As sunlight spilled through the windows of Room 1604 at Las Positas on March 5, attendees ranging from students to faculty to alumni gathered. The aroma of coffee, pizza and snacks filled the room. Papers shuffled quietly as the workshop “Steps to Starting a Small Business” began. The one hour session — from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. — was full of audience participation, attendees jotting down notes, questions being asked. Participants shared hobbies and passions that could potentially turn into a small business.
The workshop was led by Nick Nath, vice president, relationship manager and financial wellness specialist at Bank of Montreal. Nath explained the smartshop would become a series at LPC. Representatives would continue to visit and present workshops on financial literacy and explain the services LPC students and faculty have access to.
“We’re very excited to be partnering with Las Positas to bring you guys the ‘How to Build a Small Business’ smartshop series,” Nath said. “BMO is one of the first financial institutions to reach out to colleges to educate on business and marketing.”
The event covered several key areas for aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees learned about creating and maintaining a good business credit score, separating personal and business funds, understanding the steps for loan applications and how to create a realistic business plan. The session underlined the importance of assessing personal and financial goals before launching a venture.
Apart from practical advice, attendees were introduced to campus and community resources offered to students and faculty. These resources included free bank accounts through BMO, access to exclusive pop-up events and ongoing career services support.
Jyoti Verma, retail relationship banker at BMO’s East Market, explained that BMO offers these free seminars on college campuses to help expand understanding of financial literacy and provide extra help.
“We provide guidance on everything from identity theft to funding your business,” Verma said. “For students at Las Positas, we want them to understand what it takes to start a business, assess whether they have the right traits and resources and set financial and personal goals to make their vision clear over the next one, three or five years.”
Among the attendees was Erik Johnson, an LPC alumnus exploring a gardening business model. Johnson shared that while he struggled to find job opportunities, this workshop gave him confidence in his business idea.
“Through this workshop, I realized my business idea could actually be profitable and useful,” Johnson said. “I enjoy plants and gardening, but I hadn’t thought about how to make it a proper business. Workshops like this give you the momentum to take the first steps.”
Students took advantage of the learning experience offered during the workshop. The workshop provided an overview that gave attendees insight into available resources and a starting point for exploring their own business ventures.
The Steps to Starting a Small Business workshop equipped students with the knowledge and tools needed to take the first step. By offering financial guidance, hands-on advice and a supportive network, BMO and LPC provided students with a foundation for turning ideas into viable businesses.
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TOP PHOTO: Nick Nath leads a SMART Workshop at Las Positas College on March 5, 2026, discussing how to properly budget for a small business. The workshop provided resources for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in starting a small business. (Photo by Angelina An/The Express)
Angelina An is a staff writer for The Express. Follow her on X @angiebee_919.
