College offers small business classes

YATES COUNTY—Recently started small business owners in Yates County or those thinking of starting a business can attend a business series held in Dundee during February.
The Dundee Area Health Improvement Project partnered with the Finger Lakes Economic Development Center and Corning Community College to offer small business informational sessions each Monday in February. Corning Community College regularly holds similar sessions through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), predominately in Corning.
Lauren Snyder, Health Improvement Project coordinator, said she heard about the sessions so she contacted a representative from the program. Snyder said the SBDC was eager to expand its services into Yates County. She added these classes coincide with the goals of the Improvement Project’s economic growth subcommittee.
The programs, and dates, will be:
• Feb. 7, Business Planning and Legal Requirements.
• Feb. 14, Financial Projections and Cash Flow.
• Feb. 21, Panel of Local Business Professionals.
• Feb. 28, Low Cost Marketing.
Each session will run Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dundee Area Youth Center Community Room at 17 Main. St. Snyder said each session costs $10. If a person attends the first three programs, then the last session is free.
Snyder said the class topics were chosen based on what might interest a small business in Yates County. The third session will feature a panel of local professionals. Snyder said those people have not been picked yet, but will include a lawyer, accountant, insurance representative, etc.
Snyder said the schedule was purposefully set up to let area businesses attend two sessions and develop questions that can be answered by the panel held during the third class.
Snyder said the FLEDC has been involved with the Improvement Project when it comes to economic development from the start. She explained the center will encourage participation from Yates businesses.