University hosts business survival workshop

Although some say the economy is beginning to rebound, many local businesses are still struggling to survive. The University of Nevada, Reno has partnered with other northern Nevada organizations to offer a free "Business Survival Workshop," 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 30 at the University's Continuing Education Building, 1041 N. Virginia St. in Reno.

One of the partnering organizations is SCORE of Northern Nevada, an organization of active and retired businessmen and women who volunteer their services to assist small businesses and people who want to go into business for themselves. SCORE partnered with the University to hold a similar workshop last February, to a standing-room-only crowd.

"Based on the attendance at the first workshop, I encourage the business people interested in attending to sign up early, as the workshop will be limited to the first 120 to register," said Judy Haar, president of the Reno Chapter of SCORE.

The University's Extended Studies, College of Business and Nevada Small Business Development Center have collaborated with SCORE, the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, and the Sparks Chamber and Hispanic Business Network to host this second workshop, based on the response to the February workshop. Attendees of that packed workshop overwhelming found the information presented important and effective, according to evaluations they completed after the workshop.

"We're very pleased to be part of the great effort going into this workshop to help our local businesses in this difficult time," said Jim McClenahan, director of management & executive development programs at the University's Extended Studies. "By offering this second workshop, many more local businesses will have access to valuable information that can help them work through the downturn."

Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and former Nevada State Assemblywoman Sharron Angle will be on hand to welcome participants. Craig Willcut, CEO of United Construction Company with more than 30 years of industry experience, is the keynote speaker.

Other presentations by experienced professionals will be featured during breakout sessions. Topics include:

-       Keeping Your Financial Ship Afloat

-       A Practical Approach to Marketing

-       Understanding Legal Issues That Can Affect Your Business

-       Being Viable When Recovery Arrives

There will also be time for an open forum, for questions and answers.

Although the workshop is free, preregistration is required; log on to http://www.extendedstudies.unr.edu/. For more information on the workshop, call Gary Smith, SCORE counselor, (775) 303-3676; or the University's Extended Studies, (775) 784-4046.

The Nevada Small Business Development Center at the University's College of Business also offers assistance, information and counseling to small businesses throughout the year. Call 784-1717.