Financial Workshops For Small Businesses Planned

BRIDGEPORT — Business expenses are higher than ever, but one way to save money is to fully understand your tax obligations so you do not overpay. Do you have questions about payroll, sales, and personal property taxes? Are you uncertain about filing deadlines?

In Bridgeport, the nonprofit Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) is sponsoring two workshops, taught by Lai Sun, CPA, for existing small business owners to aid their knowledge about financial issues. The two workshops and a third course in June, on QuickBooks, will be held at Career Resources, Inc, 350 Fairfield Avenue, from 6:30 to 9 pm.

“Understanding Business Finances to Maximize Your Profit” is a three-night workshop in business financials that includes understanding financial statements, making income projections, and accurate recordkeeping and different accounting methods that work best for business.

The workshop will be held Tuesday and Thursday, May 17 and 19, and Tuesday, May 24, and is a prerequisite to the Introduction to QuickBooks course held in June.

Registration is required. Cost is $40 ($25 for CEDF borrowers).

“Tax-Related Issues for Small Business,” a two-night workshop is scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday, June 7 and 9. Costs is $30 ($20 for CEDF clients).

Attendees will learn about the tax issues associated with owning a small business in Connecticut, including different kinds of taxes, deadlines, and filing responsibilities. All are encouraged to bring questions about payroll taxes, sales, and personal property taxes. Preregistration is required.

“Introduction to QuickBooks,” a four-night workshop on Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 14, 16, 21 and 23, teaches QuickBooks, an accounting program that helps business owners track a wide range of complicated financial issues. Software is included. This training will enhance one’s ability to understand cash flow, control costs, and simplify recordkeeping.

Prerequisite is CEDF’s Understanding Business Finances workshop. Participants must attend all four QuickBooks classes to gain knowledge and a certificate of completion.

This class is limited to ten participants and registration is required. Cost is for $160 ($125 CEDF borrowers).

All training workshops are sponsored by CEDF in cooperation with Community Accounting Aid & Services, Union Savings Bank of Danbury, Webster Bank, and Citizens Bank.

The nonprofit Community Economic Development Fund is a nontraditional small business lender that provides flexible capital, small business consulting and training to Connecticut residents. Since 1994 CEDF has lent business owners millions of dollars and helped create 3,650 jobs.

For more information, contact 203-235-2333, extension 2040, or visit www.cedf.com.