8/26/03

AU'S SBDC SCHEDULES SERIES OF FREE WORKSHOPS THIS FALL

AUBURN -- Auburn University's Small Business Development Center will conduct a series of free planning and financing workshops during September, says center director Jackie Di Pofi.

Di Pofi will present information on business planning and financing at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 17. She will also attend the Opelika Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Breakfast on Sept. 19, at the Health Resource Center.

Di Pofi will conduct the workshop, "How to Start a Small Business" on Sept. 22, at 6 p.m., room 152, of the Lowder Business Building on the AU campus. The workshop is free and open to the public.

"A majority of all businesses in the United States employ five or fewer people," said Di Pofi. "This is just one measure of the strength and importance of small business to our country, our state and our local economy."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Small Business Administration.

"It is a privilege for me to assist the hard-working individuals who lead these businesses," said Di Pofi. "The SBDC at Auburn University provides counseling and training on an extensive list of business topics of concern to the small business owner."

Other free programs scheduled this fall for room 152 of the Lowder Business Building on the AU campus:

* How to Start a Small Business, Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 15;
* How to Use Customer Service as a Competitive Weapon, Sept. 8.

For additional information about the programs or other services of AU's SBDC, contact Di Pofi at 334/844-4220 or by fax at: 334-844-4268.

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