Free Business Startup Series to Kick Off Oct. 13 Through America’s SBDC at WTAMU

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - Prospective and seasoned business owners alike can learn to plan for long-term success during a four-part workshop series sponsored by America's Small Business Development Center at West Texas A&M University.

The "Start a New Business" series will be held weekly from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Oct. 13 at the SBDC's offices at the WT Enterprise Center, 2300 N. Western St. in Amarillo.

Tracy Shea, SBDC consultant, will lead each session, teaching entrepreneurs new strategies to build a strong, sustainable foundation.

"Filing paperwork is often the easiest part of launching a business; the real challenge lies in building systems and planning for financial risks before spending capital," Shea said. "This series is designed to equip prospective business owners with the right questions and insights so they can build a resilient model and thrive well after launch."

Sessions are scheduled to include:

• Oct. 13: "It's Not Just Business, It's Personal": Understanding how your home/personal life is likely to change.
• Oct. 20: "Business Operations: It's All About the Systems": Identifying the systems that will make or break your future business.
• Oct. 27: "Risk & Regulation": Understanding how things beyond your control can force your business to do or not do certain things.
• Nov. 3: "What Does 'Cash is King' Really Mean?": Understand why when you have money and how to get it at the right time is just as important as how much money you have.

Registration is free but required. Dinner will be served for attendees at each session.

Reservations are requested by noon Mondays before each workshop. Seating is limited.

Shea as more than 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs develop, launch and grow businesses. Before joining SBDC, he was entrepreneur-in-residence for Square Mile Community Development's Path to Business program. He has founded and developed multiple business ventures, including both traditional, small businesses and technology startups.

About America's SBDC at WTAMU

The Small Business Development Center provides professional business consulting, training, and research in all areas of business management and finance. Operating as a department of the Paul & Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University, the SBDC focuses on creating new jobs by providing professional assistance to small business owners across the Texas Panhandle. Most programs and services are provided at no cost through an arrangement with the Small Business Administration and State of Texas.

About West Texas A&M University

West Texas A&M University is a Regional Research University in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of about 9,000 and offers multiple options for students to graduate and succeed: 65 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 41 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and three doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference; WT offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

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