ST. CLAIRSVILLE – For Belmont County residents who want to start their own businesses but don’t know how, the Community Improvement Corporation of Belmont County is available to help.

Each month through December, the CIC will host the Small Business Development Center’s workshop, “Basis of a Successful Start.”

The two-hour class is offered at no cost to attendees, thanks to support from the SBA and Ohio University. It will be offered 2-4 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. The options to attend are: Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8 and Dec. 13. Registration is required. To register, call 740-593-1797 or email twyman@ohio.edu.

The workshop will cover the types of ownership — licensing, tax requirements, sources of financing, identifying a customer — and how to market a product or service. The instructor, Cindy Voorhies, has more than 18 years of experience as a business adviser and is a business owner herself. After the workshop, she will continue to help businesses throughout any stage of their life cycle.

“Starting a business can be confusing, but you want to make sure you get started correctly,” said CIC Executive Director Crystal Lorimor. “Cindy can help navigate the start-up process and point you in the right direction. ‘Do I need to register with the Secretary of State? Do I need a Vendor’s License? Do I need a loan to start?’ These are questions we hear frequently, and this workshop will help clear up your confusion.”

Each workshop will take place at the CIC office, 117 E. Main St., St. Clairsville.