The Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at Southeastern, in conjunction with many colleges is presenting “Starting and Financing Your Business Idea,” a seminar that will be held in different locations on the Northshore.

Sandy Summers, assistant director of the LSBDC at Southeastern, will coordinate all of the training programs offered by the LSBDC and will explain how these courses can assist those with an interest in business.

“A lot of people that are not yet in business want to kind of toss around ideas and make sure that it’s the right idea, which is a good thing, because you don’t want to jump in and do something without planning it first,” said Summers. “Students that are thinking about going into business will benefit from hearing the good and the bad about preparing for business ownership.”

According to a Jan. 10 Public Info press release, Summers said that the workshop is recommended for individuals interested in determining the practicability of a business idea, planning to start or have recently established a small business, pursuing a small business loan or desiring to learn more about business planning.

Southeastern’s LSBDC has offered these programs since 1984—when it first came to the area—and it aims to hold this particular seminar at least 10 times a year.

This service is open to the entire community. The LSBDC cannot determine if those who have registered are students, but there are currently 12 individuals enrolled.

The courses will be instructed by Bill Joubert, director of Southeastern’s LSBDC, along with two of his business consultants.

“Topics of discussion include entrepreneurship readiness, writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up expansion, small business resources and required licenses,” stated Summers.

The seminars are arranged to take place from 9 a.m. until noon.

Although most of the classes are free, pre-registration is preferred.

“Most of our classes are either free or low cost,” said Summers. “We try to keep them as low as possible because people starting a business are usually strapped for funds.”

Classes will take place on Jan. 26 at the Southeast Louisiana Business Center in Hammond, Feb. 15 at the Northshore Technical College Florida Parishes Campus in Greensburg, March 29 at the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce in Slidell, April 12 at the Livingston Parish Literacy and Technology Center in Walker and May 25 at the Southeastern St. Tammany Center in Mandeville.

For more information or to register, call 985-549-3831 or e-mail [email protected].