The UTSA Small Business Development Center offers integrated, low-cost training and free counseling services to meet the needs of small business owners in San Antonio and surrounding counties. The following training opportunities are being offered in November:

Friday, Nov. 2 –  Business Start-Up Essentials

Have you ever wondered what it takes to start a small business?  How about what it takes to operate one? Come to this seminar and have your questions answered. Choosing a name and legal structure, your responsibilities and requirements as they pertain to local and federal entities, and business start up costs.?Topics discussed in this class include: If you are considering opening a small business, this is your starting point. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  SBRC 1100 MW Loop 410 Suite 109 Fee: $20

Tuesday, Nov. 6 – Selling on eBay

Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting out, eBay can substantially expand your target market. If you’ve been thinking about expanding your business with eBay, join us for our introductory course about how to get started. You’ll receive all the information you need to get your business up and running including how to open an eBay account, how to use the eBay platform to sell items, and how to accept online payments with PayPal. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Durango, Room 2.316 Fee: $30.

Wednesday, Nov. 7 – How to Start a Restaurant

If you have dreamed of owning a restaurant but need some guidance, this workshop is for you. Whether you are in the startup phase or deciding whether to get into the business, this could be the most important workshop you ever attend! The instructor will cover each aspect of opening and managing a restaurant. This session will include discussion of practical issues faced on a daily basis as well as offering tips from an experienced restaurateur about the risks and rewards. Topics include refining your ideas, concept, site selection, staff management, menu selection, kitchen organization and a 12-month plan for starting a restaurant. 6 to 9 p.m. UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Durango, Room 1.402 Fee: $50 (price includes textbook)

Thursday, Nov. 8 – The Business Plan

Want to start or grow an existing business? Get a plan. Our experienced business advisors will teach you the components of a business plan and provide a written example and outline for you to follow. Start up cost and projections to help prepare you for your loan application will be discussed.  Other benefits of a business plan:  It will assist you in developing strategies, along with your marketing and sales plans.  It will also guide you to your goal while providing you options when the unexpected happens.  By the end of the session, you will be able to come up with a mission statement and strategy that works for you and your business! 1 to 4 p.m.  UTSA Downtown 501 W Durango, Room 2.316 Fee: $30       

Monday, Nov. 13 – Emergency Preparedness Clinic

Forty percent of small businesses never reopen after a disaster. Of those that do reopen, almost 50 percent fail after three years if their data is not recovered within a reasonable amount of time. The Human Capital Program of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at UTSA will conduct a one-day conference with panels geared towards emergency preparedness. Topics to be covered in the panels are Emergency Resources Management, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery. 9 am to 1 p.m. UTSA Downtown, 501 W Durango, Room 1.402 Fee: $40

Thursday, Nov. 15 – Business Start-Up Essentials

See description above.

6 to 8 p.m. UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Durango, Room 2.316 Fee:  $20

Tuesday, Nov. 27 – The Business Plan

See description above.

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Durango, Room 2.316 Fee: $30

Wednesday, Nov. 28 – Business Plan Financials

This workshop provides further detail on market research and the financial portion of the business plan. This session covers researching and analyzing the target market, developing financial projections and the loan process.6 to 9 p.m. UTSA Downtown, 501 W. Durango, Room 1.402. Fee: $30

If you are interested in registering for any of the courses listed above, please contact Laura Gilliland by phone (210) 458-2460 or via email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it