The Small Business Development Center, hosted by College of the Canyons, and Small Business Majority are holding a free listening session on Friday, February 10 to help local small business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs learn what the healthcare reform law—the Affordable Care Act—means for small business.

The free event, which is open to all small business owners, will feature a panel of small business experts and advocates discussing the topics in the law most relevant to small businesses. Doors open for registration at 8 a.m., with the presentation beginning at 8:30 and concluding at 10 a.m.

Topics include small business tax credits, the state’s work setting up a small business health insurance exchange, wellness grants and cost containment. It will also give small business owners a chance to provide the panel ideas and suggestions on how to proceed with implementing healthcare reform in California. A question and answer period will follow the panel discussion.

“There have been many changes to our healthcare system over the past two years,” said Steve Tannehill, SBDC Director. “Concern about access to affordable health care remains a top concern for small businesses in California. We are pleased to provide this opportunity for local small businesses to meet with a panel of experts, to hear of changes that will affect them, and to provide them with the opportunity to provide input to groups that advocate for California small businesses”.

David Chase, California outreach director at Small Business Majority, will also be attending the event.

“We believe it’s important for small business owners in California to learn more about healthcare reform and how it affects them,” said Small Business Majority CEO John Arensmeyer. “This interactive dialogue is a great way for them to get the information they need to take advantage of and comply with key provisions of the new law, and for us to get feedback on their thoughts and concerns.”

To register and find additional details about the event, click here.

About the Small Business Development Center hosted by College of the Canyons –

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted by College of the Canyons (COC) serves Northern Los Angeles County – the Antelope, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita Valleys. The SBDC is a not-for-profit business assistance group that helps prospective and existing small business owners start new businesses, tackle current business challenges, and develop the tools and methodologies necessary to successfully manage and grow their businesses. They provide workshops, trainings, one-on-one consulting engagements, networking and other resources to the business community. Fees for SBDC consulting and advisory services are paid out of their various funding sources, which means consulting engagements with SBDC Business Advisors are provided at no cost, and trainings and workshops are provided free or at a nominal cost.

To learn more or to schedule an initial one-on-one business consultation, please go to the SBDC’s website at www.cocsbdc.org or contact them at sbdc@canyons.eduThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 661-362-5900.

About Small Business Majority

Small Business Majority is a national nonpartisan small business advocacy organization founded and run by small business owners and focused on solving the biggest problems facing small businesses today. We speak for the nearly 28 million Americans who are self-employed or own businesses of up to 100 employees. Our organization sponsors scientific research that guides us to understand and advocate on behalf of the interests of small businesses across the country.