Attention Child Care Providers: Child care providers attending any of MetroAction’s training programs are eligible for professional development credits through the Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS), part of the PA Department of Public Welfare’s PA Keys to Professional Development program.

Program Descriptions

Marketing Mastery: Do you need to grow your customer base?  Is your advertising effective?  How can you make the most of your limited advertising budget? MetroAction’s Marketing Mastery course will help you identify your target market, build successful marketing messages, develop marketing materials that work, and create a comprehensive marketing plan on a limited budget. This course is perfect for any sized business that is interested in implementing proven strategies that produce major returns!

Cost is $75 for Chamber members and $99 for non Chamber members and includes all course materials. Scholarships may be available for some businesses. Contact Alicia Tompkins at atompkins@scrantonchamber.com to see if you qualify. Reservations are due by March 7.

This program will be offered in an accelerated format at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, 222 Mulberry Street, Scranton and is also available as a webinar.

Getting Started with Pinterest for Your Small Business: Pinterest is the new buzz word in the social media world, but do you know what it is? Are you wondering if Pinterest can work for your business? If you sell products, Pinterest is a great place to show them off. The site is heavily focused on products and shopping, from its user content to its design. You can share pins and ideas from different companies and network with potential customers and clients. This seminar will teach you what Pinterest is, how to use it and show you ways it can help your business. Attendees will be able to ask questions and leave with action items for their business. This program will be presented by The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center. Using Pinterest to Grow Your Business will be presented at 9am on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $25.00 per person for Chamber members and $35 per person for non-members.

Three Steps to Business Success: Three Steps to Business Success is a two-hour seminar which covers specific strategies to help start-up and existing small businesses gain a competitive advantage. This seminar will address how to plan for success, effective ways to market your business, financing and finding grants, and available community resources. This program is also available as a webinar. [$10]

Marketing 101: Marketing 101 is a two-hour seminar which offers simple and effective small business marketing techniques that focus on real world, proven strategies. This seminar will help start-up and existing small businesses gain a competitive advantage by providing strategies to package a business, create cost effective marketing materials, communicate a strong marketing message, and avoid common marketing mistakes. This program is also available as a webinar. [$10]

Financing Your Business: This seminar explains the options of financing your business despite today’s difficult economy. You will learn how small business loans work, what documents and information are required, and review the requirements to qualify for small-business financing. The seminar will also explain about small business grants, what lenders look for, understanding credit and how you can improve your chances of qualifying for a small-business loan. This program is also available as a webinar. [$10]

Meet the Lender Forum: MetroAction teams up with partner locations throughout the year to provide informative roundtable discussions on small business financing opportunities. [FREE]

Applying for a Small Business Loan: This webinar explains how to apply for a MetroAction loan. The webinar discusses loan details such as amounts, rates, terms and eligibility and also discusses how to complete MetroAction’s small business loan Pre-Qualification application. [FREE]

Writing a Business Plan: This webinar discusses the basics of writing a business plan such as, information to gather, the parts of a business plan, helpful resources and how to complete MetroAction’s Business Planning Templates. [FREE]

Submitting Your Business Plan Templates: This webinar explains how to complete and submit MetroAction’s Business Planning Templates. [FREE]

Other seminars: MetroAction periodically offers other seminars and workshops to help businesses grow. Topics include customer service, financial management, strategic planning and much more! We also feature programs from renowned providers such as Dale Carnegie 1-day training programs, the Disney Institute and others. For more information, visit our news page.

DYNAMIC PRESENTERS WANTED!

If you are willing to share your expertise as a guest speaker or panelist, please let MetroAction know. We are interested in presentations on various business and professional educational topics designed for all levels of experience (beginner, intermediate and/or advanced).

If you are interested in presenting a business seminar or workshop for MetroAction, complete and submit a Seminar Presenter Proposal. MetroAction staff will contact you to discuss available opportunities.