Money Smart - Know Your Numbers

If you've ever been denied a loan, stressed about tax season, or had no idea whether your business actually made money last month—your records are probably working against you. For many small business owners, disorganized finances aren't just inconvenient; they're the hidden reason growth stalls, funding falls through, and the IRS comes knocking.

Join us for a hands-on overview of small business recordkeeping based on guidance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. You'll learn what records to keep, how long to keep them, and how to choose the right tools—whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your current system.

Workshop objectives:

• Understanding why accurate financial and business records matter
• Learning best practices for organizing and tracking income, expenses, and transactions
• Identifying legal compliance requirements and proper record retention timelines
• Comparing recordkeeping tools, from manual methods to business accounting software
• Exploring common recordkeeping challenges and how to address them

About the Money Smart Series
The Money Smart Series offers financial workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Instead of a traditional cohort program, participants can attend individual sessions based on their needs and schedule. Each workshop focuses on building financial knowledge and confidence to support smarter business decisions. The Money Smart Series is supported by Central State University Extension Campus.

Vanetta Perry is a dedicated nonprofit professional, event strategist, and community leader with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Nonprofit Organizational Business at Kent State University, where she continues to expand her expertise in advancing mission-driven organizations.

As the founder and sole proprietor of VAP Events LLC, a consulting firm specializing in event planning and nonprofit fundraising strategy, Vanetta partners with major organizations to design and execute impactful, results-driven events. Her work focuses on helping nonprofits maximize event budgets, strengthen donor engagement, and boost annual campaign performance.

Throughout her career, Vanetta has demonstrated strengths in strategic planning, program development, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement. She is also an experienced public speaker and community advocate, committed to creating meaningful connections and lasting impact.

Vanetta is a proud graduate of Central State University and Cleveland Corporate College, and holds certifications as a nonprofit planner and nonprofit development director. Her current role at Central State University represents a full-circle moment—returning to the institution where her journey began, now contributing her knowledge and experience to inspire and support the next generation.

The Economic & Community Development Institute's Women's Business Centers of Ohio guide individuals at any stage of the business process. Through one-on-one counseling sessions with WBC staff and volunteers, you can get the direction and resources to meet your goals. Business advisers want to help you successfully start a business, or grow and expand your existing business -- increasing revenue and creating jobs for the local economy.

The WBCs present training workshops regularly to provide access to small business knowledge at no charge. They are the only SBA-funded Women's Business Centers in the state.

Funded (in part) through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

Women's Business Center

Federal Share- 50%- $150,000

Non-Federal Share- 50%- $150,000

Total Program Cost: $300,000

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Host or Publisher Women's Business Center of Northern Ohio