Get the basics at ´Starting Your Business'

(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / Jan. 17, 2019) –The Center for Business Development (CBD) at Meridian Technology Center is offering a free business essentials class at the Stillwater Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Brad Rickelman, Assistant Director of the CBD will cover seven important steps that need to be addressed when starting a new business venture.

“Once you have an idea for a business in mind it can be challenging to know where to begin,” said Rickelman. “Narrowing the focus to a manageable number of steps gives will give you some key areas to focus on so you can get the ball rolling.”

Some of those fundamental areas include tasks like raising money, legal structures and licensing issues. Rickelman understands that many people will not know the difference between a sole proprietorship and a limited liability company, or when a business owner should apply for a patent, but participants will leave the class understanding these essential concepts.

Another valuable part of the class is Rickelman’s tips for the local market and suggestions for additional resources including websites, upcoming programs, local services and books.

“I always recommend the book ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie,’” said Rickelman. “It’s a fantastic resource for learning how to talk to strangers about your product or service –an essential skill for entrepreneurs. And you can check it out at the library.”

“Starting Your Business” is free and open to the public. Registration is required but will be taken up to the day before the class. To register, visit the library’s website at http://library.stillwater.org, email askalibrarian@stillwater.org or call 405-372-3633 x8106.

For more information about Meridian’s CBD, visit http://www.meridiantech.edu.

Find information about Stillwater Public Library programs at http://library.stillwater.org.

The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.