Jefferson City, Mo - The Missouri Department of Insurance encourages current business owners in the Ferguson, Dellwood and Jennings area to participate in the Building Blocks for Growing Your Business Workshops. Insurance experts from department will be on-site 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, May 16, 8 - 11 a.m. Monday, May 18, and from 4 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20.

The workshops are cohosted by North County Incorporated, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and St. Louis Regional Chamber. They are designed to teach new and current business owners about resources to help their small businesses grow.

"We encourage business owners to take advantage of these insightful workshops," said Department of Insurance Director John M. Huff. "Our team is committed to helping business owners understand how insurance can help protect business assets."  

Department representatives will discuss insurance issues related to businesses and insurance companies and will give tips on what to look for in choosing a policy to meet the needs of a small business. Business owners are encouraged to bring questions and their insurance policies to have them reviewed.   

The workshops started May 2 and will continue through May 20 with a variety of topics including developing a successful business plan, QuickBooks for your business, public relations, advertising, digital marketing, social media, financial literacy, human resources and effective sales techniques. Participants can get more information about the various workshops offered at http://bit.ly/1H1QbE9 .

Classes are held at St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley in the Training Center, 3400 Pershall Rd., St. Louis, MO 63135.  Business owners can register by emailing Valerie Zimmerman, vzimmerman@northcountyinc.com. For more information visit NorthStLouisCounty.com.