Free workshop on how to start a business Wed.

For many people looking for a new job or a career change, starting a business appears to be an attractive option. But where to start?

Four local entrepreneurs who have been there, done that and advised many other business owners on how to succeed share their expertise at the Bucks County Career & Opportunities Expo, tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Delaware Valley College – and it’s free!

It’s one of six workshops following a keynote address by broadcaster Lynn Doyle at noon.

Workshops are free and open to the public. No registration necessary.

The experts, all leaders in the not-for-profit Women’s Business Forum of Bucks County, include Laura Powers, vice president of marketing, Furia Rubel Communications, says “the most important thing anyone can do before starting a business is to develop a business plan.”

She also advises entrepreneurs to:

• Know your target
  audience
• 
  Understand your unique
  selling proposition
• 
  Invest
  in your brand

Because new business owners also need good financial plans and records, Cathy Fishman of CMF Accounting, tells start-ups to:

• 
  Write down all expenses and keep all receipts
• 
  Start with a basic spreadsheet for your financial records
• 
  Set up a separate checking account and credit card for your business

Pat Kilgannon, Success coach and mentor, shares her secrets on getting out of your own way so you can succeed in business and in life.  As a pioneer in the coaching profession, Pat has received the prestigious designation of Professional Certified Coach and has a master's
degree in Adult Education, an undergraduate degree in Psychology.

And, the panelists agree, if you have any questions at any time, seek help. Sonia Smith, who had her own business before joining the county as Economic & Business Development Program Administrator, tells new business owners:

• 
  Know the regulations on the municipal, county,
  state, and federal levels
• 
  Join organizations, such as your local chamber of commerce, to participate in
  educational seminars and networking events
• 
  Understand the benefits to getting your Woman-,
  Minority-, or Veteran-owned business certified by the Commonwealth of
  Pennsylvania
• 
  Use the County of Bucks’ free resources and workshops to help your business succeed

Attending the free workshop is one way to start your business off right.

The Expo is hosted by Mid-Atlantic Event Management, a full-service event management
firm, specializing in planning conferences, trade shows, meetings, and special events for corporations and associations.

The Women’s Business Forum educates, mentors and inspires women to build and sustain viable businesses and offers free educational programs and three Mastermind sessions each month. See www.womensbusinessforum.org for details.