The Amherst Chamber of Commerce, Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary, Daemen College and area experts

Present

At-Home Business "U"

Did you know that 77% of businesses in the U.S. are small businesses? In fact, many of these successful small businesses begin as at-home businesses in the very residences of the entrepreneurs that created them.

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce has seen this national trend reflected in our membership. We have recognized an uptick in the number of small businesses, sole proprietors and Chamber members who work from home. Whether this demographic telecommutes or runs a business directly out of their house, all at-home businesses owners face operational and organizational challenges unique to working from home.

In response to the specific challenges faced by our home based owners, the Amherst Chamber of Commerce has developed At-Home Business "U." At-Home Business "U" is a six-course certification program, featuring workshops and seminars on a variety of topics. By partnering with local colleges like Roberts Wesleyan College and Daemen College, the Chamber is able to offer a curriculum designed to help participants develop the business acumen they need to sustain a prosperous future.

Program participants will choose from several predetermined classes to complete their six course requirement. Upon successful completion of those classes, At-Home Business "U" students will receive a certificate of completion at the Chamber's annual Small Business Awards Luncheon in May 2013. Register now for the six-course certification program Below is a list of the course schedule that will be available to program participants to choose from:

Topic

Description

Date Scheduled

Customer Service and Client Relationship Management

By: Dr. Joel Hoomans, associate professor of management and leadership studies at Roberts Wesleyan College

Many organizations don't realize that outstanding customer service begins with the internal stakeholders and works its way outward to the external stakeholders. This concise and engaging course will look at the methods and means that ultimately contribute to best-in-class customer service delivery and customer retention.

Rescheduled to December 3, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Networking = $$$

By: Dr. Sandra (Sam) Brzoza, director of the modular RN, to BS program at Roberts Wesleyan College

This course will teach participants how to use networking to grow their client list and improve their bottom line. Dr. Brzoza will provide a brief overview of networking with an emphasis on building relationships in personal and professional situations.

November 5, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Completed

Time Management, Work/Life Balance and
Battling Isolation

By: Penny Cannon, assistant professor of adult education at Roberts Wesleyan College

Many at-home business owners struggle with separating personal responsibilities from work obligations. This course educates participants on how to strike a balance between work time and discretionary time at home. The course also deals with managing feelings of isolation due to a majority of the day spent in the house.

November 14, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Public Speaking

By: Bobby Mills, associate vice president for government relations at Daemen College

This course will cover the basic tenants of public speaking and persuasive communication. Whether speaking to a large group of consumers, fellow networkers or an interested investor, business owners must be comfortable describing their product or service in a professional manner that resonates with their audience.

January 7, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Technology: Software & Hardware

By: Michael Hensley, network strategist at Superior Group

This course will educate participants on how to evaluate their business technology needs. Through a careful assessment, business owners can learn how to choose the right hardware and software so they are minimizing costs while maximizing output.

January 17, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Completed

Marketing 101

By: Therese Hickok, senior marketing manager at Uniland Development Company

In order to successfully grow a business, you need a plan to identify, attract and retain a solid customer base. With the help of Marketing 101, participants will gain a basic understanding of how to develop the key components of a marketing plan.

February 22, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Completed

Building a Better Business Plan

By: Pauline Soeffing, adjunct professor at Daemen College and NYS Certified Business Advisor at the Niagara Small Business Development Center

This class will cover the fundamentals of creating a strong business plan. Students will learn the essentials of a plan as well as how to plan effective business strategies.

February 25, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Financing Your Business

By: Paul Hoffman, lending specialist at the Small Business Administration

This course will provide an overview on financing options, accounting and access to capital.

March 15, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Completed

Marketing 102

By: Donna McLaren, associate vice president for brand and marketing communication at Roberts Wesleyan College

Marketing 102 will build off Marketing 101 by delving into the essential tools needed for building a brand campaign - including advertising, an elevator pitch and direct marketing.

March 20, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

ABCs of Starting Your Own Business

By: Pauline Soeffing, adjunct professor at Daemen College and NYS Certified Business Advisor at the Niagara Small Business Development Center

What does it really take to start your own business? Learn more about the steps involved and discover the many resources that are available to support you. Explore the demands of being an entrepreneur and take a brief self-assessment. Get the tools to successfully start and grow your small business. This workshop will help you assess your prospects, give you the initial direction you need, and inspire you to move forward to realize your dream.

April 15, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Accounting and CPAs

By: Joe McCarthy, assistant professor of accounting and finance at Roberts Wesleyan College

This course will show participants the value of using a CPA to help manage their business' finances

April 29, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Completed

Marketing 103

By: Meg Hartman, manager of web experience and marketing programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, and Lisa Bennett, director of communication and enrollment for northeastern seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College

This course is designed to help participants develop communications and organizational practices that are mutually beneficial to their business and to the public. Marketing 103 will investigate how to engage members of the media, use social networking, and low cost ways to build relationships through web sites, e-publications and activities.

April 30, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Completed

In addition to the courses above, At-Home Business "U" will offer "The ABC's of First Stage Businesses" and "Building a Better Business Plan." The dates and time of these courses are yet to be determined.

The cost to participate in At-Home Business "U" is $129 and includes one ticket to the Chamber's Small Business Awards Luncheon where your certificate of completion will be presented during the luncheon program. Additional sessions that program participants wish to attend, above and beyond the six required, will cost $10 per class. For those interested in attending one or two courses, but not completing the required program, individual workshops are available to attend at a per session price of $30.

Visit our registration page and sign up now!