitalize on business opportunities and learn from experts who will teach market research, financial modeling, financing options, exporting opportunities and business resources.

The first session will be Oct. 8 with presenter Stuart Gibbs, a business research librarian at the PLYMC. The session is titled “Data-Driven Business Decisions” and will teach attendees to research suppliers, competitors, industry reports and ways to build business acumen. The session will cover several databases, including Business Source Complete, LinkedIn Learning, Mergent Intellect, Policy Map and Reference Solutions.

The second session will take place Oct. 17 and will cover “A Financial Model and Financing to Benefit Your Business.” Presented by Steve Schillig, a strategic growth consultant at the Ohio SBDC at YSU, the session will be an introduction into the financial model developed and used by the SBDC at YSU. Attendees will be given information on accessing capital for their businesses, which will include loan proposals and other financing opportunities.

Lastly, the thirds session will be Oct. 28th with Mariah Carna, an international trade specialist with the Ohio SBDC EAN at YSU. Carna will be teaching “International Trade, Government Contracting and Business Resources,” and will cover how YSU’s SBDC EAN assists currently exporting companies and assists those interested in exploring international business opportunities. The session will also include a discussion on the government contracting assistance available through the APEX Accelerator at YSU.

Each workshop will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with a wrap up 7 to 7:30 p.m. Workshops are free and open to the public however, seating is limited to 50 people per session, so registration is required. Visit the online Business Seminar Registration Form for more information and to register.