BROOKLYN, NY, July 11, 2002-Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and the Boricua College Small Business Development Center will present a free workshop for those who run or are planning to open a hair or nail salon.

"Business Planning for Your Beauty Parlor or Nail Salon," will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at BEDC's offices at 175 Remsen Street, Suite 350, downtown Brooklyn. To register, call 718-963-4112, ext. 563. Seating is limited and registration is required.

"The Small Business Development Center developed this workshop in response to many of our clients who are seeking to enter the personal services field," said Angel Roman, director of the Boricua College Small Business Development Center. "However, even established business owners can benefit from learning how to manage more professionally."

Speakers for the workshop will include Diane Bailey, proprietor of Tendrils Natural Hair Salon; Ademola Mandella, acting president of the Natural Hair and Braiding Association; Jean Weaver, U.S. Department of Labor small business program specialist; business advisors from the Boricua College Small Business Development Center, and representatives of the Internal Revenue Service. Topics will include preparing a business plan; marketing ideas; licenses, permits, and educational requirements; taxes and tips on tipping; safety and health issues, and start-up and ongoing expenses.

Joan Bartolomeo, president of BEDC, said, "Clearly, the personal services firms in Brooklyn are an important part of the borough's small business establishment. Consumer spending in this area is significant. Learning how to do business better benefits the client as well as the owner."

BEDC, a private, nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 to stimulate Brooklyn's economy and create job opportunities for the borough and its residents. BEDC has evolved into a multi-service, business-consulting agency, serving more than 1,000 clients annually and offering comprehensive economic development services. More information is available at www.bedc.org.