Small Business Management

The Small Business Management program (SBM) is a unique combination of classroom learning, one-to-one coaching from an adviser and business networking with one goal: making you and your business more successful. Over up to a two-year period, the SBM program covers management topics with a customized curriculum and helps you to identify and prioritize outcomes and develop a plan to achieve them. Business owners will benefit from classroom sessions by learning from seasoned professionals as well as their peers who own small businesses. The one-to-one advising provides the small business owner with coaching by a professional business adviser.

You will:

• Learn relevant management tactics to help you identify and prioritize outcomes.
• Learn how to develop a plan and achieve your goals.
• Take the 100% practical SBM curriculum.
• Learn information in class that will apply directly and immediately toward improving your business.

SBM is a 2 year Program.

Each course consists of 15 classes, facilitated over 10 months which gives you classroom education and personalized one-on-one advising throughout the year.

SBM Year 1 - Foundations

The Foundations course is divided into 3 modules, Marketing, Financial & Operations. Focus on core operations to create a successful enterprise.

SBM Year 2 - Systems & Processes

Focus on growing your business through understanding, creating, and implementing systems within your business. With solid systems and processes in place, owners can choose to work, but don’t have to.

SBM Alumni Program

For those who have completed all two years of the SBM program. Alumni have access to any of the SBM classes, on-going business advising and more!

SBM Program 2025-2026

SBM Year 1 - Daytime

• Hybrid. LCC Downtown Campus, Room 104 or Live via Zoom.
• Wednesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Start Date. Oct. 08, 2025 – End Date. May 20, 2026

SBM Year 1 - Evening

• LCC Downtown Campus, Room 104.
• Tuesdays, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Start Date. Oct. 07, 2025 – End Date. May 19, 2026.

SBM Systems and Processes - Florence

• LCC Florence Campus, Room 103.
• Tuesdays, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.
• Start Date. Oct. 07, 2025 – End Date. May 19, 2026

SBM Year 2

• Hybrid. LCC Downtown Campus, Room 104 or Live via Zoom.
• Wednesdays, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
• Start Date. Oct. 08, 2025 – End Date. May 20, 2026.

SBM Alumni Program

• For those that have completed all two years of the SBM program.
• Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
• Start Date. Sept. 30, 2025 – End Date. Jun. 17, 2026.

Meet your instructor

Gary Smith

Gary has been leading and teaching the Small Business Management Program for more than 16 years, which includes the three-year cohorts, the SBM Alumni Program and the Employee Management Program. He has 40 years of experience owning successful small businesses in game manufacturing, convention and trade shows, travel agency, print and copy, restaurant and corporate training and consulting.

Gary has held roles in fortune 100 companies, is a certified bookkeeper, a Six Sigma Green Belt and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

Testimonials

The assistance we received was great because we could tailor it to our needs as an existing business while looking into new opportunities to improve and expand our business. …you need a solid business plan and be prepared to work very hard. You are never off the clock ever and you will deal with more things than you ever thought you would. But if you love what you do, it’s all worth it in the end.

Linda Addison

6th Street Restaurant & Sports Bar