The Pottsville Area Development Corp. is preparing to kick off its annual Lunch and Learn Seminars for businesses and eager entrepreneurs next week.
Meanwhile, PADCO also plans to add more of them to this year's slate, Amy S. Burkhart, executive director, said Tuesday.
"In previous years, we've had our seminars in the spring and in the fall. This year, we'll also have a series in the summer," she said. "We're going to add some new subject matter as well. And it seems worthwhile to try to expand it throughout the year because people look to start businesses not just in the spring and fall."
The first of this year's Business Start-Up Lunch and Learn Seminars will be held at noon March 14 on the second floor of the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St. Representatives from Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, Wilkes-Barre, will talk about business plan development, Burkhart said.
PADCO started its series of business seminars in 2004. In February 2012, PPL Electric Utilities gave PADCO a $5,000 grant to allow the organization to hire speakers and cover other costs to run the program, Burkhart said.
These events are free to the public. PADCO prefers those interested to call its office at 570-628-4647 to reserve a seat.
"We like people to sign up in advance so we can get an idea how many are attending," Burkhart said. "It is a 'Lunch and Learn' series so everyone's encouraged to bring their lunch with them. If you're leaving work to come to this, you can take your lunch hour and get some great information about starting a business."
The average seminar attracts two to 10 people, Burkhart said.
The following is a list of seminars scheduled so far, and a brief description of each. All begin at noon at the library:
- Business Plan Development, March 14, with Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, Wilkes-Barre
- Business Location, April 11, with Wilkes University SBDC and representatives from the City of Pottsville Code Enforcement Office and the Pottsville Historical Architectural Review Board
- Start Your Own Business 101, April 16, with PADCO
- Incorporating Your Business, May 9, with Jones & Co., Pottsville
- Financial Planning, June 13, with Wilkes University SBDC
Burkhart said she is working to confirm speakers and presenters for other seminars to be slated for the summer and fall.
"One of the fall seminars I'm hoping to put together will focus on starting a business after retirement," Burkhart said.