Get a smart start for your small business at workshop

KENNEWICK, Wash. – Get the solid advice and tips you need to successfully launch a small business at the Start Smart workshop at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb.11, in TRIDEC’s Bechtel Room in the Tri-Cities Business & Visitor Center, 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick.
 
The easy-to-understand session will cover the basics of starting a business, from initial financing to getting the right licenses.
 
The workshop is presented by the Washington State University Tri-Cities Business LINKS program. The cost is $25 for up to two people. Class sizes are limited and pre-registration is required at http://www.tricity.wsu.edu/links or 372-7606.
 
The three-hour workshop is designed for those who want to start a business in Benton and Franklin counties. Topics focus on business plan basics and practical issues, including:
  • How much money you need to run the business until it is profitable.
  • Your options for getting money for your business.
  • Things you need to do to legally launch your business — licenses, taxes and other issues.
  • Ideas on how to market your business.
The practical and interactive workshop helps a small-business owner save time and money by planning ahead. Participants develop an action plan and receive a step-by-step workbook.
 
Start Smart is co-sponsored by the Small Business Development Center/Columbia Basin College, SCORE, the City of Richland and the four area chambers of commerce. The workshop will be repeated on March 11.
 
WSU Tri-Cities is located along the scenic Columbia River in Richland, Wash. Established in 1989 with upper division and graduate programs, WSU Tri-Cities expanded in 2007 to a four-year undergraduate campus offering 18 bachelor’s, 10 master’s and six doctoral degree programs. Learn about the most diverse campus in the WSU system at http://www.tricity.wsu.edu.