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Date: 2/4/2020
CHESTER – Local entrepreneurs who are thinking of starting – or have already started – their own business have an opportunity to learn about local resources available to them from a Small Business Administration expert in two free workshops.
Oreste Varela, branch manager of the Springfield SBA office, will teach Small Business Basics on Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Village Enterprise Center, 26A Main St. in Chester.
Varela has been with the U.S. Small Business Administration since November 2012. His responsibilities as branch manager include lender relations, customer service, and marketing of resources and programs. Varela is also a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with over 30 years of experience in administrative leadership, management and strategic planning.
“The Small Business Administration is committed to Powering the American Dream of business ownership. As the Springfield Branch Manager for SBA, I cover the four counties of Western Massachusetts. It’s a thrill for me to be able to bring this series of workshops to the Hilltowns. It is rewarding both personally and professionally to assist people in realizing their dreams,” Varela said.
The two workshops are a series (so plan on attending both), that will help small business owners gain a better understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business, and to learn about SBA programs and services that are available to current and prospective entrepreneurs.
Also covered will be the key steps to getting a small business off the ground; various financing options, what banks look for when lending money, and local resources available to help start and grow a small business.
Call 354-1055 or email Southernhilltownsaec@gmail.com to preregister for the SBA classes. Offered by the Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center and the Hilltown Community Development Corporation.