Expo scheduled

PLATTSBURGH — The Adirondack Builders Association will be holding its second annual Home and Lifestyle Expo from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, and from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, March 11.

This is Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties' largest home-improvement and interior-design show of the year. It will be held at the Crete Memorial Civic Center in Plattsburgh.

Visitors are invited to stop by the show to see the latest new products, styles and resources available for new home construction, home remodeling and interior design/decorating projects. There will also be free informative seminars offered both days.

For businesses looking to be a part of this year's event, information on purchasing booths can be found at www.adiron dackbuilders.org. They can also be reached by email at info@adirondackbuilders.org or call 420-1020.

The main goal of the ABA is to provide all members of the association with as many opportunities as possible to expand their business association and to provide services that promote professional training and development. It is composed of members who range from building and specialty contractors to suppliers and other related services such as banks and government agencies.

Native American courses

WASHINGTON — Native American entrepreneurs have a new tool to help determine if they're ready for business ownership and to help them get started.

Native American Small Business Primer: Strategies for Success is a free, self-paced online business course developed for Native American business owners. The course provides an overview of basic business principles and makes them aware of the programs and services available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"Our ultimate goal is to help create jobs and stimulate economic and business development in our Native American communities," SBA Administrator Karen Mills said. "This course is an essential business-development tool for the entrepreneur's toolbox."

The new online course emphasizes business planning and market research as essential steps to take before going into business; informs Native American entrepreneurs about the legal aspects of starting a business, including the type of ownership (legal structure) and licensing; and provides key information on seed money for starting up, raising capital and borrowing money.

In addition, there is a section on how to estimate business start-up costs that can help assess the financial needs of going into business.

The course is available from the SBA's Online Small Business Training web page under Online Courses for Starting Your Business at http://www.sba.gov/content/online-courses-starting-your-business.

Business mixer

LAKE PLACID — The Cellar Bistro & Grille, located at 2830 Wilmington Road, Lake Placid, invites area business people to the Essex County Business Council Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 12.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar while getting together with old friends and networking with new business contacts.

Business After Hours is open to members of the Essex County Business Council, North Country Chamber of Commerce and partner chambers. The council is a division of the North Country Chamber.

Non-members of the ECBC or any partner members may contact the council for a guest pass.

Admission is $2. For more information, or to make reservations, call Arlene at 523-2445, Ext. 133.