The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Valdosta State University will host StartSmart: Expertise for New Businesses April 21-May 26 in the Health Sciences and Business Administration Building Room 2204.
 
Sponsored by Guardian Bank, StartSmart is designed specifically for small business owners who have been in business for a minimum of three years or are in the beginning stages of the business process and wish to evaluate and implement their vision by creating a thorough, well-researched business plan.
 
Participants will take part in a series of five sessions, each led by a panel of experienced UGA SBDC consultants from VSU and area organizations.
 
StartSmart will cover foundations for a successful business, marketing research and analysis, capturing the market, efficient operations, financial foundations, the financial plan, bringing it all together, and implementing and presenting the plan.
 
StartSmart sessions are scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, April 21; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 28; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 12; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 19; and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, May 26. Registration is $195 per person.
 
“Registration is normally $495, but through a generous gift from [our] sponsor, Guardian Bank, the registration fee is only $195 per person,” said Cindy Corgan, program coordinator for the UGA SBDC at VSU.
 
Seating is limited to 20 participants and early registration is encouraged. Visit http://www.georgiasbdc.org/startsmart/ to register and receive the discount.