Elyria club offers help to local entrepreneurs

Successful tips and strategies were imparted to those interested in starting a business and being a professional Feb. 9 during the The Elyria Club of Negro Business and Professional Women’s annual entrepreneurship workshop. The workshop, held at Amy Levin Conference Center, 1165 North Ridge Road in Lorain, focused on “Business Killers” and what small business owners should watch out for. “These workshops are held to help inform aspiring and current local business owners and professionals so they can succeed,” said LaTaunya Conley, chair of the Elyria Club’s Entrepreneurs Committee. “The goal is to inform business owners, so they do not get tripped up in ways others have in the past.” Conley said an important step for business owners is to get help from the IRS. “I’m talking about the national Internal Revenue Service,” she said. “There are a lot of scammers that may use ‘IRS’ in an attempt to scam you, but the actual IRS is here to help. We have a great relationship with them and they are always giving us information. They want transparency and to make things simple. They will help make sure you are doing things correctly and prevent you from falling victim to scams. We encourage business owners not to fear the IRS.” Conley said the club’s goal is to see the area thrive.

“We want Lorain County to have a strong economy,” she said. “There is plenty of opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to set up shop right here. I have my own business, ‘Simply Elegant Affairs,’ which is a party and special events company I run out of Elyria. I’m an entrepreneur in Lorain County just like many who are trying to get started today, so I know what they are going through and the challenges they face on a regular basis. I want to have viable businesses in this area. We all benefit when that happens.” Conley said anyone looking for more assistance, can join the Elyria club. “We focus on adult woman and help them build up their business and become a professional, but we also have some family-centered programs,” she said. “We have our youth program for girls ages 10 to 18. We can also set men up with an ombudsman if they need one.” For more information on what The Elyria Club of Negro Business and Professional Women offers and how to join, email Conley at elyrianbpw@gmail.com or call 440-326-1407.

ZACHARY SRNIS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Members of The Elyria Club of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs gather to listen to entrepreneurship tips and strategies.