Help For Starting A Business

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses.

Some topics this coming week included:

Wednesday, May 11--6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Starting A Business In Illinois is an essential for anyone interested in starting their own business. Our experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources. Cost -- $25.

Wednesday, May 11 – 7:00 to 10:00 pm.

How To Develop A Business Plan will help create a road map for the future success of your company. Whether your business is going out for capital or is simply looking to drive a greater margin, your business plan is essential. Cost $45.

Thursday, May 12 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

How To Use Trademark, Copyright and Patent Protection will be presented by a local patent attorney who will cover the basics of intellectual property swell as what can and cannot be protected. Cost: $39.

Thursday, May 12 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Legal Concerns for Small Business is targeting to-pre-venture and existing businesses alike. Our attorney will cover a wide range of business topics including organizational structure, liabilities, mediation and negotiation as well as when to seek the advice of a professional. Cost: $39.

Topics For The Following Week:

Tuesday, May 17 – 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Hire Your First Employee will guide you step by step through the process of hiring employees, including how to recruit, and how to choose the best person. Other topics will include salaries and benefits, personnel policies and being a boss. Participants will receive a “Hire Your First Employee” text book. Cost: $45.

After that—Tuesday, May 31—7:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Marketing Basic provides a thorough understanding of marketing, including measuring marketing effectiveness, performing a competitive analysis and indentifying a target market. Come learn the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing methods and get your marketing plan on the right track. Cost: $39.

All classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Medical Center.

For more information or to register, please contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or mail to

Branding Brainstorming Kicks Off MCC Small Business Development Offerings for July

    The Illinois Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) at McHenry County College is offering opportunities and assistance to small businesses. Kicking off July’s programs is the monthly Branding Brainstorming group that meets from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 1. 
    Branding Brainstorming is a no-cost seminar to collaboratively discuss various approaches to marketing and apply the strategies to your business. This monthly group meets on the first Thursday of every month. Call (815) 455-6098 to reserve your spot.
    Other popular topics featured at classes in July include: Starting A Business In Illinois, Marketing Bootcamp and Developing A Business Plan. Find out how the ISBDC professionals can help your business become more successful.
    The following classes are accepting registrations:
Starting A Business In Illinois: Ideal for anyone interested in starting their own business. An experienced instructor will discuss many of the basics pertaining to entrepreneurship, as well as distribute various handouts with agencies and resources. This class meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 14. Cost: $25.
    Marketing Bootcamp: Provides a thorough understanding of marketing, including measuring marketing effectiveness, performing a competitive analysis and indentifying a target market. Come learn the strengths and weaknesses of various marketing methods and get your marketing plan on the right track. This class meets from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 15. Cost: $39.
    How To Develop A Business Plan: Create a road map for the future success of your company. Whether your business is going out for capital or is simply looking to drive a greater margin, your business plan is essential. This class will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21. Cost: $45.
    All of these classes are held at the McHenry County College Shah Center, located at 4100 W. Shamrock Lane in McHenry, near Centegra Hospital.
    For more information or to register, contact the Illinois Small Business Development Center at (815) 455-6098 or sbdc@mchenry.

Human Resource Classes For Small Business Owners

The Illinois Small Business Development Center is introducing two new classes that emphasize some of the important aspects of human resources for small business owners.

The new classes include:
May 24, 2010 6-8 p.m.
How to Write an Employee Handbook. This class will discuss establishing procedures and policies, as well as the basics of creating an effective and complete employee handbook. Cost: $39.

Tuesday, May 25 6-8 p.m.
Top Ten Must-Do's for Employers: Navigating Emerging Human Resources Policies. This class will cover many of the latest requirements and changes by the Department of Labor, as well as how they can impact small businesses. Cost: $39.

All classes are held at The Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry. For more information or to register, please contact us at sbdc@mchenry.edu or (815) 455-6098