The Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle kicks off a new seminar series with serial entrepreneur Paul Lewis, founder and president of Start Me Up. Lewis outlines the top five reasons for start-up failure and offers practical advice on how new and potential business owners can see their vision through to profitability. Bagels and coffee served during networking. Space limited; registration required (914-632-5700). 8:00-10:00am.
Free for New Rochelle Chamber members; open to non-members. New Rochelle Public Library, 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle. 914-632-5700. www.newrochellechamber.org.
Here’s the press release:
New Rochelle, NY (October 5, 2010) – While there’s no better time to start a new business than now, approximately 90% of new startups fail – regardless of the economic climate. Learn how to become one of the 10% who succeed in Turning Business Vision into Success with serial entrepreneur Paul Lewis, founder and president of Start Me Up. The event, held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 from 8:00-10:00AM at the New Rochelle Public Library, is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle. Turning Business Vision into Success is free for Chamber members and open to the public.
In his presentation, Paul Lewis will outline the top five reasons for startup failure and offer practical advice on how new and potential business owners can see their vision through to profitability. Topics covered include selecting the right business, creating a business plan, raising money, conserving cash, and making optimal use of the internet. Lewis will also shed light on the variety of tasks involved in launching a startup and what resources are available locally to help.
“This event, the first in our seminar series, represents the goal of the Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle to help our members grow their business,” said Eli Gordon, Executive Director. “I know that Paul Lewis of Start Me Up will provide valuable and insightful guidance for all new and potential business owners who attend.”
Paul Lewis’ broad-based expertise has evolved over 25 years of managing operations of both small and large businesses, including Chase and Prodigy. Since leaving the corporate world, he has worked and consulted for a number of entrepreneurial startup companies and has a proven track record in handling all aspects of launching new businesses. With his latest venture, Start Me Up, Lewis gets small businesses up and running quickly, cost-effectively, and in a hassle-free manner. He received a B.S. degree in Operations Research from M.I.T. and an M.B.A. in Operations Management from Wharton.
“We can no longer rely on large corporations to provide lifetime employment,” explained Lewis. “Small business startups are on the rise in Westchester and across the country as more and more people seek the path to entrepreneurship. Whether you’re considering starting a new small business, buying an existing business, or if you’ve recently opened up shop, I’ll identify the most common pitfalls new businesses face and show you how to avoid these traps to achieve success.”
Attendees will be invited to enter a free business card raffle for a Start Me Up Primer Program. The program, valued at $995, includes a one-on-one business plan review, written assessment, and a list of suggested vendors. Refreshments and bagels will also be provided during networking at the start of the event. Lewis’ presentation will conclude with a question and answer session, after which he is available to set up individual complimentary consultations.
Those interested in attending Turning Business Vision into Success are asked to register in advance by calling the Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle at 914-632-5700. Space is limited to the first 35 people and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
The first company of its kind in the region, Start Me Up’s array of services covers the areas of business plan review, financial/legal planning, office space negotiation and set-up, marketing, and human resources. New business owners deal directly with Paul Lewis on a one-to-one basis throughout the entire process, which is customized to fit their individual needs with as many or as few services as required. Since operations tasks generally vary little from industry to industry, Start Me Up is able to lend its expertise to any and all new startups.
The New Rochelle Public Library is located at 1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle, NY 10801. For additional information on Start Me Up or to set up a one hour complimentary consultation, contact Paul Lewis at 914-674-6129 or paul@startmeup-ny.com. Visit Start Me Up online at www.startmeup-ny.com.
About the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce
The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1922, is a voluntary, multifaceted organization composed of business firms, professional men and women, and public-spirited citizens committed to advancing the concerns of the New Rochelle business community and the economic vitality of the city. It provides a variety of services to its members and is an active participant in governmental affairs. The Chamber works closely with the city of New Rochelle and the Business Improvement District (BID) to promote economic development and market assets of New Rochelle and encourages its members to participate. The Chamber’s primary concerns are publicizing and developing commercial and industrial opportunities, seeing to the needs of its membership, and promoting the City of New Rochelle.
About Start Me Up
Start Me Up (www.startmeup-ny.com) helps get small businesses up and running quickly, cost-effectively, and in a hassle-free manner. The company physically handles all aspects of the startup process from beginning to end for businesses in all industries. Clients select as many or as few of the available services to meet their individual needs. Services are in the areas of business plan review, financial/legal planning, office space negotiation and set-up, marketing, and human resources. Ongoing consultation is available with Start Me Up’s On-Track Program, which includes a quarterly business review and assessment with President and Founder Paul Lewis. A Primer Program is also offered for entrepreneurs interested in a flat-fee business plan review and assessment with a list of suggested vendors.