PITTSBORO - "Inexpensive and Creative Ways to Market Your Small Business" will be the topic of a free business seminar to be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Central Carolina Community College's Chatham County Campus in Pittsboro.

Emily Ballance, professional speaker and entrepreneur who has successfully owned and marketed two businesses for more than 25 years, will present the seminar.

"Many business owners think they have to spend a lot of money on marketing, but that's not true," said Ballance, who noted there are many ways to market that don't cost a dime and lots of creative low cost ideas as well. "The same approaches don't work for everyone, so we will take time to discuss which ones work best for different kinds of businesses.

"Bring your business cards if you have some," Ballance said. "But don't worry if you're just getting started or don't have any. This is a fun, informative, and interactive presentation. You'll learn and leave with lots of ideas, plus it's a great chance to meet people and ... yes ... market! Just come with an open attitude and willingness to look at different ideas. You never know where those ideas will lead."

Ballance speaks on business related topics at Small Business Centers throughout the North Carolina Community College System.

"During this seminar at another community college, three attendees made connections with other attendees and began working together that day," Ballance said. "Marketing just doesn't get any better than that."

Ballance travels across the country presenting keynotes on humor and stress management and workshops on generations in the workplace, as well as other topics, which are listed at www.emilyballance.com.

Ballance is a Certified Speaking Professional, the highest earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association (NSA). Women who hard earned this designation make up less than 8% of the membership of NSA.

The seminar will be held at the Chatham County Campus of Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), Building 1, Room 229, in Pittsboro. It is sponsored by the CCCC Small Business Center (SBC), is free and open to the public. For questions or to register, call 919-718-7544.

For more information about the CCCC Small Business Center, contact: Lee County - 919-718-7544 or www.leesbc.com; Harnett County - 910-892-2884 or www.harnettsbc.com; and Chatham County - 919-545-8013 or www.chathamsbc.com.