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Business & Tech

Library Facilitates First Steps to Starting a Small Biz

The Peters Township Public Library, and the PT Chamber of Commerce, hosted a program, 'The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business,' Thursday.

Margaret Dietzer, the reference librarian at the , introduced three guest speakers from various organizations that support and foster new businesses.

Lindsey Biddle of the Small Business Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh; Jonathan Higie, attorney for Peacock, Keller & Ecker, LLP, in Washington, PA; and Edward Nemeth, senior loan officer of the Washington County Council on Economic Development, were the guest speakers at the “The First Step: Mechanics of Starting a Small Business,” Thursday.

In addition to the large turn out of budding entrepreneurs, was Carol Foley, executive director of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce. She was there in partnership with the library on this program, but also to answer questions and encourage entrepreneurs to join the chamber of commerce.

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The trio of guest speakers covered a dearth of information in the short two-hour lecture. Biddle spoke about success factors, such as qualifications, potential opportunities, business plans, sufficient capital and timing.

Biddle told anecdotal stories about her experiences with The Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence, a division of the Small Business Development Center at Pitt.

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She cited an example about timing, “If I came to you with a detailed plan on a business about VHS tapes, I’d be laughed out of the bank. The time for VHS is 10 to 15 years too late.”

“A business plan is like a game plan," she said. "Everyone wants to see where you are going. Why is your idea unique? Who are your direct and indirect competitors?”

She also said, “You need five people when you’re starting a new business: an attorney, an accountant, an insurance agent, a banker and a consultant/mentor—people who specialize in small businesses. You’re going to have specific questions for each of them.

“If you’re opening a pizza shop, the other pizza shops are your direct competitors," she added. "Indirect competitors would be Chinese restaurants, Mexican restaurants, etc.” The businesses are all going after the same market—people who eat out."

Higie spoke about the various sorts of small business registrations. He covered Pennsylvania registration issues, fictitious name issues, Employer Identification Numbers (EIN) and local registration issues, such as zoning, business licenses and taxes.

The lawyer spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of different business structures, and whether someone would need a Sole Proprietorship, a General Partnership, a Limited Partnership, an LLC Company, an LLC Single member, S Corps and C Corps.

Nemeth spoke about the services his nonprofit organization provides.

Nemeth proudly admitted that the Washington County Council on Economic Development has given out $10 million since its inception in 1993. They have helped coffee shops, a toy manufacturer, beauty salons, restaurants and a goat farm.

Margaret Dietzer confirmed that the library has many of the resources for new entrepreneurs.

Dietzer and Biddle talked about hosting an upcoming workshop on growing a business through social networking (date TBA).

If you’re starting a new business these are the people see.

Some websites to check out are www.sbdc.pitt.edu, www.sba.gov, and if you’re in Washington, Greene, Fayette or Westmoreland counties, and a few specific areas of West Virginia, contact www.WashingtonCountyPA.org.

For new businesses in Peters Township be sure to visit www.peterstownshipchamber.com.

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