Brooklyn's Progress
April/May 2008

BY JILL D’AMICO

On Mar. 26, the Brooklyn Business Solutions Center (BBSC) hosted a lunchtime “Business Basics” seminar at its Downtown Brooklyn offices. It was a chance for those interested in starting a business to get a hard, fast look at what it takes just to get started.

Led by Carlos Russell, BBSC business counselor, the seminar offered an inside view of starting a business.

The BBSC also offers free workshops to help people looking to start their own businesses, like QuickBooks accounting and Plan for Success, a seven-week overview program.

Financing, often a thorny issue with would-be businesspeople, was covered by Liz Efuni, BBSC director for financial services. Ms. Efuni touched on the many different types of financing available, from major bank loans to microlenders, which offer the chance to cobble together money from different resources.

Lisa Lu Britton, a lawyer specializing in businesses, taxation and real estate law, was also on hand to help explain lease review, contract negotiation and shareholder agreements.

The next Business Basics seminar will be held on Apr. 30, and every last Wednesday of the month, and is open to the public. To learn more or to register, go to http://www.ibrooklyn.com/ or call 718-246-5219.