RELEASE IMMEDIATELY

CONTACT:
Tarnel Abbott (510) 620-6561
Business Librarian, Richmond Public Library
325 Civic Center Plaza
Richmond, CA 94804

FREE SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS RETURN TO RICHMOND PUBLIC LIBRARY

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business? If so, Richmond Public Library's perennially popular workshop series, Building a Business From Scratch! may be just what you need to get going. This free seven-week class will be held each Monday from February 4 to March 25, 2002, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Main Library's Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond.

People attending the Building a Business From Scratch! workshop series will gain the tools needed to help define their business ideas, identify their markets, and research and write a

practical, specific business plan. Those who complete the course will receive a certificate from the SBA. The class schedule will be:

I. February 4 Kick-off/Business Plan Development

II. February 11 Business Plan development (continued)

III. February 25 Marketing Strategies/Advertising

IV. March 4 Marketing Strategies/Advertising (continued)

V. March 11 Legal Strategies for small business

VI. March 18 Accounting/Taxes for small business

VII. March 25 Money sources for small business

The workshop series is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Richmond Public Library, Contra Costa Small Business Development Center, and the West Contra Costa Business Development Center.

Admission is free, but space is limited and advance registration is recommended. Call (510) 620-6561 for further information or to register for Building a Business From Scratch.

All Library programs are free and open to the public. The Richmond Public Library buildings are wheelchair accessible. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance by calling Michael Elkin of the SBA at (415) 744-6820.

All Library programs are free and open to the public.