Starting a small business is no small task and sustaining that business on your own can be a struggle. That’s why The University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Rio Rancho Campus (HSRR) is teaming up with partners in Sandoval County to host a series of trainings to support the community.
It's really important to us that we are serving our community, that we're listening to our community and then responding in ways that support our community.
Burton is the associate director of HSRR. She says a key part of the campus’ strategic plan is to support economic development in Sandoval County. So last year Burton began working with New Mexico’s Small Business Development Center, Sandoval Economic Alliance and The Women’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST).
“We started this collaboration and then talked to folks in the community about economic development. One thing that came up was that there's a lot of small businesses that could use help and training,” she said.
The first training the group hosted was for social media strategies. It was held at HSSR and more than 30 people showed up, so Burton said they decided to expand the training this year. Starting September 20, HSSR will host the first of six trainings that will run through December. The trainings cover a variety of topics including creating a business plan, licensing and registering a business, marketing and social media. Any business is invited to attend. Each session is $10.Small Business Training Series
All trainings held at UNM Health Sciences Rio Rancho Campus at 11 a.m. (lunch provided)
Cost: $10 per training
- September 20: Business Planning
- October 4: DIY-Licensing & Registering Your Business
- October 18: Business Budget & Cash Flow
- November 8: Marketing 101
- November 22: Understanding Small Business Loan Options
- December 13: Social Media Strategies to Market Your Business Online
Series Starts Sept. 19
Businesses can pick and choose the trainings that are most applicable to them.
“The first training is focused on how to write a business plan,” Burton said. “A lot of times small businesses, even if they have a handful of employees, are running with a business plan in their head. But they've never actually written out a business plan. This training will explain that work and why that step is important.”
Burton said in addition to training and education, this is also an opportunity for businesses to build important relationships.
“This training provides small businesses connections to organizations that can help them as they continue to grow,” she said. “It’s supporting startups and small businesses who may not know where to get help. This gives them a starting place and a connection to resources.”
Registration for the series is now open.