Small Business Development Center at the Chamber
In partnership with the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Matt Pearce and Richard Montanaro of The University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be presenting a “Lunch n Learn” program on Friday, May 17th. The presentation topic is “10 biggest mistakes that sabotage businesses.”
The SBDC, through the University of Georgia, provides business consulting and training. Their mission is to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of education services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The SBDC offers a variety of classes to help entrepreneurs develop their business plans, and once ready to move forward, offers one-on-one consulting services. Consulting ranges from general business to international trade to commercialization and industry focus. They also offer consulting services for women and minority entrepreneurs through the Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD). This division was created to provide special attention to the needs of minority entrepreneurs by identifying procurement opportunities, locating sources of capital and supporting outreach efforts of minority business people around the state. All of these services are free to the client. They are able to do this thanks to the support of the University of Georgia and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBDC also provides continuing education opportunities by offering classroom and online training. The goal of classroom training is to gain the knowledge needed to make your business excel by attending training classes held throughout the state. Classes are offered in specialized subjects for experienced entrepreneurs, as well as, in management basics for those considering starting businesses. Specialized classes and in-house training can also be provided by your local SBDC office. The SBDC website features a number of webinars to meet the needs of those entrepreneurs who can’t attend live classes.
Montanaro has more than 20 years of experience as a corporate executive with emphasis on textile and manufacturing. For the past six years, he worked in the international finance field. His resume includes work across the United States, the Caribbean and Central America, as well as Spain, China and portions of South America. Montanaro holds a B.S. from Berry College and M.B.A. from Kennesaw State University.
Pearce’s background is in the technology and logistics industries along with investment management. He has expertise in financial planning, business modeling and both payroll and personnel management. He holds a B.S. and M.B.A. from Ohio State University.
You may contact the local SBDC Office in Rome by calling 706-622-2006 or visiting their website: www.romesbdc.org. The office is located at 901 North Broad Street, Suite 320 in Rome, GA. The May 17, Lunch and Learn will be held at the Chamber, 11:30-1:00. Lunch is $8 and reservations are required. Please contact the Chamber at 770-382-1466 to make your reservation.
Article by Matt Pearce with the SBDC
Thank you to The Daily Tribune for publishing!
