General Classes
The Small Business Center (SBC) at Mayland Community College helps to increase the number of businesses and their success rate in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties by providing business owners and prospective owners with information, training, counseling, and/or referral service. We can also assist you to find financing for your business. Call 828-765-7351 ext. 249 to preregister for classes or extension 227 for information about our services. A minimum enrollment is required for SBC classes. You may also preregister by clicking the register button after each class description.
Starting a Small Business Series
Do you have an idea for a business, but do not know where to begin? The answer may be found in this five-seminar series. Take one class, two classes, or all five classes, all at no cost, and learn how to start your business. The classes are held at the Avery Campus in Newland, the Main Campus in Spruce Pine, and Town Center in Burnsville. See the schedule below for date and location information.
Steps to Start a Small Business
Learn the basic steps for starting a business in Avery, Mitchell, or Yancey counties. Find out about how to research a business idea, secure permits and licenses, evaluate forms of ownership, find sources of capital, and deal with taxes. A copy of Getting Started: Starting a Small Business in Avery, Mitchell, or Yancey County will be provided.
8/23, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
Town Center, Burnsville
10/5, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
11/16, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Financing Your Business
How do you predict how much money you need for your business? Where do you find it? How do you get it? This class will examine how to access capital. We will also discuss the differences between traditional and non-traditional lenders, equity vs. debt financing, how forms of business ownership affect financing possibilities, and many other topics of interest.
8/26, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
Town Center, Burnsville
10/19, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
11/23, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Main Campus
How to Write a Business Plan
A business plan has two purposes; it serves as a business roadmap and a tool to secure financing for your business. Come and discover how easy it is to create an effective business plan. Students will also receive copies of The Business Plan Workbook and How to Write a Business Plan as well as examples of business plans and other useful handouts.
9/13, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
Town Center, Burnsville
10/26, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
11/30, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
Marketing & Advertising Basics
What kind of market is the A-M-Y county region? How do I advertise my business on a limited budget? This seminar will give you detailed information on the local market. We will also look at planning your advertising, creating newspaper ads, how to buy advertising, and media cost and availability in the Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey County market.
9/20, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
Town Center, Burnsville
11/2, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
12/7, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Bookkeeping and Income Taxes (FOR SMALL BUSINESSES)
How do you set up a bookkeeping system and organize your records for tax purposes? Learn a simple, effective way to set up a bookkeeping system, organize your records, and then use them to complete your federal income tax forms. It is not as difficult as you think!
9/27, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
Town Center, Burnsville
11/9, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Avery Campus
12/14, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Branch No Charge
MCC Main Campus
General Business Topics
The Small Business Center offers classes on topics of interest to the small business community within our service area. If you have an idea for a class or have a special need for business training, please call the SBC Director and let him know.
Handling Business & Payroll Taxes
One of the challenges to new small businesses is calculating and paying federal and state income taxes, social security taxes, and Medicaid premiums. Topics covered include subcontractor vs. employee, what forms are required, and when taxes and need to be filed. We will also include the forms and a checklist.
9/9, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Test Driving QuickBooks
How would you like the opportunity to sit down with a QuickBooks instructor and ask questions about how the software operates? Are you thinking about buying QuickBooks for your business, but would like to try it first? This two-night class will give you that opportunity!
9/13 & 20, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
How Health Care Reform will Affect Your Business(NEW)
Congress just passed the most sweeping legislation of its type in 40 years. How will the Health Care Reform Bill affect your business? This seminar will include an overview of the bill, health insurance requirements for businesses, employee count thresholds, and record keeping requirements. We will also cover changes in coverage limits and a timetable for implementation.
9/14, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Tax Issues for New Corporations(NEW)
There are significant differences in taxes and paperwork requirements for corporations than for other businesses. Learn what needs to be filed and when for “S” corporations, LLP and LLC businesses.
10/4, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
How to Incorporate Your Business
Incorporation is an essential tool to protect your personal assets. Learn the steps to incorporate your business in North Carolina. We will cover the incorporation process, the paperwork needed and costs, and what happens after your incorporation becomes official. The class will include “C” and “S” corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLC’s), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP’s).
10/5, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
OSHA Primer for Small Businesses(NEW)
All businesses, regardless of size, fall under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guidelines for workplace safety. Get acquainted with the regulations, become compliant with the regulations, and learn about additional resources to assist your business
10/19, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Understanding Business Financial Statements (NEW)
This class will show you how to read and understand what your financial statements are telling you about your businesses condition and how to respond to the information.
11/23, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Starting a Home Based Business(REVISED)
Many people would love to start a business in their home. What kinds of business work best in a home environment? How does zoning, tax law, and other legal issues affect a home-based business? Learn what expenses in your home are legally deductible for your business activities.
10/26, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Preventing an IRS Audit(NEW)
The IRS has doubled the number of letter audits it under takes in the past year. What do you do (besides panic) if you receive one of these? How do you respond? What steps can you take to protect yourself in case of a mail audit? This seminar will cover these topics and we include a list of current business issues subject to increased scrutiny.
11/1, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Small Business Administration Loans:
How They Work (NEW) The Small Business Administration (SBA) is an important resource in business finance. However, most people either do not know how the SBA works. We will show you what kinds of financial assistance is available through the SBA, how you apply for it, and how to develop a loan proposal for their consideration.
11/9, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Business Taxes for Novices(NEW)
How do the taxes a business pays differ from an individual? What is the filing schedule and what records do you need? This three-hour class, taught by an accountant, will answer all these questions and more. Sample documents will be provided.
11/22, M, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Income Tax Update for Small Businesses(REVISED)
Income tax laws for businesses change each year. This seminar will prepare you for changes in the tax code in 2010. The class will include new and revised deductions for small businesses! Come and find out how to take advantage of these and avoid an audit!
12/2, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Hiring & Retaining Good Employees in Today’s Economy(NEW)
How can a business owner or manager decide who is the best person to hire when there are five people unemployed for every job opening? This class will show you how to screen and evaluate potential hires to help you pick the best employee. We will also show you ways to retain and motivate your employees.
12/7, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Ponder No Charge
MCC Main Campus
E-Commerce
E-commerce has evolved from a fringe element of business into a vibrant marketplace of its own. It allows individuals and small businesses to market their products and services all across the globe at a relatively low cost. Our e-commerce classes are designed to teach you how to use the tools to access this market and position your business to compete successfully in this new environment.
Intro to Selling on e-Bay(REVISED)
e-Bay is the best-known internet marketplace in the world. Many people have launched successful businesses on e-Bay while many more use it to supplement their income. This class is designed for the beginner who would like to use e-Bay, but does not know where to begin.
9/2, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Using ETSY for Craft Sales
Expanding your market can be tough for craft businesses. “ETSY.com”, an online business site specifically for handmade objects and products, can effectively increase your sales. We show you how to create a site on ETSY, how the sales process works, and how to redeem your income. Experience with online business sites is recommended.
9/16, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Beyond e-Bay Basics (NEW)
This two-night class will take what you have learned in the e-Bay Basics class and apply it to your business. This is a hands-on class. Working with web sites and a basic understanding of web page design is recommended.
9/28, 30, T,TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Alternative Internet Sales Venues(NEW)
In the beginning, there was e-Bay. Now there are a number of sites that can sell your ‘stuff’ including Amazon.com, Overstock.com, U-Bid, and Yahoo. Learn the similarities and differences between these sites, how to prepare an ad, discuss fees and costs, and compare results by product between sites.
10/14, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
E-commerce for Entrepreneurs(NEW)
This class will look at four e-commerce businesses; the idea behind them, how they were executed, and the results. These case studies are designed to stimulate your thinking on what you might be able to do with a similar business idea.
10/28, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Using GOOGLE™ AdWords (NEW)
Google™ AdWords is a new way to draw customer traffic to your business. When people search on Google™ using one of your keywords, your ad may appear next to the search results. Now you are advertising to an audience that is already interested in you.
12/2, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Alternative Crops
Farming has long been an important part of the regional economy. This partnership between the Mitchell County Cooperative Extension Service and the Mayland Small Business Center is designed to provide information on alternatives to traditional crops for local farmers.
Seed Propagation For Profit (NEW)
Seed propagation is the most common way to plant a crop. However, there are some ways to make the process more efficient. We will show you how to sort, prepare, sew, and manage your plants to increase production and profitability.
10/9, S, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Rayburn No Charge
MCC Main Campus
(Horticulture Greenhouse)
Rooting Stem Cuttings for Profit(NEW)
One way to quickly propagate a large number of plants is by using stem cuttings. This hands-on class will show you how to take and plant cuttings quickly and efficiently. Learn about plant care, which plants work best with this technique, and how to maximize productivity.
9/25, SA, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Rayburn No Charge
MCC Main Campus
(Horticulture Building/Greenhouse)
Choosing a Greenhouse for Your Business (NEW)
Greenhouses come in all shapes, sizes, styles, and costs. If you are starting or expanding a nursery business or want to practice season extension for a crop, what type of greenhouse is the most cost-effective for your operation? How do you decide on size, capacity, and type? Presented by Terry Woodruff, a well-known local nurseryman.
9/21, T, 6:00-9:00 PM
Woodruff No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Selling Herbs in Today’s Market(NEW)
How do you prepare a product for sale into this market? What resources are available to assist you in planning, preparation, and marketing? You will discover the answers to these questions and more in this informative class.
11/18, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Fletcher No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Organic Certification Standards & Processes
The market for local and organic products continues to expand. This class, taught by Tony Kleese of the Earthwise Company, a recognized expert in organic farming and certification, will cover the USDA's National Organic Standards, the organic certification process, and ways to mitigate the costs involved.
9/23, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Kleese No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Wholesale Organic Market Opportunities (NEW)
The High County region presents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the demand for local and organic produce due to its relatively cool climate compared to the rest of the southeast. Through his work with Eastern Carolina Organics, Tony has identified multiple crops that high country farmers could grow during the summer months. Learn what it takes to operate in the wholesale market, what crops are needed with clear volume and price data, and the multiple wholesale systems that are in place to support distribution from the region.
10/7, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Kleese No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification(NEW)
Good Agricultural Practices are guidelines to deal with the microbial risks from fresh produce. hese practices are essential to provide the consuming public with safe, risk-free food and food products. The class will be taught by Diane Ducharme, NCSU’s award-winning Coordinator of GAP training programs. Learn how to apply GAP to your farm, provide resources for you to use, and how GAP will open new marketing opportunities for your farm and produce.
10/14, TH, 6:00-9:00 P.M.
Ducharme No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Opportunities with Medicinal Herbs(REVISED)
Learn which medicinal herbs grow best in our climate, when and how to grow them, as well as various options for selling them. Learn how to market your product and prepare it for sale.
11/4, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Fletcher No Charge
MCC Main Campus
E-Commerce for Agricultural Business(NEW)
Using e-commerce techniques to market and sell agricultural products is a very new concept. However, it is an idea that is working throughout the country. See examples of how to apply this new way of marketing and advertising to your business.
11/18, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Biddix No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Tax Issues for Agricultural Businesses (NEW)
How do tax rules differ for agricultural business? What additional benefits do you have in agriculture that are unavailable to other businesses? This short class will acquaint you with these issues and much more.
12/9, TH, 6:00-9:00 PM
Heaton No Charge
MCC Main Campus
Financial Planning for Agricultural Businesses(NEW)
Learn how to estimate and plan your costs to grow your crop and show you how to calculate yields and estimate income from your produce. Knowledge of EXCEL spreadsheets is recommended.
12/16, TH, 6:00-9:00 P.M.
Branch No Charge
MCC Main Campus
