WEIRTON — Local entrepreneurs, whether they want to start their own business or expand an existing business, have an opportunity to improve their opportunities by going back to basics.

A Business Bootcamp educational series is being planned by the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, the City of Weirton, and First Microloan of West Virginia.

“A lot of businesses think they know all the loops,” explained Brenda Mull, president of the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce, who noted the seven-part series will provide insight on a variety of business-related topics presented by experts in the areas of business, development, government, and marketing.

Each session will be held from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Weirton Room of the Millsop Community Center, and will have a cost of $10 per person per session. Pre-registration will be required to attend, with more information available by calling the Chamber at (304) 748-7212.

Coffee and breakfast will be provided for those in attendance.

The series will kick off Sept. 18, with “Where Do I Start? Licensing Requirements for Weirton and West Virginia,” presented by representatives of the City of Weirton and Steve Roberts of the Small Business Development Center. It will focus on requirements of obtaining business licenses on both the local and state levels.

“We’re educating small business owners; entrepreneurs,” noted Tim James of First Microloan, who pointed to differences in the processes of opening a business even over the last decade. “The rules have changed. The rules are different now.”

Additional seminars include:

Oct. 16: “Before You Buy: Zoning Regulations and Owning Versus Leasing,” presented by Tony Viola of the Weirton Area Board of Realtors, Anthony Clements of the BDC, and Mark Miller of the City of Weirton.

Nov. 20: “Building Your Brand: Strategize Your Marketing and Social Media Presence,” presented by Rachel Keeney of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Feb. 19: “Show Me The Money: Alternative Financing Options,” presented by Tim James of First Microloan of West Virginia.

March 19: “It’s Tax Time: Understanding Your Financial Statement,” also presented by James.

April 16: “Growing Your Business: Workforce Development,” presented by Erin Kittle of the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development and Jennifer Rohrig of West Virginia Economic Development.

May 21: “Handbooks, Employee Files, and More: HR Compliance,” presented by Amy Grant of WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center.

“Each session will be different,” Mull said, adding those interested don’t have to attend every session.