As part of National Small Business Week, several local businesses are joining forces to offer a series of professional seminars designed to stimulate business development. These programs are divided into four sessions scheduled for May 4 and May 5. Due to the generosity of the sponsors, there will be no registration fee for attending any seminar. The Small Business Week of Southwestern Illinois concludes with the Women Business Owners Conference & Expo on May 6.
 
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. These businesses create around two out of every three news jobs in the U.S. each year. National Small Business Week recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
 
“Small Business is the backbone of our economy,” maintains Ron Ameln, president of St. Louis Small Business Monthly. “Small Business Week is really dedicated to honoring those who are growing their businesses and providing the tools necessary to keep them growing in the future. I hope everyone can take some time during the week to come out to the events, network and meet other business owners, and learn some of the best practices and tools that are being used to help businesses reach new heights.”
 
Topics for the May 4 seminars are Ten Steps Your Business Should Do Now To Grow & Be Profitable, held from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., and Traveling Trade Show – Promoting Your Business Everywhere, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
The May 5 sessions will discuss How To Retain Highly Effective & Motivated Employees, held from 8:30 a.m. -  9:30 a.m., and Rise To The Occasion – Excelling As A Business Owner, from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 
All sessions will be held at Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors, 1928 Lebanon Ave., Belleville, IL 62221.
 
For more information or to register for any session, contact Mandy Darr at 618-659-4499 or e-mail msd@sivialaw.com.
 
The Women Business Owners Conference will be held at the Four Points By Sheraton in Fairview Heights, IL. Registration is $50 per person and includes access to professional seminars and the expo. Online registration is open at www.signaturevirtualassistance.com.
 
Founded in 1996, the Midwest Business Institute is known for innovative, customized solutions and unparalleled commitment to clients’ success. The skills obtained through our training programs, conferences and coaching sessions develop the essential leadership and management attributes that are vital to the success of business owners and executives.