JOHNSON CITY - The Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at East Tennessee State University will offer several training classes this winter.

Registration is required for all classes.

"So You Want to Start a Business" will be offered on Wednesday, Jan. 27, from 1-4 p.m.; and on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 6-9 p.m. at the ETSU Innovation Laboratory in Johnson City.

The free class covers the ways TSBDC can assist entrepreneurs and addresses preparation for the loan process, licensing requirements, and how to assess the market.

"Writing Your Business Plan" will be taught on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 1-4 p.m., and on Tuesday, Feb. 16, from 1-4 p.m. in Johnson City.

The workshop covers the components of a business plan, exercises to assist with the first steps, and information about free personal coaching. There is a $20 fee for the class.

"Common Sense Marketing," scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 28, from 1-4 p.m., and on Thursday, Feb. 18, from 1-4 p.m., in Johnson City, is devoted to defining target markets, the basic elements of marketing, and strategies that work best for small businesses.

The fee for the class is $20.

"Doing Business with the Government" will be presented on Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 9 a.m.-noon in Johnson City, and on Tuesday, Feb. 9, from 1-4 p.m. in Kingsport at the Holston Business Development Center (HBDC), located at 2005 Venture Park in Kingsport.

The free class is taught by the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) staff.

PTAP helps Tennessee companies find bid opportunities, understand government contracting processes, meet quality control standards and bid successfully in the government marketplace.

To register for the Kingsport class, call (423) 578-6235 or e-mail (mnelson@mail.tsbdc.org)

For location information and class enrollment at the ETSU Innovation Laboratory, contact Teresa Blair of the TSBDC at (423) 439-8505 or via (blairt@mail.tsbdc.org)