Free business training offered

I have met some interesting crafters and artisans. When their home overflows with pottery, doilies, afghans, rag dolls or any number of handmade wares, they may try to sell a few items to make room for new treasures or to make a little money to buy supplies to keep creating and making. And then there are those who want to make a living out of doing something they love and are quite good at.

The Holiday Crafts and Small Business Expo has given crafters and artisans the opportunity to learn how to create and manage a small business by selling at craft shows. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 6, at the Salinas Memorial Civic Center, 1011 W. Kelly, in Pharr.

This craft show is unique in that it is as much an educational event as it is an entrepreneurial experience. Business training is offered to vendors in preparation for the Holiday Expo. The vendors, in turn, share their particular talents with the public by giving free demonstrations at their booths.

For instance, Holiday Expo visitors can learn how to make stamped or jeweled bookmarks or how to make a wreath by stopping at a booth to browse.

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, the Woman’s Business Center and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service will present a workshop for people interested in starting their own home-based or small business. Presentations will include "Good Salesmanship Pays Off in Bigger Profits" by Joe Cuellar with Cornerstone Mortgage, "Getting the Most Out of Your Sales Tax Permit" by Liz Arenas with the Office of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and "Budgeting for a Small Business" by Judy Flowers of Wells Fargo Bank.

I will give a demonstration on decorating booths and customer service for craft shows. A light supper will be served.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the University of Texas-Pan American Small Business Development Center and the Pharr Chamber of Commerce will team up to present the "Do’s and Don’ts of Trade Shows."

Participants will learn "Four Marketing Factors to Consider when Manning a Booth," "The Importance of Customer Service," and "The Do’s and the Don’ts on Your Booth Set Up."

Both training workshops are free. Pre-registration is required. Call the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office in Hidalgo at (956) 383-1026 to RSVP or to obtain more information.

Nora N. Garza is a County Extension Agent with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Hidalgo County. She can be reached at (956) 383-1026.