Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

CONYERS -- Business owners or even those thinking about being a business owner are invited to a free seminar about successful entrepreneurship.

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is partnering with SCORE Atlanta, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, to put on the free program 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011. The event will be at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, located at 1302 Green St. SE in Conyers.

More than 100 people have already signed up, including people from various businesses and industries from all over the metro Atlanta area, according to Chamber Executive Director Fred Boscarino.

"This is just not Conyers, Rockdale County. People come from all over Atlanta ... We're about the only chamber that puts on programs to help small businesses like this," Boscarino said.

SCORE counselor Steven Bloom is a business owner from west Atlanta and will be donating his time to put on the January presentation.

Of the 10 main talking points on being a successful entrepreneur, Boscarino said discussion will include how to fund a business.

"It's really a two-hour overview of starting up your own business," Boscarino said.

He explained that the session does not go into specific details of operating a business, like making a business plan. But Boscarino said roughly half of the people who participate in the session also sign up for the Chamber's OPEN program for more detailed information about entrepreneurship.

The OPEN program, or Opportunities for Promoting Entrepreneurship and Networking program, is a series of classes that helps business owners succeed through discussions, lectures and hands-on training in various areas. Boscarino said the next session of the OPEN program will start in February.

Seats are still available for next month's free session. Those interested must sign up before Jan. 5. To reserve a seat, call the Chamber at 770-483-7049 or e-mail gail@conyers-rockdale.com.