— ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — INSIDE: Details of Upcoming DBE/SBE MPower Hour Sessions One on One with Edgar Peña Duarte of Elite Concrete Contracting, LLC 1 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — In this issue… Greetings from Greg Davis ……… 3 Who’s Who in MSBA ……… 4 Is this PAPERWORK Necessary? Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Reporting Tips Completion of US 15 in Clarendon County .………6 Mentor Protégé Program……… 6 Your work may not count as a DBE contractor/subcontractor………… 7 Financials Matter DBE/SBE MPower Hour: The Next Level 5 ……… ……… 2016 Summer Transportation Institute Benedict College 7 - 8 9 ………10 One on One with Edgar Peña Duarte of Elite Concrete Contracting, LLC11 Looking for work? How about a job with full benefits, paid vacations and paid holidays? 12 Upcoming Training 12 ……… 2 — ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — Happy New Year! As we enter 2017, there is no better time to reflect on how you and your business have fared in 2016, access the positive and undesirable business aspects of the past year, and determine how things can be improved. Whether you are in construction, maintenance, professional services, supplies, or even airport concessions, here are several resolutions you should consider adopting in order to kick the year off on a START. 1. S trategically evaluate your business on a routine basis throughout the year. If you are unable to do an honest valuation, ask a professional to help you determine what is working well and what changes should be made. 2. Take stock of your financial situation. Review your accounting systems, and seek efficient methods to improve your invoicing, accounts payables and account receivables. 3. Assess and test a new marketing strategy several times during the year. Do not underestimate the effectiveness of a vibrant website, a well-planned online public relations campaign, or an active social media presence. 4. Reach out for assistance. The SCDOT Business Development Center and other resource providers stand ready to offer advice, provide support and help you develop and grow your business. 5. Team with other worthy DBE firms. The cover photo demonstrates how a DBE firm with a short-term equipment need (Palmetto Civil Group) and a DBE firm experiencing a small gap between projects (Freeland Construction) worked together to the benefit of each business. Now I understand that it can be just as difficult to keep a New Year’s business resolution as it would be to keep a personal resolution. So, I would like to challenge you to commit to these or five other business new practices for just three months. I predict that you will be amazed at what happens to your small business. Best wishes for a wonder-filled new year, Greg Davis Director Minority & Small Business Affairs 3 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — Who’s Who in MSBA Greg Q. Davis Director of Minority & Small Business Affairs Anthony Cromartie Program Manager I Technical Assistance & Special Programs Arlene Prince Director Business Development & Special Programs BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER Colette Swann Program Manager I Paula Hollis Program Manager I COMPLIANCE & QUALITY ASSURANCE Barbara Beagles Program Manager I DBE CERTIFICATION & MONITORING Gary Linn Program Manager I REPORTING & DATA MANAGEMENT Carolyn Burton Program Manager I 4 Syrees Gillens Oliver Program Manager I Affirmative Action Officer — ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — Is this PAPERWORK Necessary? Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Reporting Tips. ment for daily use in administering policies and procedures relevant to projects and is included in all contracts with SCDOT. 2. Subcontractor/Hauler Approval Request – a document approving contractors to work on SCDOT projects and should be submitted for all DBEs and non-DBEs working on a project. Why must I complete all this? I don’t have time for this? Just about everyone feels this way when it comes to completing paperwork. The majority of us have to complete a form here or there for many different reasons. Oftentimes this seems like a tedious process, but we will do what is required to complete any and all necessary paperwork if it means obtaining the maximum end result. 3. DBE Quarterly Reports – a document used to capture payments made to DBE firms and should be submitted quarterly for each DBE performing work on every project until all work has been completed. 4. DBE Status Spreadsheet – a document used to monitor DBE goal and commitments on a project and should be submitted quarterly with DBE Quarterly Report(s) for each reporting period on every active project. Achieving the maximum end result is the ultimate goal when it comes to Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) reporting. Submission of DBE documents are required each quarter to track DBE participation on all federal and state projects making relevant paperwork necessary. DBE participation is tracked on various project types such as Design Build (DB), Local Public Agency (LPA), Professional Services, State Set-A-Side and standard construction projects. It is vital to submit required documents accurately and in a timely manner. Project awards, committals, and payment data relevant to prime and subcontractors are captured and analyzed for developing various reports monthly, quarterly, semi-annually and annually for management, federal and state personnel. 5. DBE Project File Closeout Request – a document used to close the DBE component of a project and should be submitted based on the Substantial Work Completion date for every project, state or federal, with or without a DBE goal. The DBE Reporting and Data Management (DBERDM) Unit is available to assist with completing the above required documents. Our mission is to provide excellent customer service, technical assistance and training for successful reporting requirements. Additional DBE reporting information and forms are located on SCDOT’s website at: Compliance TIPS to Remember for necessary paperwork relevant to DBE Reporting: http://www.scdot.org/doing/businessDevelop_DBE.aspx. 1. DBE Supplemental Specifications – a compliance docu5 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — Completion of US 15 in Clarendon County On July 22, 2016, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the St. Paul Road project in Clarendon County. The road is a causeway over Cantey Bay on US 15. Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) firm Taylor Brothers Construction Company of Columbia, South Carolina completed the project. This project was an emergency repair due to damages caused by the great flood of October 2015. Senator Kevin Johnson, Representative Robert Ridgeway, SCDOT employees, Taylor Brothers and local residents attended the Ceremony. SCDOT, Senator Kevin Johnson, Representative Robert Ridgeway, Taylor Brothers Construction and local residents open the newly repaired causeway over Cantey Bay on U.S. 15 (St. Paul Road) on July 22. construction management services throughout the southeast for almost 20 years. Ten years ago, DESA expanded its construction management services to include engineering. The new line of service coincided with DESA’s, lead engineer Daniel Lavender, obtaining his Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. PE licensure is the engineering profession’s highest standard of competence, a symbol of achievement and assurance of quality. “Mentor Protégé Program has the potential to completely transform small, disadvantaged businesses that have struggled to procure work with SCDOT,” explains Lavender. “Many DBE firms have the skills necessary to serve SCDOT well, but lack the resources and experience of larger firms. Encouraging mentor-protégé teaming opens new doors for growing businesses by allowing them to learn from established firms, work on projects they otherwise wouldn’t have been awarded, and prove their value to SCDOT.” Mentor Protégé Program “This program has the potential to completely transform small, disadvantaged businesses that have struggled to procure work with the SCDOT. –Daniel Lavender, Project Manager & Engineer, DESA The objectives of the Mentor-Protégé Program are to: Just over one year ago, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed into approval the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) new Mentor-Protégé Program. SCDOT’s Division of Minority & Small Business Affairs under the direction of Greg Davis, was extremely excited about this new program and actively sought partnerships to be a part of this dynamic undertaking. SCDOT is now pleased to announce its first engineering partnership between Mead and Hunt and DESA Inc. • P romote the development of business management and technical skills for certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to compete more successfully. • A ssist certified DBEs with acquiring greater access to business support systems that facilitate growth and development. • P rovide the protégé with guidance, technical support, as well as the benefit of the mentor’s expertise and experience. The purpose of the Mentor-Protégé Program is to establish a link between businesses certified under the South Carolina Unified Certification Program, successful professional service providers, and general contractors who contract with SCDOT on highway design or engineering and construction projects. The program is sponsored by SCDOT in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and is designed to build a more effective, competitive and diverse pool of contractors capable of bidding on future projects. With the announcement of this partnership comes a schedule of work for the next six months outlining the tasks that Mead and Hunt and DESA will perform as they work to complete Richland Penny Projects throughout the county. “Mead and Hunt is very excited to be part of SCDOT’s Mentor Protégé Program. We see DESA as not only a protégé but a partner. Our mutual goal is to build a program that is nationally recognized by other DOTs as a successful example of how collaboration and entrepreneurship can grow small businesses,” says Berry Still, Vice President and Principal. DESA is a professional services firm established in Columbia, South Carolina in 1986. For over 30 years, DESA has been providing professional services throughout the United States and To learn more about SCDOT’s Mentor Protégé Program and to see if you qualify, please visit: http://www.scdot.org/doing/businessDevelop_Center.aspx or http://www.scdot.org/doing/doingPDFs/businessDevelop/mpp_brochure.pdf In addition to all program requirements, both a mentor application and a protégé application are included in this seven page brochure. 6 — ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — Your work may not count as a DBE contractor/subcontractor… quantity, ordering the materials and installing (where applicable), along with paying for the material. Commercially Useful Function (CUF) In order for a Prime contractor to count a DBE subcontractor’s work towards their DBE goal, Federal regulations require a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) subcontractor to perform a commercially useful function (CUF). Failure to perform a CUF can result in the Prime contractor being assessed fines. A DBE hauler may lease trucks from another DBE firm, including an owner-operator who is certified as a DBE. In addition, a DBE hauler may also lease trucks from a non-DBE firm, including owner-operators. The DBE firm that leases the trucks (equipped with drivers) from a non-DBE firm is entitled to credit for the total value of transportation services, not to exceed the value of transportation services on the contract provided by DBE owned trucks or leased trucks with DBE employee drivers. Additional participation by non-DBE owned trucks (equipped with drivers) receives credit only for the fee or commission it receives as a result of the lease arrangement. Please see 49 CFR 26.55 for full details. A DBE firm performs a CUF when they are responsible for a) executing the work of the contract and; b) carrying out their responsibilities by performing, managing and supervising the work involved. In order to perform a commercially useful function, the DBE firm must also be responsible for materials and supplies used on the contract, for negotiating price, determining quality and Financials Matter sheet changes over time will reveal important financial information about a business. It can help monitor your ability to collect revenues, manage your inventory, and assess your ability to satisfy creditors and stockholders. One of the most important things that a small business must learn is to get control of and improve their “business financials”. Understanding financial statements is essential to the success of a small business. They can be used as a roadmap to steer you in the right direction and help you avoid costly breakdowns. Financial statements have a value that goes far beyond preparing tax returns or applying for loans. If a concerted effort in learning and improving the essentials of the small business financials is not maintained, the chance of ultimately going out of business is highly likely. Assets represent the use of funds. A business uses cash or other funds provided by the creditor/investor to acquire assets. Assets include things of value that are owned or due to a business. Liabilities and net worth on the balance sheet represent sources of funds. Liabilities and net worth are composed of creditors and investors who have provided cash or its equivalent to your business. As a source of funds, they enable your business to continue or expand operations. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers the following information: Liabilities represent obligations to creditors while net worth represents the owner’s investment in the business. Both creditors and owners are “investors” in the business with the only difference being the timeframe in which they expect repayment. The balance sheet is a snapshot of your business financials. It includes assets, and liabilities and net worth. The “bottom line” of a balance sheet must always include (assets = liabilities + net worth). The individual elements of a balance sheet change from day to day and reflect the activities of a business. Analyzing how the balance (Financials contiued on page 8) 7 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — your personal finances and business finances. This is a recipe for disaster for IRS audits and other unpleasantness that can stunt the growth of your company and put it at risk. It puts your personal assets on the line if your business is ever sued for any reason. When you start your company, go to your bank and open a business account with them. (Financials contiued) The income statement, also known as the profit and loss statement, includes all income and expense accounts over a period of time. This financial statement shows how much money the business will make after all expenses are accounted for. An income statement does not reveal hidden problems, like insufficient cash flow. Income statements are read from top to bottom and represent earnings and expenses over a period of time. 4.Don’t forget to pay yourself - There is no need to take every ounce of profit and put it back into the business. While this can be helpful, it can also put your personal finances at risk if you are avoiding paying certain bills in order to add more to the business. If you need extra money for your company, consider taking out a business loan from your banking partner or a local lender. Business loan lenders can provide a substantial amount of money to help you get started. Five of the Most Common Small Business Financial Pitfalls: 1.No cash reserves - The lack of cash reserves is a huge burden and one of the biggest mistakes many small businesses make. The cost of starting a business may be small depending on the business, but it is also common for startup businesses to have negative cash flow during the initial stages of the business. Sufficient cash reserves must be estimated and available until the business creates a positive cash flow. 5.Not having an organized accounts receivable system The information provided by accounting software, such as QuickBooks, is extremely important in correctly organizing and maintaining financial records. Plus, you do not have to be an accountant to successfully use it. 2.No cash flow forecast - Predicting future cash flow needs after startup is vitally important for a small business and correlates with building sufficient cash reserves. Without knowing future cash flow needs, a small business does not know how much cash will be needed to operate, service debt, or what should be held in reserves. Cash flow budgets are useful and necessary tools of cash flow management. Are you a SCDOT certified DBE/SBE struggling with any of the “Financial Pitfalls”? If yes, it’s time to contact the SCDOT Business Development Center (BDC). Steve Smith, BDC Financial Specialist, is prepared to assist you. Contact him at 803-737-6396 or e-mail him at [email protected]. Steve is waiting to assist you! 3.Failure to separate finances - Businesses absolutely require their own checking accounts. You should never mix I-85 Reconstruction and Widening DBE Outreach Event As in the past, this event had a very strong showing with approximately 45 DBE firms being represented. Feedback from those in attendance, reemphasized that these events afford DBE firms direct access to the short-listed firms that they otherwise may not have had. The I-85 Reconstruction and Widening event is one of five DBE Design Build outreaches that have been hosted by the BDC since spring of 2014. The Department is dedicated to providing meaningful networking opportunities to SCDOT certified DBE firms seeking to work on highway construction projects. The South Carolina Department of Transportation’s (SCDOT) Business Development Center (BDC) hosted an “I-85 Reconstruction & Widening” Design Build Project Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Outreach event that was held in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on July 28, 2016. SCDOT seeks to provide improvements to an approximately 21-mile long section of the I-85 corridor designed to rehabilitate asphalt, increase capacity, and upgrade interchanges and overpass bridges to meet state and federal design requirements. Events, such as these, allow SCDOT certified DBE firms, in the Construction industry, an opportunity to meet with the Prime contractors that have been short-listed to bid on the project. During this event, three short-listed teams were in attendance: Lane Construction Corporation, Joint Venture teams Archer Western Construction, LLC/Sloan Construction Company and Blythe Construction, Inc./Zachry Construction Corporation. Short-listed teams made brief presentations relating to their firm; reemphasized their commitment to the DBE program; and their commitment to the utilization of DBE firms on this project. Additionally, Bradley (Brad) Reynolds with the SCDOT Design Build Office made a brief project presentation. Hebrew Dixon, US Department of Transportation’s Small Business Transportation Resource Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia, along with Sara Kent from Adams Eaddy & Associates were in attendance. These individuals work with DBE firms seeking to be bonded or increase their bonding capacity. More information on this project may be found at: http://www.scdot.org/doing/I85WideningMM77-98.aspx 8 — ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — DBE/SBE MPower Hour: The Next Level An event you cannot afford to miss! You are invited to attend the DBE/SBE MPower Hour hosted by the SCDOT. These empowering sessions will provide opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses to obtain tools in navigating and understanding components of the DBE/SBE Program to be successful in doing work with SCDOT. Attendees will participate in a round table discussion with representatives from SCDOT and FHWA who will share information such as basic DBE fundamentals, post certification tips, supportive services, upcoming projects, points of contact, and the role of the FHWA Division Office. In addition, there will be networking opportunities with district representatives and/or prime contractors. Mark your calendar and join us at one of the sessions hosted in your area. Sessions will last approximately 2.5 hours. All sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. For FREE registration and/or additional information call or email: Anthony Cromartie, [email protected], (803) 737-6427. MPower Hour Sessions • January18,2017 FlorenceDarlingtonTechnicalCollege Fred C. Fore Auditorium, Room 401 2715 W Lucas Street Florence, South Carolina • February08,2017 LonnieHamiltonPublicServicesBuilding Council Chambers 4045 Bridge View Drive North Charleston, South Carolina • January25,2017 SouthCarolinaStateUniversity President’s State Room, Hugine Suit 300 College Street NE Orangeburg, South Carolina • February14,2017 GreenwoodChamberofCommerce 110 Phoenix Street Greenwood, South Carolina 9 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — 2016 Summer Transportation Institute Benedict College portation including land, air, water, and rail. During the program, students engaged in activities that assisted them in gaining unique exposure to the transportation industry. Transportation professionals provided presentations about aviation, transportation career options, and engineering. Students also participated in handson activities including rocket building and launching, and airplane simulators. These activities provided students opportunities to engage in engineering principles, as well as strengthen their skills in science, math, technology, teamwork, and leadership development. From building rockets to visiting Boeing and Honda plants, a group of South Carolina high school students got a first-hand look at the field of transportation this summer thanks to the 2016 Summer Transportation Institute (STI). A Federal Highway Administration program initiative, STI was created to introduce middle and high school students to career opportunities in the transportation industry. The enhancement component engaged students in activities to improve study habits and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. Enhancement activities included, SAT and ACT preparation, financial literary, college readiness, career planning, soft-skills, research, technology, and vocabulary development. The 2016 STI was held at Benedict College from June 6 to June 30. Fifteen students, 9th through 11th grade, represented nine high schools in South Carolina. Students attended field studies at South Carolina Ports Authority of Charleston, Boeing of South Carolina, Honda of South Carolina, and the Challenger Learning Center. Field studies also included the US 301 Interchange and SC 6 Connector construction project, as well as the rail yard, where presentations were made by representatives from Norfolk Southern and the Federal Rail Administration. The Culminating Ceremony was held on June 30, 2016. Students gave PowerPoint presentations sharing the highlights of lessons learned while participating in the STI. Staff, parents and friends, as well as representatives from SCDOT and FHWA celebrated the occasion. During the ceremony, participants were awarded certificates of completion in acknowledgement of their accomplishments. STI is comprised of three components: academic, enhancement, and sports/recreation. Each component provides a stimulating introduction to the field of transportation, motivates students towards professions in the industry, as well as enhances leadership and teamwork skills. The academic curriculum emphasizes the importance of safety and provides exposure to all modes of trans- South Carolina is where STI originated. The first program was held on the campus of South Carolina State University in 1993. Since that time, the STI has expanded to colleges and universities throughout the country and they continue to serve as a mechanism that prepares our future workforce for rewarding careers in the transportation industry. 10 — ADVANCING MINORITY & SMALL BUSINESS AFFAIRS — system for me, and from a broader aspect a win-win program for the state of South Carolina”. “Thanks to the DBE program, my business has grown from $45,000.00 in 2013 to $2.3 million in less than 2 years, and ECC, LLC is still growing in a positive way!” 4. What is your greatest accomplishment being a part of the DBE program at SCDOT? “My greatest accomplishment was becoming a DBE Prime Contractor for the SCDOT.” (Edgar Peña Duarte added that he had worked for various construction businesses throughout his career and during that time, he had seen too many small firms pass up opportunities for long-term growth because they were content to serve as subcontractors) One on One with Edgar Peña Duarte of Elite Concrete Contracting, LLC (Certified SCDOT DBE Contractor Success Story series) “With the help of Mr. James Cooper and Mr. Steve Smith, Financial Program Coordinator with the SCDOT Business Development Center, Elite Concrete Contracting LLC was able to obtain bonding capabilities which allowed us to bid on small projects, that we were able to manage and control as a Prime”. 1. Describe how you started the company Elite Concrete Contracting, LLC? “Our first contract as a prime contractor with SCDOT was challenging due to new procedures and paperwork. The role of DBE prime contractor is way different than being a sub as the total responsibility package is on me and my company not the sub. For example, on every project you have to submit to the owner the CPM, Traffic Control Plan submittals, and all certification of the materials that are going to be used on the project. In addition, but not limited to are the QPL certifications and more documents required as per the contract. The language barrier can also be a challenge. I did struggle, but with the assistance available to all certified DBE & SBE companies, I took advantage of the DBE Support Service 100%. We received coaching assistance from the beginning that included overseeing and advising from project management, engineering, surveying, project scheduling and submittals of project requirements, and also making sure that we finished the project on time, on budget and provided a quality product that the taxpayers and the owners (SCDOT) could be proud of. We completed the project two weeks ahead of time thanks to the partnering team of SCDOT, DBE/WBE subcontractors, LCI, B. C. Cannon, VBW Hauling, and Stewart Construction. It gave me much pleasure to see a great team in harmony from beginning to end.” “I learned the concrete construction trade with my father when I immigrated to the USA and worked 13 years for U.S. Group, Inc. I was the foreman in-charge of the concrete division and we did nothing but SCDOT work statewide. Two years after U.S. Group, Inc., closed its doors I started Elite Concrete Contracting, LLC (ECC)”. “Like many new business owners, I had a ‘dream’ of what I thought I wanted, but I had a language barrier (Fluent Spanish), and lacked direction and knowledge of how to develop, create, and make my dream happen. For the first year or so in business my gross revenues were below expectations, to a point that I was thinking to close the door and seek other employment, but I stayed hopeful and learned it takes time to establish a company and get the steps necessary to grow.” 2. How did you hear about the SCDOT DBE Program? “We were contracted by Medina’s Hauling, Inc., to help as a subcontractor to install 1,000 LF of RCP (concrete reinforced pipe) in Charleston County, which is where I also met Mr. Rickie Green, RCE for SCDOT Charleston. I believe he was happy with our work and he told me it would be nice to see my company as a certified DBE firm. He explained a bit about the program and got me in touch with Mr. James Cooper, Liaison Technical Engineer for the DBE & Special Program / Support Services at SCDOT, who then introduced me to Mr. Gary Linn – DBE & Special Services Manager. From that meeting, Elite Concrete Contracting became a DBE certified firm in July 29, 2014.” “Elite Concrete Contracting LLC continues to monitor the market for set-aside projects, Federal Aid projects and procurement opportunities where they have a competitive advantage as an SCDOT DBE prime contractor or subcontractor”. Mr. Duarte added “I would like to see our growth continue at a slow pace as we become financially able to offer a better quality of life for our employees and their families. If you can keep up the quality of your work and are still growing and expanding, then it’s a good thing to grow, but only if the quality remains the same. I believe family and faith are key, without them we are nothing. Looking back at where I started in life and how little we had, I say to myself that I need to work hard, and be grateful for everything that God and the good old United States of America have given me. SCDOT Support Services and the Business Development Center have been very instrumental in helping me build my business in the areas I needed to grow. I’m very happy to be one of their clients and look forward to even more success with their business guidance.” 3. Has being a SCDOT certified firm helped your company growth? “Being a certified DBE firm has opened the doors to my dream, not only have I expanded growth, but also allowed me and my company to attend DBE workshops that are offered by the DBE/ SBE Business Development Training Center. This has helped us recognize our strengths and capitalize on them, and helped us address our weaknesses and hurdles so that they don’t become unsurmountable obstacles. With that help, we have become a stronger and successful business. As a DBE Business owner receiving this type of leadership, direction and help makes for a win-win support 11 — THE BUSINESS CURVE — Looking for work? How about a job with full benefits, paid vacations and paid holidays? The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is recruiting Highway Maintenance Workers. Starting pay is over 25-K a year. To qualify you must have a 10th grade education, a valid driver’s license, pass initial and random drug screens and get your CDL within 6 months of employment. For more information call 803-737-4262, or apply online at: jobs.sc.gov SCDOT is an Equal Opportunity Employer Upcoming Training… Construction Blue Print Reading (Thursdays only) DBE Financial Management Series This is a 20-hour course that teaches print reading and terminology of blue prints and plans. This is an approved National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) class. The primary focus of the blueprint reading class is to provide an overview of how to read highway construction drawings, the itemized proposals, project drawings, the standard specifications and the standard drawings. • • Date: Time: Location: Taxes for Small Businesses Small Business Finance There are two parts to this training class. The morning workshop titled Taxes for Small Businesses will cover a variety of topics, including the importance of voluntary tax compliance and understanding the benefits of filing federal and state tax returns. The afternoon session is titled Small Business Finance. The instructor will discuss the financial challenges of maintaining a small Business. Other topics to be covered will include basic budgeting, savings and cash flow strategies. January 26 – February 23, 2017 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm Lonnie B. Hamilton III Public Services Building N. Charleston, SC Date: March 9, 2017 Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Location: Williams Brice Stadium, Level P-1 Columbia, SC Trenching and Excavating This 8-hour course is focused on OSHA standards and on the safety aspects of performing work in excavation and trenching. Each attendee will be introduced to practical soil mechanics and its relationship to the stability of shored and un-shored slopes and walls of excavation; understand the OSHA regulations and the requirements to be designated as a ‘Competent Person’ during excavation operations; demonstrate hands-on soil classification exercises as required in the OSHA Subpart P Excavation Standard. Creating a Cost Effective Website for Small Businesses This is a one-day training session concentrating on assisting those interested in building an individual company website. This training session will include hands-on and instructor lead training in a classroom environment. Participants will use tools available on the web that will teach them how to create and edit web pages, work with links, create a complete website portal and publish a site to the web. Date: February 10, 2017 Time: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Location: SCDOT Headquarters Building, Room G-20 Columbia, SC Date: April 20, 2017 Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Location: SCDOT Headquarters Building, Room G-14 To read more about these and other training opportunities listed in our DBE/SBE Business Development Training Catalog, please click on the following link: http://www.scdot.org/doing/businessDevelop.aspx For more information, please call (803) 737-1717, email us at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.scdot.org 12
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