SBDC, Walker Financial Partners Host ‘Business Killers’ at COC

The Small Business Development Center, based at College of the Canyons in Valencia, hosted a program last month sponsored by Walker Financial Partners of Westlake Village. The 90-minute workshop, entitled “Business Killers: Avoiding the 6 Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Busines,” was led by Walker Financial Partners Vice President Richard Mays. More than 25 local business owners and aspiring business owners attended, filling the University Center conference room to capacity.

The workshop combined the use of video vignettes with live interaction. Participants viewed scenarios depicting business owners facing various problems related to succession planning, business continuation and retirement strategies. Various experts such as attorneys and accountants also appeared onscreen, offering insights on the issues covered in the vignettes. A “Risk Barometer” scorecard was provided, allowing participants to rate themselves in terms of planning for these situations in their business.

Business Consultant Tora Brown represented the SBDC at the event and encouraged all attendees to take advantage of the wide range of services offered at the College of the Canyons facility.

According to SBDC Director Steve Tannehill, feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Tannehill worked with Financial Strategist Byron Alvarado of Walker Financial Partners to organize the event. Based on the response from business owners, the SBDC and Walker have agreed to co-sponsor a repeat of the event in September. Business owners interested in attending should contact the SBDC at sbdc@canyons.edu for details.