Bookkeeping workshop for small business owners set for Oct. 22

Jamie Johnson, GOEDC’s vice president of entrepreneurship, workforce development, and small business

Entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to build confidence in managing their finances can learn more at a hands-on workshop later this month.

The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) and the Kentucky Small Business Development Center are partnering to host Balance Your Business: Bookkeeping Basics for Small Business Owners on October 22 at Brescia University’s Field Center, Room 112.

The event will be led by Amber Ebelhar of Bold Venture Bookkeeping. Participants can choose between two sessions or attend both, with a networking lunch included for all attendees. Each session costs $15 per person.

The first session, Bookkeeping Basics: From Shoebox to Strategy (10:30 a.m.-noon), is aimed at beginners or those looking to organize their financial records. It will cover the fundamentals of bookkeeping and how small business owners can move from tracking receipts to achieving financial clarity.

“Accurate bookkeeping is one of the most important, and often overlooked, foundations of a successful small business,” Ebelhar said. “When owners understand their numbers and have sound processes in place, they make better decisions, reduce stress, and build businesses that can scale.”

A networking lunch will follow from noon to 12:30 p.m., offering participants an opportunity to connect with other local business owners.

The second session, Bookkeeping Next Level: Power Up Your Books (12:30-2 p.m.), is tailored for owners with some bookkeeping experience or those using QuickBooks Online. It will include practical guidance on categorizing transactions, reconciling accounts, and using reports to make informed business decisions.

“Bookkeeping isn’t just about tax time; it’s about truly understanding your business,” said Jody Hulsey with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. “This training will help owners gain the clarity they need to make smarter financial decisions all year long.”

Jamie Johnson, GOEDC’s vice president of entrepreneurship, workforce development, and small business, said the goal is to make bookkeeping less intimidating.

“Small business owners wear so many hats, and bookkeeping is one of those areas that can feel overwhelming or easy to push aside,” Johnson said. “This training is about giving them the confidence and tools to take control of their finances, so they can focus on growth, not just getting by.”

The event is part of GOEDC’s ongoing efforts to support local entrepreneurs with resources to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Registration is now open, and space is limited. Business owners can sign up via the following links: