Do you need hands-on Facebook help?
Do you want to find out how to take your bookkeeping to the next level?
Are you interested in sourcing your equipment or supplies locally and helping other small businesses?
The Local First of the Capital Region and Community Loan Fund are sponsoring an upcoming conference "Local Lift Conference" designed to provide small local businesses with the tools they need to succeed.
$25 gets you access to three sessions of your choice, as well as breakfast and lunch. The conference takes place on Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 8:30am-1:00pm, at the TEC SMART Campus– 345 Hermes Road Malta, NY 12020, a green building.
Davis says the conference came out of the need of local businesses. "It just seems like the voice of small business isn't being heard," says coordinator Steve Davis. "Tech folks seem to be well-represented but everyone else is kind of left out." The conference will focus on best practices, answering questions, and providing tools, says Davis.
The organization is mindful that small business owners have a hard time getting away from the store, so they've tried to pack the conference with value. "We've tried to build as much value into the event as possible so that it's well worth a half day," says Davis. He urges business owners to bring their questions and issues, and panel members at the 9:15am panel discussion will focus on getting answers for them and line them up with resources.
"Making the Web Local - SEO and Social Media for Local Businesses," "Zero Data Entry – tech tools for working smarter, not harder," and "Linking with customers - from the simple loyalty stamp card to high-tech CRM tools" are just a few of the sessions that will help you gear up and build your business this year.
The conference is sponsored by the Local First organization of the Capital Region. Local First is a not for profit organization that is made up of hundreds of locally owned businesses and locally focused individuals.
"Our a mission is to improve the conditions of the locally owned, independent business community in the Capital District of New York State - including independent retail establishments, farms, service businesses, nonprofit organizations, cooperatives, credit unions, and banks," says Davis. "We accomplish the mission by working with the business community to increase public awareness of the value of building a local living economy that increases the sustainability and quality of life in the region. By developing publicity and holding events to educate consumers, we serve as the voice of the independent business community."
$25/advance, $35/door. To register for the conference, visit their website at http://www.capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org
Memberships with Local First of the Capital Region begins at $60, and includse entry into their directory, discounts with other member businesses, and discounted access to networking and training events throughout the year.
