CAMARILLO, CA - The Small Business Development Center of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, hosted by the Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County, has expanded its roster of business services with the addition of free international business and entrepreneur workshops. The new workshops are in addition to SBDC’s one-one-one business advising and small business workshops and will be held at EDC-VC, 1601 Carmen Dr., Ste. 215, Camarillo.

“Entrepreneurship and international business are two categories in which we receive a great deal of interest from our clients. The new workshops will be held monthly so that people can get support for their business whenever they need it,” said Ray Bowman, director of SBDC of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

Starting a Small Business Workshop is a monthly workshop presented by SBDC advisor Mary Anne Rooney and is an overview of the steps needed to establish a business. The next workshop will be 3-5 p.m., Feb. 20.

Introduction to International Importing and Exporting is presented by SBDC director Ray Bowman. The workshop is a practical introduction to the business basics importing and exporting. Topics include logistics, documents, contract administration, terminology, quality control and payment procedures. The workshop will be 3-5 p.m., Feb. 15 and will be offered the third Wednesday of each month.

Consultant Support Group is presented by SBDC advisor Joe Huggins and is an ongoing group for established consultants and those who are interested in entering the field. It will cover topics and issues they will encounter when working for clients and businesses. The group will be 8:30-9:30 a.m., Feb. 17 and meet the third Friday of each month.

Huggins will also present the Entrepreneurial Academy. Topics will include an introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset, the planning stages, products and pricing, marketing practices, managing sales, operations and HR, legal considerations, financing, and funding sources. The Academy will be held 1-3 p.m., Feb. 17 and will meet the third Friday of each month. Pre-approval is required for participation.

Introduction to International Shipping and Logistics is presented by Bowman and is a basic overview of international logistics, including definitions, regulations, documentations, transportation, warehousing and pricing, as well as emerging issues in today’s economy. Participants are encouraged to ask questions about their current logistics problems or concerns. The workshop will be 3-5 p.m., Feb. 22 and will be offered the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Workshops on QuickBooks and How to Start an e-business will be starting soon.

To register or for more information, contact EDC-VC at 805-384-1800 x 21, or kelly.noble@edcsbdc.org.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, and international trade program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.