The Contra Costa Library provides a variety of small business seminars.  These seminars are free. Check www.ccclib.org/programs for a listing of programs offered.

Marketing : Small "Tweaks" Yield Big RESULTS

DATE: November 9th

LOCATION: Contra Costa Library Admin Bldg..
75 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill

TIME: 7:15 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

California Small Business Development Centers of Contra Costa provides a variety of Small Business Management Training. Register online: www.ContraCostaSBDC.com

The Hercules Chamber is proud to co-sponsor

the following Small Business Dev. Center classes.

Small Business Management Training 2010

Meet the Lenders

DATE: October 18th

LOCATION: 500 Ellinwood Way, 1st Floor, Pleasant Hill

COST: $30.00                                                                       

TIME: 9:00 AM - Noon

A panel from various funding sources, outlining the steps for a successful loan application.

Marketing Strategies for Growth

DATE: October 20th - 22nd

LOCATION: 500 Ellinwood Way, 1st Floor, Pleasant Hill

COST: $125.00 for class, 1:1 free                                   

TIME: 9:00 AM - Noon

A 3-day workshop designed to guide clients in developing effective marketing strategies. Combined with 1:1 business advising.

Business Planning Fundamentals    

DATE: October 25th

LOCATION: 500 Ellinwood Way, 1st Floor, Pleasant Hill

COST: $30.00                                                                       

TIME: 9:00 AM - Noon

An overview of developing a business plan. We emphasis the how to become credit-worthy for lenders and investors in addition to building a "map" for the owner to grow his or her business

Register online:  www.ContraCostaSBDC.com

A few years ago, Congress passed a law requiring all tax-exempt organizations, even the smallest ones, to file an annual return with the IRS. Any organization that does not file for three consecutive years automatically loses its federal tax exemption. Churches and some church-related organizations are among the few exceptions.

The first three-year deadline for filing those returns was May 17, 2010. While thousands of organizations did file, a significant number did not. The IRS recognizes the value these local organizations give to their communities, so it extended the filing deadline to October 15, 2010. It also published a list with the names and last known addresses of organizations that are at risk of losing their tax exempt status. "The last thing we want to do here at the IRS is have these groups lose their tax-exempt status because they haven't filed a short, simple form," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shullman.

The smallest organizations, with less than $25,000 annual receipts, should file a 990-N (ePostcard).

The ePostcard asks only eight questions and is filled out and sent using the internet. Larger organizations eligible to file the 990-EZ must file their past due returns by October 15 and pay a compliance fee.  You can help by checking the "At-Risk List" or telling the local organization about the list. The list and information on keeping tax-exempt are at www.irs.gov/charities.

Questions?  Contact  Monica Shaw,  Kendall Financial Services,  510.964.1500, http://kfs.us.com