FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - Do you have aspirations of being your own boss? Do you already own a small retail business and need help in making it grow?

Learn business skills necessary to start or expand your retail business through San Diego State University College of Extended Studies courses in such areas as:

How to Start and Manage a Small Business. Topics include the business plan - what it is, why you need it, and how to prepare it; market research techniques, and resources that will help your business grow. You'll also learn about financing your business, sources of capital, debt, equity, and bootstrap techniques.

In addition, this course covers legal issues including business structure; intellectual property such as copyrights, trademarks, and patents; insurance, licenses, and permits. A field trip to the Small Business Administration Business Resource Center allows you to test your idea and research the industry and competition.

Importing as a Small Business. Become an importer through the knowledge and skills developed through this one-day seminar taught by a highly rated instructor who brings his business expertise to life in a well-paced, candid, and humorous classroom environment. You will learn about licensing, selecting products, finding suppliers, working with governments, bankers, brokers, and carriers, plus financing, costing and pricing, and gaining orders for your products.

Starting a Consulting Practice. This online course helps you answer such questions as: Do you have training or knowledge that could be useful to others? Have you ever considered providing consulting services based on your background?

Learn the process of starting and operating a consulting practice from the beginning. As part of the class you will complete several surveys and assessments designed to help pinpoint the best consulting services to offer. You will then learn about the business start-up process, including issues such as licensing and legalities, and will develop a complete business plan for a consulting firm that details finances, pricing policies, contracting, and marketing. The course concludes with a discussion of record-keeping and tax concerns. Throughout the courses you will have access to an online discussion area where you, other students, and the instructor can exchange business ideas and resources.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 35 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. For more information on the cutting-edge opportunities offered in the retail industry, or other programs, visit the College's Web site at www.NeverStopLearning.net.