Training grants are available for certain businesses to attend our Small Business Institute. (more…)

MetroAction has the training programs to help you make the most of your marketing budget!  We have marketing seminars scheduled throughout northeastern Pennsylvania over the next several months. (more…)

MetroAction is committed to offering entrepreneurs the tools to succeed!  We know that the success of a small business is a never ending process of counseling, mentoring and training. (more…)

Starting a small business can be overwhelming and confusing.  There’s so much to do,  so much to learn, and so much information to read.  That’s where MetroAction can help.  In addition to our helpful seminars and webinars, we offer the tools, templates, and guides you need to succeed. (more…)

MetroAction does more than offer loans.  We know that the success of small businesses is an ongoing process of counseling, mentoring and training. That’s why we’re committed to offering the tools for entrepreneurs to find solutions to their business problems. Refer your small business clients to an upcoming MetroAction training program! (more…)

Help your small business clients get to the next level.  Refer an upcoming MetroAction training program!  A few seats still remain for our Small Business Institute and Marketing Mastery classes, starting August 5. (more…)

If you want to take your business to the next level, MetroAction has training programs to help! A few seats still remain in our Small Business Institute and Marketing Mastery classes, starting Aug. 5.    Click here to listen to our promo!

Marketing Mastery will show you how making small changes will lead to big results and will help you make the most of your limited marketing budget! In this 8-week program you will:

• Identify your target market
• Build successful marketing messages
• Develop marketing materials that work
• Leave with a comprehensive marketing plan for your business

The Marketing Mastery program will be held in Scranton on Thursdays, Aug. 5 through Sept. 23, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

“The Marketing Mastery program hit on everything a business needs to know. I wish this program was offered before I burned up so much money,” attests Cheryl Kaiser, owner of Kaiser Fine Photography, Carbondale.

The Small Business Institute will show you how all of the pieces of your business work together. In this 2-day program you will:

• Learn what makes a business successful
• Understand cash flow and financial statements
• Develop a marketing strategy
• Leave with a customized business plan for your business

The Small Business Institute will be held in Tannersville on Aug. 5 and 6, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Both programs are perfect for start-up or existing businesses or any business that wants to be more competitive in today’s economy! Cost is $149 each and includes text books and materials. Hurry! Classes start soon and space is limited! Call 341-0270 or visit www.MetroAction.org to register.

Every business is prone to two things- ups and downs. The fluctuations depend on the type of industry you are in.  But eventually a time will come when business is not flowing like it used to and it seems like more money is going out than coming in.  The last thing you want to do when a slow season appears is to panic.  MetroAction has some suggestions!

Work on Your Marketing Budget: When money is tight everyone thinks to cut corners. A slow period in business doesn’t necessarily mean that it is time to tighten the reins. You will want to keep an eye on your spending.  But that simply means reallocating funds to where they are most needed.  Cutting your marketing budget is a bad mistake that many a business has made. When you cut your advertising, you decrease your presence in the places that can make a difference in your business. If you disappear, no one will know to look for you when things begin to pickup.  Whatever you do, resist the urge to do anything less with your marketing campaign. It always works against you in the end.  If you need more tips on how make the most of your marketing budget sign up for MetroAction’s Marketing Mastery program at http://scrantonchamber.com/chamber_calendar.php.

Maintain Pricing on Products and Services: In an attempt to change the slow season, many businesses cut their prices to make a sale. This seems like it would work.  But look at it from a customer point of view.  Across the board price cuts make it seem like you are going out of business.  If you are not going to be around, customers may decide to buy from someone else who will be.  Cost cutting like this eats into profits. The business may get a boost for a time.  But what happens when business is back on the upswing?  Do you raise the prices again on the same items?  There are other ways to stimulate demand besides cutting the prices. Doing so undermines your own business. Investigate other ways and consider talking with a MetroAction staff member about small business loans that can help you manage your cash flow.  Or visit http://metroaction.org/loans.html for details.

Learn a New Skill: Every business begins with a great idea.  We play to our strengths.  But, there is always more to be learned.  Diversifying your business will increase profits. If a client can get more than one service from you, that makes your business more attractive than the competition who only offers one.  MetroAction’s Small Business Institute is perfect for new and existing entrepreneurs.  It provides practical, hands-on skills needed to develop, manage and grow a successful business.  Sign up for the institute today at http://metroaction.org/seminars.html.

Use these tips and think of your slow period, not as a setback, but as an opportunity!

Child care providers know how to get a 3 year old to eat broccoli.  They know how to get 15 two year olds to nap at the same time.  And, they are pros at teaching preschoolers their ABCs and I23s.  But, often times, they don’t have the entrepreneurial skills to effectively manage the business side of their business.  That’s where MetroAction comes in.  Child care providers attending MetroAction’s Small Business Institute can earn professional development credits recognized by the PA Keys. (more…)

From organization planning …
to marketing …
to understanding your financials …
MetroAction’s Small Business Institute is what you need for your business to thrive in today’s economy!

Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs are invited to participate in this two day program that provides practical, hands-on skills needed to develop, manage and grow a successful business. Participants will:

• Develop key business insights and skills
• Determine business strategies
• Tap into entrepreneurial resources

• Build a business, and much more!

Attention Child Care Providers: MetroAction is a PQAS approved organization that provides professional development training recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare.

Small Business Institute 8-week Program
Location:  Wilkes-Barre
Date:  Thursdays, October 1 – November 19
Time:  9 am – 12 pm
Cost: $149 per person
Presented by: Community Bank and Trust Co, Bold Gold Media Group, The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center, The Innovation Center @ Wilkes-Barre

Small Business Institute 2-day Accelerated Program
Location:  Jim Thorpe
Date:  Thursday & Friday, October 1 & 2
Time:  9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $149 per person
Presented by:  Bold Gold Media Group

Small Business Institute 2-day Accelerated Program
Location:  Honesdale
Date:  Thursday & Friday, November 5&6
Time:  9 am – 4 pm
Cost: $149 per person
Presented by: The Honesdale National Bank and Bold Gold Media Group

The 2-day accelerated program provides all the award winning Core Four® curriculum presented in our traditional Small Business Institute eight-week program, in just two days!

More than 100 entrepreneurs have already experienced and found success with the Small Business Institute.  Here’s what some of our graduates had to say:

“Training for the actual business side of the business in my industry is non-existent. The Small Business Institute has given me a new outlook on the overall management of my business. This program was extremely helpful.”
Amy Ghirelli, owner of Headquarters Salon & Coconut Grove Tanning, Scranton

“I am better prepared now, after participating in the Small Business Institute, than I was 10 years ago. I would definitely recommend this program to other entrepreneurs. It’s a great way to get started.”
Bill Goodman, owner of Goodman E-Commerce, Tunkhannock

“The Small Business Institute was very interactive.  We shared and learned a lot of creative ideas to help in our businesses. I would definitely recommend this program to other entrepreneurs.  I now have a better sense of my business and feel more confident.”
Mike Straub, owner of Michael Straub Photography, Mt. Pocono

“The sessions were interesting, informative, educational, well facilitated and most of all fun.  No matter how long you are in business, you need to keep it fresh.  I would definitely recommend this program to other entrepreneurs.”
Paul Nardone, owner of Outrageous and Anthology, Scranton

Seating is limited and registration is first-come, first-served and expected to fill quickly.  For more information or to register for the Small Business Institute, visit www.MetroAction.org or contact Dara Coslett Granza at 341-0270 or dgranza@MetroAction.org.