February 2025

Welcome to Business Buzz

Welcome to Business Buzz. We hope you enjoy and continue using this content to build your business! As always, we are here for you and others you may know who are branching out with a new business. Call or email us anytime, and be sure to share this newsletter with co-workers and friends.

Learn Something New!

The BCC Small Business Center offers FREE learning resources monthly. Some are in person, but most are offered online, making them available to you wherever you are. Take a look at our February lineup and let us know what you think.

A Money Matters: Protecting Your Business from Financial Fraud

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Join us for the special seminar led by financial fraud expert Amanda Chestnut, JD, ABA. This seminar will cover common fraud schemes, warning signs, and best practices for safeguarding your business finances.

📌 Topics include:

✅ Internal controls & fraud risks

✅ Secure payment processing

✅ Financial monitoring & fraud prevention strategies

✅ Regaining access to QuickBooks when your bookkeeper is holding it hostage

✅ Handling tax collection notices from the IRS & NC Dept. of Revenue when tax professionals fail to follow through

Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this seminar will provide you with the knowledge and tools to protect your assets, reduce risk, and strengthen your financial security. Don’t let fraud undermine your hard work—take proactive steps to secure your livelihood today.

📍 Location: Main Campus, 50 College Rd. Building B, room 102

⏰ Time: 4:00–6:00 PM

💻 Format: Live In-Person

🎟 Cost: FREE! Registration Required

February Seminars/Webinars from the BCC Small Business Center

25 Business Ideas & Additional Revenue Streams for 2025	Wednesday, Feb. 19th; 11:00-1:00; Online	REGISTER
Digital Marketing Strategies	Thursday, Feb. 20th; 11:00-1:00; Online	REGISTER
Why Successful Business ARE Successful	Tuesday, Feb. 25th; 11:00-1:00; Online	REGISTER
Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads	Thursday, Feb. 27th; 11:00-1:00; Online	REGISTER

See Additional Details

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Are you looking to elevate your marketing materials, social media posts, or business branding without the need for expensive design software? Canva is a powerful, free design tool that allows you to create professional-quality graphics, short videos, and print materials—no prior design experience is required!

Join us for this free webinar and gain hands-on experience with Canva’s user-friendly platform. During this session, you will learn how to:

✅ Set up and navigate Canva with ease

✅ Create eye-catching images and marketing materials

✅ Utilize templates, fonts, and brand kits for consistency

✅ Explore advanced features like animations, video editing, and collaboration tools

This interactive session combines expert instruction with practical application, ensuring you walk away with the confidence to design like a pro! Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or simply looking to enhance your creative skills, this workshop is perfect for you.

📍 Location: Online

💻 Format: Live Online

🎟 Cost: FREE!

No prior software or graphic design knowledge is needed—just bring your creativity!

Conversations to Contract With a Twist!

Attending the workshops at Genesis Block Conversations to Contracts event on February 26th is a valuable opportunity to gain insights, resources, and connections that can help take your business to the next level. These workshops are designed to provide practical strategies for securing contracts, scaling your business, and navigating funding opportunities. You'll learn directly from industry experts, network with like-minded entrepreneurs, and walk away with actionable steps to grow and sustain your business. Don't miss this chance to turn conversations into real business opportunities!

Tradeshow: 9:00 – 11:00

Workshops: 11:30 – 1:30

Topics being discussed:

Doing Business with the City of Wilmington
Mastering QuickBooks and Establishing Your Small Business Budget
Partnering with Staffing Agencies to Grow Your Business
Managing Social & Digital Marketing for Small Businesses, Especially Solo Entrepreneurs
GET READY FOR THE YES! The 5 C’s for Closing More Business

Boxed lunches will be provided for workshop participants, so be sure to register early! Interested in showcasing your business? Register for a booth at the event today while spots are still available.

Looking for a Location to Start Your New Business?

Apply Today

Are you working from home but desire a dedicated space to work every day? Brunswick Community College’s co-working space may be the answer to your problem. With $40 a month, you can work with like-minded entrepreneurs.

For a tour or questions about becoming a member, contact April Scott, Small Business Center Director, at (910) 755-7306. You can find the application here to become a member today.

Thinking about Starting a Business?

Learn more about the Brunswick Community College Small Business Center.

View this video to meet April and learn more about what the BCC Small Business Center offers!

Are you considering starting a business but not sure where to start? Are you unsure what permits are required or how to qualify for lending?

Let us help you through the process. For more information or questions on how to schedule your free one-on-one counseling session, contact Admin Support Specialist Christine Chiarizia at (910) 755-7498 or Director April Scott at (910) 755-7306.

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Brunswick Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, age, political affiliation, genetic information, sexual orientation, or disability.