Current Training Calendar

The East Kentucky SBDC offers an intensive schedule of training workshops and classes each year for existing and start-up businesses. Please visit here often as we will frequently update this page with upcoming workshop offerings. The workshops vary from large, regional sessions to small classes taught by local business men and women.

Register for Services On-line!!!

November 16, 2009: Coaching the Van Driver--Defensive Driving Course for Cargo & Passenger Vans, Ashland, KY 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

This course is best-suited for individuals who transport cargo or passengers in a van. Businesses whose employees drive company vans during "company time" should also plan to send their drivers. The objective of the program is to improve your ability to read and respond safely to potential collision-producing situations. This workshop is designed to educate and remind van drivers about the importance of defensive driving. Each participant will receive a Certificate of Completion which may be presented for discounted auto insurance premiums with insurance providers. Workshop fee is $20, payable to National Safety Council. For more information, contact Kim Jenkins, Ashland SBDC, at 606-329-8011.

November 17, 2009: Using ebay to Start or Expand a Business, West Liberty, KY 5:00-8:30 p.m.

This workshop introduces the basics of establishing an ebay business. Strategies and tips will be shared on how to go about selling successfully on ebay. Participants will walk thought the process of listing, selling, and receiving payment for items sold. This program is being co-sponsored by the West Liberty Small Business Development Center and Morgan County School's Community Education program. This program will be held in the MSU Regional Enterprise Center, 151 University Drive, West Liberty, KY. For more details, contact the West Liberty SBDC, at 606-743-4005.

November 18, 2009: Starting Your Own Business 101, Paintsville, KY 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This workshop introduces the basics of starting a small business in Kentucky. Topics include business structures, licensing, and tax requirements, business plan and financing options. The meeting will be conducted at The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center in Thelma, KY. For more information contact Michelle Spriggs at 606-788-6008 or by email at m.spriggs@moreheadstate.edu.

December 8, 2009: Direct Mail Gets "Direct Results", Paintsville, KY 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

In this session, participants will learn the "basics" of Direct mail and how to use Direct Mail to acquire and retain customers. You will learn Direct Mail Association's statistics on the value of Direct Mail as well as the various formats available to marketers using Direct Mail. Learn how to use the USPS.com website to design and mail a professional Direct Mail Campaign. Learn how to create and mail a Direct Mail campaign from your desktop without ever stepping foot in the Post Office! This session will cover the basics of creating a Direct Mail campaign that provides an optimal return on investment. Learn how to target your Direct Mail campaign to the right audience, deliver a relevant message to that audience, and measure the response you receive from your campaign. Whether you are an experienced mailer or have never used Direct Mail in the Past, you will benefit from this seminar. Postage payment methods, discounts, and mail piece design will also be covered. There will be time for questions and answers. Workshop is free of charge.

December 9, 2009: Defensive Driving Course for Individuals and Businesses, Ashland, KY 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

During this program, participants will be reintroduced to safe driving tips. The course offers practical strategies to reduce collision-related injuries, fatalities, and costs. It addresses the importance of attitude in preventing accidents and reinforces the good driving skills most of us already have. This workshop is open to the public and recommended for everyone, especially teen drives and those ages 55+. Businesses whose employees drive commercial or personal vehicles during "company time" should also plan to send their drivers. Workshop fee is $20, payable to National Safety Council. To register, contact Kim Jenkins, Ashland SBDC at 606-349-8011.

December 15, 2009: The Power of Social Networking in Business, Ashland KY 1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Small businesses have the most to gain from social networking. In doing so, they are building and maintaining business relationships, partnerships, and alliances which can have a positive impact on their business sales and client referrals. During this interactive workshop, learn how to create social and business networks, basic networking techniques, customer relationship building, and much more. This program is intended to cover face-to-face, person-to-person networking. It will NOT cover business networking using Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, etc. This workshop is FREE. For more details, contact Kim Jenkins, Ashland SBDC, at 606-329-8011.