The Lamar State College-Port Arthur Small Business Development Center will present two free “Starting Your Own Business” workshops during March, plus a special seminar titled “Business Payroll Tax.”

SBDC consultant Conrad Cooper will lead the free business start-up workshops on Tuesday, March 8, from 9 a.m.-noon at the Nederland EDC office, 1903 Atlanta Avenue, and March 22, from 6-9 p.m. at the LSC-PA Small Business Development Center, 1401 Procter Street.

These workshops cover business plans, funding, employees and taxes for first-time business owners. Attendance at one workshop is required prior to a new business owner’s first one-on-one meeting with a SBDC business consultant.

SBDC director Linda Tait will lead the Business Payroll Tax seminar on Thursday, March 10, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Lamar State SBDC office.

“This seminar is designed to help business owners/managers understand the regulations and filing requirements regarding payroll,” Tait said. “It will also cover how to complete all required payroll tax forms.”

Admission to the seminar is $15.

The SBDC offers individual consulting for small business owners at no charge. The center helps prospective business owners by providing financial analysis, loan preparation assistance and help in setting up a business plan