University of Nevada, Reno Extension continues its online town hall and webinar series next week to assist small-business owners. With many businesses still struggling due to COVID-19, some are having trouble maintaining good credit or paying vendors. Both the town hall and webinar will focus on understanding credit scores, and maintaining and using credit wisely. The webinar will go into more detail, also giving tips on negotiating with creditors, liquidating assets and preparing for closing a business. Both the town hall and the webinar are free, and there will be English-language and Spanish-language sessions. 

The events are part of a series of town halls and webinars for small businesses, “Coping With COVID-19,” being offered each week. The town halls begin with a presentation on a given topic, and then participants network with one another and drive the discussion. The webinars provide information on specific topics to help entrepreneurs and businesses plan strategically, adapt and succeed. This week’s sessions include:

The town hall, “Business Decisions and Your Credit Score” is Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9 a.m. for English speakers, and at 2 p.m. for Spanish speakers. Panelists include:

• From the Small Business Administration – Saul Ramos, deputy district director (9 a.m. session); and Alfredo Cedeño, outreach/marketing specialist (2 p.m. session)
• From Operation HOPE Las Vegas – Alannah T. Ariel, financial well-being coach (9 a.m. session)
• Rick Madril, attorney (2 p.m. session)
• From Extension – Reyna Mendez and Juan Salas, business development instructors; and Mike Bindrup, research associate

The webinar, "Credit Score Tips for Closing or Adapting Your Business,” is Friday, Sept. 11, at 9 a.m. for English speakers, and at 11:30 a.m. for Spanish speakers. Salas, Ariel and Madril will discuss:

• Avoiding long-term repercussions on your credit
• The IRS checklist for closing a business
• Negotiating with creditors and vendors
• Selling and liquidating business assets

“With the need for cash, and all the different loan programs out there right now, understanding credit and how to use and maintain it has perhaps never been more important for small businesses,” said Buddy Borden, economic development specialist with Extension’s Business Development Program. “We’ll give a concise view of small-business credit during Wednesday’s town hall, and then go into detail during Friday’s webinar, discussing advanced business credit issues and other related topics.”

Both the town halls and the webinars usually run about an hour. To register:

• Register for the Sept. 9, 9 a.m., English-language town hall.
• Register for the Sept. 9, 2 p.m., Spanish-language town hall.
• Register for the Sept. 11, 9 a.m., English-language webinar.  
• Register for the Sept. 11, 11:30 a.m., Spanish-language webinar.

For more information, go to the Extension Business Development Program website. There are also other resources at the website to assist businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information, email Borden.