Panel to Discuss Bringing Ideas to Fruition

Professor Al Osborne, director of the Price Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at UCLA, will talk about how to recognize a good business idea and then make it a reality at The Times’ Small Business Strategies Conference this weekend.

Osborne will be joined by two other professors from the Price Center, Alan Carsrud and Rock Hankin, for a panel discussion at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Among the topics the panel plans to address is the importance of formulating a comprehensive business plan. “Most small-business people really don’t do their homework,” Osborne said, adding that solid business plans are often necessary for start-ups to get financing.

The conference is aimed at helping small business get a leg up in an increasingly competitive marketplace. More than 40 panels in six subject tracks will be offered, along with an exhibit hall, networking opportunities and free advice sessions. Among the subjects to be covered at the conference are financing, growth planning, technology and marketing.

Registration is $99 for both days and $70 for one day, or $25 per panel; entrance to exhibit hall only is $5. Call (800) 350-3211 or visit the conference Web site at https://www.latimes.com/sbsc.