Comment on Small-business Q&A: Workshop explores options for starting a business

SCORE and Capital One Bank have partnered to present the "Business Alternatives for the Entrepreneur" workshop scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the Kingdom Builders' Center, 6011 W. Orem Drive. Trondsen will help you explore the franchise opportunities and options that can meet your budget for entry while maximizing your earnings. Mike Fadden, SCORE mentor, will help you explore whether you should start a new business or buy an existing one. Neil Polansky, of the city of Houston's Business Solutions Center, will discuss specific business operating requirements including "doing business as" designations, state sales tax permits, federal taxpayer ID numbers, appraisal of business personal property (rendition), financing options, deed restrictions, the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, city contracting basics, and the Hire Houston First and Liftoff Houston programs. At the workshop you also will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a SCORE mentor to discuss your situation and network with other small-business operators who are facing similar challenges.