Business Owner Education

As part of our commitment to helping small businesses and their owners prosper, we offer complimentary business owner education both for our clients and for the public.
 

Small Business Seminar Series

Each fall, we offer our popular series of free seminars for small business owners. Experts in business consulting, accounting, financial and life planning, insurance and banking present on the most challenging topics facing small business owners.

Subscribe to our mailing list to be notified as soon as the seminars are scheduled, so you may register before they fill. 

Due to coronavirus challenges and restrictions, our Fall 2020 series has been delayed to January 2021 and will be delivered via webinar.


Browse Our Fall 2019 Seminar Series Topics & Stay Tuned for Upcoming Offerings

Tuesday, October 8, 2019  (5:30-7:30 p.m.) -- Busting the Myths of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

Kristin Manwaring, President, Kristin Manwaring Insurance
Jennifer Jenkins, Agency Administrator, Kristin Manwaring Insurance

"My company is too small to offer health insurance benefits." "Rates are lower if I'm part of a larger group." "My business has to sign up in the year-end open enrollment window." These are just some of the common myths surrounding employer-sponsored health insurance plans that will be addressed by the experts from this locally owned, independent insurance agency. Offering health insurance benefits is one way for employers to succeed in building a talented, stable workforce. Learn how the latest changes in health care law impact your insurance options, and explore creative solutions for offering an attractive employee benefit package. PLEASE NOTE: This material is intended specifically for business entities with W-2 employees (including S-Corp. owners who receive W-2 wages). 

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Tuesday, October 15, 2019  (5:30-7:30 p.m.) -- The Solo 401(k) for the Solopreneur

Bill Beezley, RPA, Investment Advisor & Principal, Olympic Financial Advisors

The Solo 401(k), also known as a Solo-k, Uni-k, One-Participant 401(k), or Individual 401(k), is a qualified retirement savings plan for business owners who have no full-time employees other than the business owner(s) and their spouse(s). The Solo 401(k) mimics many of the features of a larger employer-sponsored plan at a cost within the reach of most self-employed individuals. Get educated on the features and benefits of this plan, and how it can help you maximize your retirement savings. If you already have a Solo 401(k), we'll discuss how to analyze its features and offerings. Check with your CPA or tax advisor about whether a Solo 401(k) is a good fit for your business, and learn about it here from the perspective of an investment advisor who once advised large corporations on their 401(k) plans.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2019  (Noon-1:30 p.m.) -- The SIMPLE: A simple matching retirement plan for employers

Stephen Sklar, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Learn why a SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) IRA can be the most cost- and time-effective retirement plan for employers to choose for themselves and their employees. A business structured as a sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation can set up a SIMPLE, and and part-time employees can be eligible. We'll walk through three case studies to demonstrate how a SIMPLE would work with the different employer match options. Check with your CPA or tax advisor about whether a SIMPLE is a good fit for your business, and learn about it here from the perspective of a financial advisor who assists employers in setting up the accounts and getting their employees properly invested. PLEASE NOTE: We scheduled this seminar during the day to enable business owners to attend with a key employee, if desired.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2019  (5:30-7:30 p.m.) -- Lessons Learned from the First Year in Business

Panel discussion with local small business owners, moderated by:
Sarah Hadlock, CPA, CFP ®, President, The Business Guides
Shelly Randall, Marketing & Education Coordinator, The Business Guides

What are the biggest challenges of that first year in business? We'll ask a panel of savvy local business owners who would be happy if you learned from their early mistakes and didn't make them yourself! Come with your questions, and enjoy a moderated discussion showcasing years of business experience.

Confirmed panelists: 

• Scott Rogers, Aldrich's Market owner
• Rob Connor, Uptown Pub owner
• Scott Ross, Finistere Restaurant owner
• Abbie Little, The A-Team owner (& broker at Coldwell Banker Best Homes)

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Tuesday, October 29, 2019 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) -- Your Financial Statements Tell a Story

Sarah Hadlock, CPA, CFP ®, President, The Business Guides
Lucianne Pugh, Accountant, The Business Guides

What is the story in your financial statements? How do you read them, what might others see in them, and what can you do to shift the plot? We'll focus on the three basic reports: the Profit & Loss Statement, the Balance Sheet, and the Statement of Cash Flows. Using these as our lenses, we'll answer three key questions: Is it possible to make a profit and not have any cash? Is it possible to make a profit and not get a good return on investment? And is it possible to have cash without making a profit? The Business Guides accountants are pleased to present this seminar, because we believe better books lead to better business decisions!

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How to Register

The 2019 Small Business Seminar Series has ended. Marketing & Education Director Shelly Randall can be reached at shelly@thebusinessguides.com or by phoning (360) 385-6961, ext. 7, with any questions.