Business & Industry Association To Host Small Business Day

NEW HAMPSHIRE — BIA's 17th annual Small Business Day, presented by Bangor Savings Bank, will be held in a no-cost webinar format Friday, March 11 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participating small business owners and managers can receive valuable information to help companies grow and prosper. The webinar is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, local chambers of commerce and trade associations.

New Hampshire's economy is booming and new opportunities abound, but existing and new small businesses face many challenges, particularly related to financing, human resources management, regulation, and taxation. BIA has assembled several of the state's leading experts in these areas who will share their knowledge and expertise.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the New Hampshire economy and their continued success is vital," said BIA President Mike Skelton. "BIA's Small Business Day, now in its 17th year, reflects our commitment to entrepreneurs and we're pleased to be able to help small business owners better understand and overcome some of their biggest financial challenges."

The webinar will feature three focus areas:

Financing Options for Small Business: 9:10 to 10 a.m. Learn about traditional and alternative financing options your small business. Expert panelists include Amy Bassett, U.S. SBA; Betsy Segal, Community Loan Fund; Brigid Murray, Community Loan Fund; Julie Glosner, N.H. Small Business Development Center, and Mary Mattson, Bangor Savings Bank. Mike O’Reilly of Bangor Savings Bank will serve as moderator.

Human Resources 101: 10:10 to 11 a.m. Few things are more complex and critical for small business owners than human resources. This panel will detail common pitfalls relating to employment and answer HR questions. Panelists include New Hampshire's top labor law attorneys and HR consultants, including Amy Cann, HR ROI Consulting; Andrea Chatfield, Cook, Little, Rosenblatt & Manson; Beth Deragon, Pastori/Krans and Talesha Saint-Marc, Bernstein Shur. David Juvet, BIA senior vice president of public policy, will serve as moderator.

The Bottom Line – Taxes and the Small Business Owner: 11:10 a.m. to noon. Federal and state business tax law is constantly changing. How do small business owners keep up with important changes affecting their bottom line? The CPA panelists have decades of experience working with small business clients and will provide important new federal and state information and answer specific tax questions. Panelists are Alyssa Hodges, Mason + Rich P.A.; Matt Foley, Bigelow & Company, and Steve Lawlor, Nathan Wechsler. BIA’s David Juvet will moderate.

The webinar is free, but registration is required here. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, email Lora McMahon.