The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting applications for its O.P.E.N. (Opportunities for Promoting Entrepreneurship & Networking) program, which is designed to assist those with dreams of starting a business or working for themselves but unsure where to begin.

 The next 6-week program will begin September 19, 2011 and meet each Monday evening for 6 consecutive weeks. Programs are taught by local business leaders, including small business owners, accountants, attorneys, consultants, marketing experts and bankers. Each session focuses on a different aspect of starting a business. They include: Legalities of starting a business, Marketing, Accounting, Legal issues (trademarks and patents), Securing necessary federal, state and local licenses, Tax planning, Financial plans and cost analysis, and Insurance.

This program is open to the public and membership in the Chamber is not a requirement. All classes will be held at 1400 Parker Road from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to growing the business base in the Rockdale area, and that includes new business,” said Fred Boscarino, President/CEO for the Chamber. “There are dozens of questions facing an entrepreneur and the O.P.E.N. program is designed to answer as many of those as possible.”

For more information, please call 770-483-7049.