Computer Training

Basic computer technology classes in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word) and Computer and Internet Literacy are available free to the public and given on a regular basis at the Holland Center in Corning.  As an option, the Holland Center also offers the computer classes ‘self-paced’ where people come in and learn as time permits based upon their personal schedule.

SPICE encourages all business clients to develop basic computer skills and provides computer training on a one to one consult basis with the SPBC Manager.

Financial Management

Beginning and Advanced QuickBooks

Melissa Cottrill, CPA, Logan, Ohio, and certified QuickBooks Pro Instructor teaches both beginning and advanced Quick Books business accounting software classes for SPICE.  QuickBooks classes are offered quarterly at the Holland Center in Corning and each class runs from 9 am until 3 pm.

Show Me the Money

A free seminar offered by the SBDC and co-sponsored by SPICE, presents a panel of lenders including private banks and government programs who explain their lending criteria, application process, collateral requirements, etc.  This seminar is scheduled at least once during the year and runs from 3 to 4 hours.

Business Planning

B.O.S.S. (Basis of a Successful Start) Class

Conducted and co-sponsored by the Ohio University Small Business Development Center.  This is a two (2) hour introductory class and targets the pre-venture entrepreneur.  It provides the basic steps to follow in getting up and running in business and topics include: industry assessment, description of product or service, identification of markets and competitors, legal structures, and start up financial needs.

Follow-Up: B.O.S.S. Students may request consultations with SPICE staff or SBDC advisors; enroll in additional classes; be assisted with business planning and/or be referred to the SPICE MAP Program Manager.

Business Plan Development Course “From Dream to Reality”

This series of sequential classroom instruction gives the participant a thorough and more in depth understanding of the basic topics to address when starting a business.  By the end of the class each student will have completed an acceptable written business plan.  The text/workbook used is Self-Employment: From Dream to Reality! By Linda Gilkerson & Theresia Paauwe.  The course is recommended for people who have never been in business or who are starting with little business knowledge.  The curriculum to be studied during this course will include, but not be limited to: business planning, legal forms of business, products and services, market research, marketing strategies, personnel management, start up expenses, operating expenses, cash flow projections and loan application process.  Participants have workbooks with assignments and these assignments and portions of the business plan are worked on between class sessions.  Students also communicate between classes by faxing or sending via email portions of their business plan for review to the instructor. The class is scheduled over multiple days and is approximately ten (10) hours long.

Requirements for class graduation include an 80% attendance and 80% return of requested materials.  SPICE Micro-loan applicants are required to complete this course and submit a business plan with their loan application.  Classes are held at the Holland Center in Corning or at the main or local branches of the Perry County District Library.  Melody Borchers, MAP Program Manager is the instructor.

Follow-Up: The class instructor and SPICE personnel are available for consultations to complete business plans and apply for financing.  In addition staff may provide referrals to other organizations or individuals.

Food Industry Workshops

SPICE partnering with the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks (ACEnet) in Athens offers a series of food industry workshops for SPICE clients.  ACEnet operates a world renowned Food Venture – Commercial Kitchen & Processing Center.   The SPICE food industry workshops include:

Home Kitchen Food Production

Do you have a special food item you would like to produce to sell?  Learn about important licensing & labeling regulations and instructions covering baking, canning and bottling in your home kitchen.

The SPICE ACEnet Kitchen Incubator Tour

See and learn how ACEnet can help you with your food production business.  The kitchen incubator has the space you need to produce, package and label your product safely and efficiently.  For more information on the incubator go to www.acenetworks.org/sectors/food/kincubator.

Weights, Measures, Packaging & Labels

Bring your homemade food item recipes.  Discover the formulation process through measuring and weighing ingredients to meet label identification requirements.  Explore food packaging alternatives to fit your needs. Learn to design labels that both attractively market the product and provide accurate ingredient display panels.

The classes are held at the Holland Center in Corning, the Corning Civic Center or ACEnet in Athens.  The instructor is Lesley Schaller, Business Development Specialist, ACEnet.

Retail Industry Workshops

Retail Success in Small Town USA Workshop

SPICE offers this class in direct response to the retailers in the small villages of Perry County struggling to stay open and compete with big box stores.  The instructor is Lisa Maughmer, owner of the Urban Farmhouse in Thornville, Ohio.  Lisa runs a very successful store, with unusual and beautiful gift, furniture and collectible products. She excels in electronic marketing for her business.  Her website is  HYPERLINK "http://www.urbanfarmhouse.com" www.myurbanfarmhouse.com.  Her store and products have been featured in Country Living and other national publications.

Successful Selling on eBay….It’s All About Profit

SPICE offers this class in direct response to clients who are planning to develop their own website and/or sell on eBay.  The class includes an insider’s perspective on titles, searches, descriptions and fees.  It also includes information on shipping, supplies, postage and insurance.  Brenda Blackburn from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and Lisa Ridenour-Marton, a successful eBay seller are the instructors.