The Mobile Classroom has been reserved for July 24-25 at the Jane C. Butterworth Park behind Sonic. We hope to fill the classes and can accommodate 30-35 people at each session. Individuals can register for the entire two days or for one 30 minute class.

Half day of Business Start UP classes
- Gulf Opportunity Zone
- 21st Century Marketing
- Financing Your Business
- Disaster Preparation & Business Interruption
- Customer Service
- Business Retention
- Customer Relations
- Professionalism
- Building a Sustainable Rural Economy
- Trends in Rural Retail Trade
- How to Grow through E-Commerce.

We need a bank to discuss Business Financing from 1-2 on July 24th.

Gulf Opportunity Zone—Special Hurricane Provisions
This workshop will cover special tax relief provisions for the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief act of 2005 (H.R. 3768) for individuals and business. Information will also be provided on the special economic provisions in the Gulf Opportunity Act of 2005, including bonus depreciation and demolition/clean-up expensing

Business Basics
This seminar prepares you for the intensive business planning process, identifies major steps crucial to starting a business, discusses key issues that affect your business success, and discusses start-up requirements and common pitfalls you will face as an entrepreneur.

21st Century Marketing System
The 21st Century Marketing System is a proven system that has helped small and mid-size businesses increase their sales without spending more on traditional advertising. This is done through asset marketing, multi-step marketing, systemization of the marketing process, and three ways to exponential growth.

Financing your Business
Representatives from local bank will discuss how to properly package your loan request to increase the probability that your request will receive funding. They will provide business owners valuable first-hand insight into the business and financial planning process.

USDA Rural Development will discuss their Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, a program that helps create jobs and stimulate rural economies by providing financial backing for rural businesses. This program provides guarantees up to 80 percent of a loan made by a commercial lender. Loan proceeds can be used for working capital, machinery and equipment, buildings and real estate and certain types of debt refinancing.


Disaster Preparation and Business Interruption
Our current environment is changing more than ever. Explore the strategies several businesses are taking during this time of rebuilding and recovery. Develop your new strategic plan for post Katrina success.

Customer Service
The major key for small business success is the retention of current customers. Experts estimate it costs 6 times more to acquire a new customer than it does to retain a current customer. For firms who have developed customer retention programs, profits have increased as much as 50%. An important driver of customer retention is customer satisfaction. This seminar will provide important information on customer retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth through retaining your current customers.

IRS Courses
BUSINESS BASICS ( 2-3 Hour Seminar )
This workshop covers the basic tax responsibilities for the new business owner or the existing business owners who are contemplating switching business entity type (Sole Proprietor to Partnership or Corporation). Business Basics includes getting started, what are your Federal Tax responsibilities, advantages and disadvantages of different types of business entities, estimated taxes and record keeping basics.

LSU Ag Center Courses these classes depends upon the location
Business Retention – taught by the LSU AgCenter, is a 1-1/2 hour class that teaches community leaders, business owners, and chamber members, how to attract and keep businesses in their community. Participants will leave with a plan of action and the basic skills to visit businesses to grow the local economy.

Customer Relations Training- is important for businesses who meet the public in person, on the phone or by telecommunication. This 2 hour workshop taught by the LSU AgCenter will teach participants the LAST (listen, apologize, solve and thank) technique of customer service.

Professionalism in the Workplace – this 2 hour program is designed for anyone in the workplace. Employers and employees alike will gain useful knowledge. Based on the popular “Ethics in the Workplace” series taught by the LSU AgCenter, this program is designed to increase worker satisfaction, productivity and improve working relationships.

Building a Sustainable Rural Economy Through Rural Tourism- This seminar presented by LSU AgCenter Community Rural Development (CRD) agents is designed for landowners, entrepreneurs and community leaders. It addresses the current trends in rural tourism and the economic impact of this industry. Participants will be engaged in discussions focusing on rural tourism case studies and creative marketing plans.

Trends in Rural Retail Trade
The twenty-first century brings with it changes in the way that people living in rural areas spend money for goods and services. By taking an objective look at factors impacting customer retention, rural business owners may find ways to increase retail sales and strengthen their businesses and the local economy.

How to Grow Your Business using E-Commerce
In this 1.5 hour session, entrepreneurs will learn the basics of setting up a storefront on eBay, including strategies for pricing, marketing, and analysis of competition in an industry.