Shop Saint Michael is teaming up with the St. Michael Economic Development Authority to present a web-centric seminar for small businesses and business owners.

The event, dubbed "Doing Business Online, is set for 8 a.m. Thursday, March 29 at St. Michael City Center. A networking period begins at 7:30 a.m.

The morning will include a 45-minute free seminar from Adeel Ahmed, an extension education from the University of Minnesota who is specializing in integrating technology into business.

Ahmed is a renowned educator in his field, and recently completed a business retention program with the City of Monticello.

Thursday's semiar will help businesses use the Internet to expand marketing efforts, enhance sales of their products and services to a wider audience, grow communicatons and become more efficient with internal operations.

St. Michael Patch will also be on hand to help local businesses get started, thanks to its community directory, Patch Places.

"I think it's a unique opportunity, and I think it will be fun," said Wayne Berthiaume, owner of Verizon Wireless in St. Michael and chair of the EDA. Berthiaume also sits on the Shop Saint Michael committee.

The city is asking for RSVP. Contact city hall at 763-416-7907 with a response. For more, contact Marc Weigle at the City of St. Michael at 763-416-7932.