"Resources to Start Your Own Business: Tips from the Pros"

Challenging economic times do not have to block a dream of starting a successful business, says Paul Bozzo, who is featured as the keynote speaker at a special Sonoma State University Alumni Association networking event  on Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 7:30-10 a.m. at the Sonoma Mountain Village Events Center in Rohnert Park.

Admission is $5 general public and free to Alumni Association members. A complimentary breakfast will be included.

"A sound business idea, the right knowledge, access to community resources and strong determination can lead to a successful start-up," says Bozzo, who will present tips from his "Insider's Guide to Starting and Growing a Successful Small Business." The guide is a review of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to avoid them as well as the five most important keys for a successful start-up venture. 

Bozzo, an expert in business start-up strategies, has more than 20 years of experience in working with entrepreneurial ventures and specializes in strategic business planning and Venture Capital/Angel/Small Business Association funding.

Hard to find resources in Marin and Sonoma County about how to start a business - or grow an existing one - will also be available. 

Representatives from a wide range of business and financial concerns will be on hand to address questions in a face-to-face setting so attendees can come away from the event with  a clearer sense of how to start their own business or create their own jobs.
Organizations involved include:

· SBDC Santa Rosa JC, NextStep
· North Coast SCORE - Chapter 450
· College of Marin
· Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network
· Sonoma County Economic Development Board
· Exchange Bank SBA Loans
· City of Santa Rosa Economic Development
· Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster/I-Hub
· North Bay Angels
· Sonoma County Alliance
· Chamber of Commerce
   - San Rafael
   - Santa Rosa
· SBDC: San Rafael

For further information, contact the SSU Alumni Association at (707) 664-2426 or Organizations involved include:

· SBDC Santa Rosa JC, NextStep
· North Coast SCORE - Chapter 450
· College of Marin
· Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network
· Sonoma County Economic Development Board
· Exchange Bank SBA Loans
· City of Santa Rosa Economic Development
· Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster/I-Hub
· North Bay Angels
· Sonoma County Alliance
· Chamber of Commerce
   - San Rafael
   - Santa Rosa
· SBDC: San Rafael

For further information, contact the SSU Alumni Association at (707) 664-2426 orOrganizations involved include:

· SBDC Santa Rosa JC, NextStep
· North Coast SCORE - Chapter 450
· College of Marin
· Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network
· Sonoma County Economic Development Board
· Exchange Bank SBA Loans
· City of Santa Rosa Economic Development
· Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster/I-Hub
· North Bay Angels
· Sonoma County Alliance
· Chamber of Commerce
   - San Rafael
   - Santa Rosa
· SBDC: San Rafael

For further information, contact the SSU Alumni Association at (707) 664-2426 orOrganizations involved include:

· SBDC Santa Rosa JC, NextStep
· North Coast SCORE - Chapter 450
· College of Marin
· Santa Rosa Young Professionals Network
· Sonoma County Economic Development Board
· Exchange Bank SBA Loans
· City of Santa Rosa Economic Development
· Sonoma Mountain Business Cluster/I-Hub
· North Bay Angels
· Sonoma County Alliance
· Chamber of Commerce
   - San Rafael
   - Santa Rosa
· SBDC: San Rafael

For further information, contact the SSU Alumni Association at (707) 664-2426 or at alumni@sonoma.edu.