The financial climate in our country has changed. Businesses old and new, big and small, are struggling. Congress passed the "rescue" bill, but it may not be enough to help the small business owner survive.

CPA Jina Etienne will walk you through the provisions of the new bailout law, with special emphasis on tax planning opportunities you may want to consider this year. Then, she'll share her top 10 tips for surviving in a tough economy. Is your business properly capitalized? Are there alternatives to maxing out your credit card(s)? Is getting a bank loan possible? Likely? Are there still ways to take advantage of "the float" on your bank funds?

Bring your questions and share your strategies. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to tough economic times. Join us to learn ways you and your business can avoid becoming another statistic.

Speaker: Jina Etienne, CPA, has more than 15 years of public accounting experience. She began her career with Deloitte & Touche, one of the "Big Eight" accounting firms, where her focus was tax planning and compliance for corporations, partnerships, and S corporations ranging from government contractors and vending companies to hospitality and retail firms. When she left Deloitte & Touche to start Etienne & Associates, LLC, her focus shifted to the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. 

With her own practice, Jina Etienne provides a wide range of accounting services for businesses and individuals, including tax planning and preparation, and business consulting. Her client base is diverse, including retail and service-based businesses as well as consultants and contractors. For individuals, her services generally include tax return preparation and tax planning, including tax research and representation before the IRS. 

Ms. Etienne earned an M.S. in taxation in 1993 and a B.S.B.A. in accounting in 1989 from American University. Jina has also taught accounting as an adjunct professor at American University and currently teaches QuickBooks at local accounting seminars and conferences. 

Jina may be reached at jina@etiennecpas.com. 

Location: One-half block south of the Cineplex Odeon Uptown movie theatre on Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Metrorail--Cleveland Park Station on the Red Line (on Connecticut Avenue, just 1.5 blocks north of meeting site) 

Parking: Very small lot, off Macomb St., to left of library. 

Free and open to all 

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