The Small Business Development Committee of Governor Bentley’s Black Belt Commission will host a technology workshop in conjunction with the University of West Alabama’s Small Business Development Center. The workshop will be held November 17 at the Demopolis Higher Education Center. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with a continental breakfast, and the workshop runs until a4 p.m.

Donald Mills, committee chairman, says the workshop is targeted towards entrepreneurs and existing small business owners who may feel intimidated by technology.

“We’ve brought together experts who can answer all your questions in one place,” Mills says. “Whether it’s about your smart phone, your computer programs, or the internet, we’ve got it covered.” Mills said the workshop will feature concurrent sessions that will allow participants to learn more about eBay, Microsoft programs, and how to use smart phones for business applications. For example, participants can learn how to accept credit card payments via cell phone, something that may open up more avenues for revenue, he says.

Participating in the workshop are Microsoft, Intuit, Mobile Zapp, and the University of Alabama’s Management Information Systems students.

UA students will offer smart phone tutorials and will also be available to offer hands-on training in the computer lab so that participants can ask questions about individual technology issues they might have. A certified eBay trainer has also been hired for the event.

Committee member Cecil Williamson of Demopolis says she believes the workshop would be of interest to many retirees.

“A lot of retired people want to know how to sell on eBay, and we’ll have someone here who can teach them how to do that,” she says.

Pre-registration is available by contacting Andrea White at (205) 652-3665 or awhite@uwa.edu. The cost of the workshop is $10 per person or $15 for a couple and includes lunch and continental breakfast. Credit card payments are accepted, and participants may register prior to or on the day of the workshop.