BUFFALO, NY – The U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District Office and the SCORE Buffalo Niagara Chapter will host the Straight Talk 2017 seminar on Saturday, January 21 at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. This is the 21st annual presentation of this program which has attracted thousands of participants over the years to expose entrepreneurs and small business owners to information and resources about starting or growing a small business.

The 60-minute seminars reflect the ever-changing needs of the Western New York entrepreneurial community. Additionally, participants can obtain one-on-one business counseling, visit information booths and speak to representatives from local business resources, and network with other entrepreneurs and small business owners.

“SBA is committed to expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs in underserved communities so that we can drive economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Buffalo District Director Franklin Sciortino.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Cost of attendance is $25.00 on the day of the event, pre-registration tickets are available for $20.00. Students with current/valid identification pay $10.00, and veterans attend for free with proof of veteran status. . Registration fees include a continental breakfast and parking.

Registered attendants will automatically be scheduled for the Business Basics introductory seminar to learn about business plans and other foundations of growing a successful business. Participants can select two additional seminars from the following list:

· Show Me the Money

· Make Yourself Credit Worthy

· Accessing Business Opportunities through SBA 8(a), DBE and MWBE Certification

· Navigating Your Business through Taxes & Permits

· Social Media Marketing

· “We Did It! You Can Too!” featuring a discussion by successful business owners

· Marketing Your Small Business

Following the event, the Straight Talk Series will begin on January 31, 2017 for eight successive Tuesdays (exception Wednesday, February 8, 2017) from 5:45 – 8:30 p.m. at Medaille College in

Buffalo, New York. The Straight Talk Series provides additional information about starting, maintaining, and growing your own business. Attendance is free with registration to Straight Talk on January 21, 2017 otherwise the cost is $5.00 per session.

A very special thank you to SCORE Buffalo Niagara and its supporters.

For further information contact SBA at 716-551-4301. To register online, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/content/straight-talk-seminar-series