2024 Owning a Business: Where Do I Go from Here?
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One step in starting a business is choosing a business entity. The entity determines how your business is structured and affects taxes and liabilities. If you're wondering which business entity is right for you and your business, join us and the UAH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) as we explore the different kinds of business entities that are available and discuss with business owners which they chose, why and lessons they learned along the way.
Michelle Kloske, UAH SBDC
Michelle Kloske is a senior business advisor and training coordinator at the Alabama SBDC at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). She was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. and has an associate’s degree from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UAH. Kloske is an enthusiastic and creative business advisor. Through her varied experiences, she is uniquely skilled in assisting clients in the retail and service business and assisting food and beverage clients navigate the complex nuances of the industry.
Kloske began her career as an accountant specializing in payroll, taxes, and government reporting, for a defense contractor in the 8A program in Huntsville. She left the traditional workforce upon the birth of her first daughter. During her time as a stay-at-home mom of three girls, she was a top-selling consultant, worked as a part-time accountant for a nuclear engineering firm, and founded a small business specializing in custom apparel selling in her online boutique, craft shows, and directly to organizations. Additionally, she spent extensive time volunteering to chair large fundraising galas raising nearly half a million dollars for her children’s schools. In 2014, Kloske returned to the traditional workforce full-time as the accounting manager, events coordinator, and membership director at a country club. She worked with all aspects of the organization to help the formerly bankrupt club become a thriving small business.
Kloske truly loves working with SBDC clients. She utilizes her wealth of personal experience and friendly personality to help her clients realize their entrepreneurial dreams. In 2022, Kloske was named the "State Star" as the top SBDC advisor in Alabama and was recognized at the national SBDC conference in San Diego.
Kellie Andrews, Shared Workspace, Huntsville Hub
As the Founder and Chief Connector of the Huntsville Hub, Kellie Andrews has over 29 years of experience in providing shared workspace solutions to the local business community in Huntsville, Ala. She oversees all office and administrative support for approximately 150 businesses, handle sales and marketing, and mentor and lead employees. Her core competencies include new business development, customer relationship management, and social networking.
Andrews' mission is to help small businesses grow and succeed by offering them quality office space, state-of-the-art technology, and a support team dedicated to outstanding customer service. She also gets actively involved in her clients' businesses and helps them come up with unique and innovative ways to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals. Andrews is passionate about creating a collaborative and supportive environment where entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives can network, learn, and thrive.

Jenny Askins, Touronimo Destination Management Group
As the CEO at Destination Huntsville and the founder at Touronimo, Jenny Askins has years of experience in creating and executing memorable experiences for groups and individuals in north Alabama. She is an entrepreneur, an experience curator, and a hidden gem expert who is passionate about showcasing the culture, history, and innovation of this region.
Askins has strong relationships with civic and business leaders throughout Huntsville and north Alabama, which enables her to provide professional event planning, transportation coordination, meeting and conference management, and curated experiences for my clients. She also leverages her social networking, strategic communications, and public relations skills to promote and market her online marketplace that connects locals and tourists interested in authentic cultural and adventure experiences. Additionally, Askins has co-founded and directed a community music festival that attracted thousands of attendees and generated positive media coverage and community engagement.
TJ Wright, Offset Strategic Services (OSS)
TJ Wright is the president and founder of OSS. His vision for the OSS is based on his experiences as both an Operator and Senior Acquisition Officer for our Nation's best Special Operations Units, developing people, processes, and systems that work together as highly functional and effective teams. Wright leads the company’s mission to make a difference for our Employees, Customers, Partners, the Warfighter and the Community by providing them Offset Advantages from Concept to Deployment.
At the OSS, our purpose is to make a difference. We want to make a difference in our employees lives, their communities, this great Nation and most importantly the men and women who protect it. We do this by finding the right people with unique experiences, skill sets and talents, encourage continual pursuit of excellence, cross train our employees in multiple disciplines, and keep everyone informed through a flat organizational structure to empower the team to bring its best.
Event Sponsors
Silver Sponsor

Date and Time
Tuesday Jan 30, 2024
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST
Fees/Admission
Online Registration
Member: $15
Non-member: $20
On-site Registration
Member: $20
Non-member: $25
Refunds to credit cards will be charged a 6% processing fee. No refunds will be processed after January 23, 2024.
Contact Information
Diana Baccus
256-535-2009
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