In these challenging economic times, business owners, operators and entrepreneurs can use all the assistance they can get, particularly when it’s free. The city of Las Vegas Office of Business Development, in conjunction with the Adam Hodson CPA firm, is sponsoring a series of free business seminars that will be held at the Historic Fifth Street School in downtown Las Vegas, 401 S. Fourth St.

The first free presentation, which will focus on starting a company, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, beginning at 9 a.m. The presentation will include information on state and local business licensing, basic accounting requirements and saving money through acceptable tax write-offs.

On the following three Thursdays thereafter, additional one-hour seminars will   cover a variety of business-related topics, including:

• Basic Quickbooks training
• Advanced financial analysis, growth and cash-flow strategies for small business owners
• Effective marketing, branding and networking strategies

Seminar size will be limited to 40 people. Space is available on a first come,    first served basis. While the cost to attend is complimentary, advance registration is required. Those interested in attending the first session will need to contact Darren Harris at 229-6862 no later than Tuesday, Dec. 29. Separate registrations for each class will be required at future dates.