Bookkeeping Basics for BOOM-ing Businesses

You’ve got the product, the passion, and the purpose — but what about your numbers?

This interactive session breaks down bookkeeping basics for small business owners in the early stages - we’ll talk about the real stuff that helps your business grow (and keeps you out of IRS hot water).

We’ll cover:

• Business Bank Accounts: why your personal checking account doesn’t count.
• Business Finance Organization: software and spreadsheets, oh my!
• Business Funding: who’s lending and what to know before you borrow.
• Licenses & Taxes: making sure your business is legit on paper.
• Pricing with Intention: stop guessing and start building profit into your price.
• Support Systems: business coaches, Urban League — your local business lifelines.

You’ll walk away knowing what tools to use to keep your finances organized and your business moving forward — without the overwhelm.This isn’t a sit-and-listen snoozefest. Everyone gets a voice so we can share, learn, and stay on track. Come ready to ask questions, connect, and leave feeling confident about your next money move.

About the instructors:

Meet Melissa Guinn – Owner of Lookout Bookkeeping, LLC

If you had asked Melissa years ago if she ever imagined running a successful bookkeeping business from home, her answer would have been a resounding no. For over two decades after college, Melissa worked as an athletic trainer—following the path she had studied for and loved. During this time, she also built a thriving home-based direct sales business, her first real taste of being a small business owner.

When Melissa eventually decided to transition out of athletic training, a unique opportunity presented itself. She was invited to work for a friend, where she took on the behind-the-scenes tasks that had become overwhelming for the owner. It didn’t take long for her to discover what she loved about the role: bookkeeping.

After three years of honing her skills and gaining valuable experience, Melissa took the leap to start her own venture. In 2021, Lookout Bookkeeping was born, allowing her to transform her passion into a thriving business that helps other entrepreneurs succeed. Outside of her professional life, loves traveling with her husband and children, always on the lookout for new adventures to share together.

Lya Kimbrough, MBA is a bookkeeper with a passion for helping entrepreneurs take control of their numbers. With six years of experience in the entrepreneurship space and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, Lya brings both technical expertise and real-world perspective to her work. She first discovered her love for bookkeeping in 2021 while working in the lending industry, where she saw firsthand how many strong businesses were denied funding simply because their books weren’t in order.

Driven by her own upbringing, where money wasn’t openly discussed, Lya set out to master finance and now uses that knowledge to empower others. She thrives on problem-solving, educating business owners, and creating systems that make finances clear and manageable. Based in Chattanooga, Lya loves the energy of small business owners—and when she’s not working with numbers, you’ll likely find her singing along to Hamilton or spending time with her daughter, Zendaya.

For details about our refund and class cancellation policy, visit .

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Host or Publisher The Chattery