For business owners and entrepreneurs, the process of deciding on a commercial building can be daunting.

On February 5, the Meridian Technology Center for Business Development will offer part two of Commercial Buildings – Build, Buy or Renovate, a free workshop series to help business owners determine the next step for their company.

“Building, buying or renovating a commercial building is a significant business decision, and business owners need to understand the potential impact,” said Justin Hazzard, Director of the Meridian Technology Center for Business Development. “This workshop provides an opportunity for business owners to learn what they should consider during this phase of their company’s growth.”

Jason Mayes, Project Manager for Lopp Construction, a commercial construction company in Payne County, as well as Jeff Dillon and Kevin Walthall, of Designer’s Ink, a full-service building design firm in Stillwater, will lead the February 5 session.

Topics covered will include when should a business owner buy, build or rent a commercial building, strategies to keep a project on budget, when to seek the services of an architect or professional designer and how to calculate the return on investment for a commercial building. Additionally, throughout the session Mayes, Dillion and Walthall will present case studies and real-life examples for retail and industrial commercial buildings.

The upcoming three-hour workshop is a result of the conversations and feedback from the first session. The February 5 session will provide more in-depth discussion and address additional information, questions and concerns that small business owners may face when exploring their company’s next steps regarding commercial property. The first workshop in the Commercial Building series was held in the fall and covered evaluating your team, determining if renovation or new construction is best, working with Stillwater Development Office and financial considerations of building. Attending the previous workshop is not required.

Commercial Buildings – Build, Buy or Renovate, Part Two will take place from 9 am to noon on February 5 in the Lecture Hall at Meridian Technology Center. To attend, please contact Diane Maddox at dianem@meridiantech.edu or call (405) 377-2220 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509. An RSVP is strongly encouraged.

The Center for Business Development is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs through networking, education, consulting and business incubation services. Assistance is available in various areas such as marketing, product planning, international business and writing business plans. For more information visit meridiantech.edu/entrepreneurs or contact the Center for Business Development.