Each day brings more disturbing economic news for Americans and U.S. businesses: talks of a recession, sagging stock markets, failing banks, and more.
In an effort to help small business owners and those who are considering a start-up small enterprise during this stormy economic climate, the College of Staten Island’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a seminar entitled “Business Opportunities in Turbulent Times” on Saturday, November 8 in the Center for the Arts (Building 1P) Lecture Hall from 9:00am to noon.
Dean Balsamini, Director of the CSI SBDC, says “we counsel people who come in wanting to do a start-up and others who are already in business. Both of these, in many cases, are challenged now with the current economic environment, the loan situation, mainly the inability to be able to borrow commercially, and uncertainty over the economic policies of a new president.”
Balsamini notes that the seminar will provide key business tactics, information, tips, and motivation for entrepreneurs. Staten Island executives from the Chamber of Commerce, the banking industry, marketing and sales, and current small business owners will be on hand to provide their expertise.
Invited speakers include Linda Baran, CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (“The Staten Island Business Climate”); CSI Lecturer George Stern (“The Future of Business Ain’t What It Used to Be”); Bob Rose, Vice President of Commerce Bank and Ed Piszko, a Lending Officer with CIT (“Financial Basics”); and Bill Dubovsky, President of Comtel Marketing (“How to Survive in Turbulent Times”). The program will conclude with a panel discussion.
Besides established small business owners and prospective owners, Balsamini states that “future entrepreneurs,” CSI business students, will also be in attendance.
This seminar is free of charge and light refreshments will be served. Registration for the seminar begins at 8:30am. For more information visit www.csi.cuny.edu/sbdc. To RSVP, call Eileen Sullivan at 718.982.2560.
