Business Classes: Starting and operating a business

Classes to help you succeed in business are offered by Business Odyssey at Lakewood High School, Polaris Career Center (in Middleburg Heights, Ohio) and our new location, Hudson High School.

Classes are taught by experienced business owner/consultants who are small business specialists. Registration information is below.

Winter 2008

Registration starts December 2007 in most locations.

Business Planning Workshop Especially geared to smaller businesses, this 7 week workshop will teach you how to write a business plan and use it to achieve your goals. At the end of the workshop, you will have a complete draft of your business plan. Workshop meets once a week for seven weeks. A two-hour private consultation and textbook included.

• Next session will be Fall 2008. If you have an immediate need for business planning assistance, please contact me directly.

So, You Want Your Own Business? This class is especially for those who are in the “thinking about it” stage. We’ll help you understand what it is like to “be the boss,” explain what skills that you will need to be successful, and help you evaluate your own resources and knowledge. We’ll also look at ways to evaluate business opportunities and provide an overview of planning, marketing, finance and many other details involved in setting up a successful business. Materials provided. A 2 ½ hour course offered in one session.

• Polaris Career Center: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 7 - 9:30 PM.

Business Start-up Booster Start right and succeed! There are things you absolutely, positively must know and do before you start a business that will drastically increase your chances for success. Do you have the right skills and resources? Will your idea fly? What are State of Ohio requirements? What things should you do first? We will answer these questions and more. Cost is $89, materials provided. A 7½ hour course presented in 3 sessions.

• Hudson High School Tuesdays, February 5 - 19, 2008 from 7 - 9:30 PM.

• Lakewood High School: Mondays, January 28 - February 11, 2008 from 7 - 9:30 PM.

The Nuts & Bolts of Starting & Operating Your Own Business If you are just in the planning stages or if you already have an established business, this course will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to run a successful business. Subjects covered will include site location, marketing, planning, cash flow management, protecting your business, whether or not to incorporate, e-commerce and more. One class session will be held in the computer lab where we will explore useful information sources and tools available on the web. Textbook required. A 20 hour course presented in 8 weekly sessions.

• Polaris Career Center: Wednesdays, January 23 - March 12, 2008 from 7 - 9:30 PM.

Power Marketing for Smaller Businesses Attention getting marketing is the key to your success and continued growth. Find out how to build a winning marketing program on a small business budget. You'll learn to develop success strategies and the best ways to utilize advertising, public relations, selling techniques and other marketing tools to achieve your goals. Textbook required. A 10 hour course offered in 4 sessions of 2 ½ hours each.

• Hudson High School: Tuesdays, March 4 - 25, 2008 from 7 - 9:30 PM.

• Polaris Career Center: Offered Fall 2008.

Registration Information

Winter 2008 registration begins in December at most locations.

Register for Lakewood High School classes with your VISA or MasterCard by phone (216/529-4192 or 529-4193) or fax (216/529-4464). You can also register by mail or in person at the Lakewood Community Recreation & Education Department, 1456 Warren Road, Lakewood, OH 44107. See the current brochure, visit http://www.lakewoodrecreation.com/ or call 216/529-4081 for additional information.

Register for classes at Polaris Career Center during office hours (8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Mon. - Thurs. and 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Fri.), using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express by phone (440/891-7600) or fax (440/234-3952). You can also register by mail to Polaris Career Center, Adult Education Office, 7285 Old Oak Boulevard, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 or in person. See the current brochure, visit http://www.polaris.edu or call 440/891-7600 for additional information.

Registration information for classes at Hudson High School can be found at http://www.hudson.edu/hcer/