Story Published:
Jun 8, 2010 at 4:09 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 8, 2010 at 4:09 PM CST
The Cookeville/TTU office of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, in cooperation with the U.S. Small Business Administration, announces the opening of the TSBDC Online Center. The purpose of the Online Center is to provide internet accessible small business seminars and online counseling as part of an ongoing effort to provide easier access to TSBDC services. Online seminars are available on 21 different topics, and online counseling sessions are available by appointment. The TSBDC Online Center can be accessed at www.tsbdc.org, or, individuals without internet access may attend online classes and arrange for online counseling by visiting a TSBDC online access point at participating chambers of commerce.
“Small businesspeople are really pressed for time,” says Patrick R. Geho, J.D., TSBDC state executive director. “Making classes and counseling available online allows clients to spend more time focusing on making the business a success and less time traveling to get the valuable information and advice TSBDC has to offer.”
The Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce has entered into agreements with TSBDC to provide space and scheduling, and can provide initial orientation to prospective TSBDC clients. In return, TSBDC will be providing a computer, webcam, and the necessary software to connect clients with the statewide Online Center. Not only will business people be able to view the 21 online classes, but they will also be able to speak with a TSBDC business counselor live over the internet. Eventually, 60 computers will be placed in chambers of commerce across Tennessee to facilitate the connection between TSBDC counselors and business people.
TSBDC online classes cover business basics, financing, managing a business, human resources, accounting and budgeting, and marketing and sales. Online classes are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That allows small business people to fit the training into their busy schedules, rather than attend a TSBDC class during regular business hours.
TSBDC continues, as always, to provide live business seminars and one-on-one business counseling through a network of Centers across the state. Center locations and live seminar schedules are available online at www.tsbdc.org .
