Big Bend EDC offering quarterly seminars

Experts on hand to help area entrepreneurs

MOSES LAKE — At a three-hour business seminar Tuesday evening, the Big Bend Economic Development Council attracted 15 area entrepreneurs who want to start and expand small businesses.

The event had experts who presented the challenges of financing, planning, marketing and accounting. Virtually all of the attendees have Internet access and computer skills.

"The Internet is the first step assistance," Big Bend EDC Director Bill Riley said.

The seminar advised business owners of the pitfalls to avoid, and how to create a realistic business plan that can lead to a favorable line of credit for the emerging business.

Sarita Riley presented the strategy for marketing a business and identifying changes needed to adjust the strategy.

John Escure of General Business Services explained the necessity of accurate and timely bookkeeping.

"A successful business manager must have his finger on the business' financial pulse at all times," he said.

The Big Bend EDC also provides individual counseling to those contemplating new businesses or expansion. The seminar was the first in a series of quarterly seminars that are free and open to the public. The next one, held in January, is "Investing for Retirement and Profit."

— From staff reports