Small business 'webinar' series to showcase technlogy applications, solutions

CHARLESTON -- A series of web-based seminars (webinars) will be held over the coming weeks as a way to help education small business people about new technologies and computer applications/solutions.

The webinar series is being provided as part of the West Virginia Small Business Technology Education & Competitiveness Initiative (www.wvconnectivity.net).

These web-based seminars, which will be provided during lunchtime and will be short in duration (20-30 minutes), will be scheduled on Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. every week from mid-May 2006 to mid-June 2006. Technology experts and specialists will assist in the presentations. Five technology topics will be presented:

May 16 - Business Technology Checklist

May 23 - On-line security tips: how to combat viruses, spyware, adware

May 30 - How to create a Web site with Online template sites

June 6 - Backing up and safeguarding your company's data

June 13 - How to do customer surveys via the web

There will be no cost to participate in a webinar. Pre-registration will be required. To pre-register, complete the form at http://www.wvconnectivity.com/WVCSignUp.htm

"Business people will not have to leave their offices to participate in the seminar series," explained Larry Malone, Project Manager. "They will be able to sit at their computers, watch a presentation on their computer screen and listen via a regular telephone conference call. All that is needed is a high-speed Internet connection and a telephone. There will be no charge to participate in a webinar event."

The West Virginia Small Business Technology Education and Competitiveness Initiative is a statewide awareness and education program of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the West Virginia High-Tech Consortium, local chambers of commerce and other partner organizations. Public sector partners include the W.Va. Small Business Development Centers and the Appalachian Regional Commission. Major funding for this initiative has been provided by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, and additional support has been provided by Verizon. The initiative aims to provide information, guidance, counsel, direction and education to businesses on broadband connectivity options and leading technology applications.