The Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will present a free event for rural small business owners and for anyone contemplating starting their own business. "An Evening with the Texas State SBDC" will include information about resources for starting or growing a business, expert advice on business plan best practices, the five things small business owners need to know before talking to a lender, and an opportunity to network with a business advisor as well as other small business owners. Participants will also be able to sign up for one-on-one, confidential, business counseling sessions to be held in San Saba at no charge to small business owners. Register online at

http://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=17618

The event is sponsored by the Texas State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the City of San Saba Economic Development & Tourism Office. Peg Richmond, SBDC business advisor, will present information on resources, business plan best practices, and tips on getting ready to meet with a lender.

The event will be held at the Saba Civic Center (in Mill Pond Park), 303 South Clear Street, San Saba, on August 22nd (refreshments provided), from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Joe Harper, Director of the Texas State SBDC reports, "Small businesses in rural communities create approximately two-thirds of the jobs in the US. Small business owners in rural areas experience special challenges in terms of less access to resources and support to grow and manage their businesses. At the same time, they have the potential to contribute significantly to the vitality and economy of their community."

Peg Richmond, SBDC business advisor, states, "The SBDC can provide access to resources that can help small businesses grow, thrive, and contribute to the development of the economy and life in our rural communities."

The Texas State University SBDC’s professional staff of business advisors, trainers, and researchers provides comprehensive, confidential business counseling services that are at no cost to small business owners. The improvements that result from our direct support of our client’s activities lead to job creation, investments, and economic growth for communities throughout central Texas. The SBDC is supported by the U. S. Small Business Administration, Texas State University-San Marcos, and an extensive network of banks, chambers of commerce, and other economic development organizations. The Texas State University SBDC serves 12 counties within the 79 county service area of the South-West Texas Border SBDC regional office located at the University of Texas-San Antonio.

The Texas State Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the SBA through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the co–sponsors’ or participants’ opinions, findings, conclusions, recommendations, products, or services.

All SBDC programs are nondiscriminatory and open to the public. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the Training Coordinator’s Office, Texas State Small Business Development Center, 1555 University Blvd., Round Rock, Texas 78665, (512) 716-4820