Securities Law for the Entrepreneur

Every startup requires funding to support its growth, and funding invariably involves the sale of securities. Ed’s presentation today will speak to the nature of state and federal securities laws and how they impact the startup company. Ed Hahn is a broadly experienced corporate lawyer who most enjoys counseling emerging growth companies and structuring capital formation transactions to meet their immediate and longer-term strategic goals. His experience includes public and private offerings of securities, mergers and acquisitions, all manner of financings, corporate governance issues, the regulation of banks, investment companies and investment professionals, and IP and licensing matters. During the course of his career, Ed has been has served at the US Securities & Exchange Commission; AmLaw 100 and smaller law firms; has managed his own law; and has been a founder or principal of several successful startups.

Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC), 151 Martine Street, Fall River
Cost: Free
Contact: Amit Basnet at UMass Dartmouth at 508-910-9815 or by email at abasnet@umassd.edu

Sponsored by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center

Growth Through Global Trade

During the informative four-hour seminar, successful serial entrepreneurs Jim Beach and Chris Hanks will share their insights on expanding globally on a variety of topics such as:

• How to recognize and reduce risk
• Ways to identify new international business opportunities
• Resources to locate suppliers, buyers and other overseas partners
• Tools to avoid customs errors and delays
• Efficient ways to manage export inventories
• Techniques to increase your business reach through search-engine rankings

Date: Friday, September 10, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Bryant University 1150 Douglas Pike Papitto Room Smithfield, RI
Cost: Free
Contact: Register online at www.international.ups.com/seminar

Sponsored by UPS

Realizing Your Dream: Strategies to Build a Successful Food & Beverage Business

ACCION USA will lead a workshop on 'Business Survival Strategies 2010'. You will walk away understanding: Strategies for Managing Credit Today, Creative Ways to Free up Cash Flow, Low Cost Ways to Build Your Business Network. Guest Experts from Samuel Adams will lead interactive sessions on Business Marketing & PR, with time for Q & A.  The Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream program offers: Microloans up to $25,000 and Free Business Education Programs & Coaching. Refreshments will be served.

Date: Monday, September 13, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Dartmouth Grange, 1133 Fisher Road, Dartmouth
Cost: Free
Contact: ACCION USA @ 617-616-1582

Sponsored by Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, ACCION USA, The Dartmouth Grange Kitchen 

Marketing Strategies Using Social Media

Basic overview of social media tools to include: search engine optimization (SEO), social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Myspace), Blogs and E-newsletters.

Date: Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Plymouth
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce

Marketing Strategies Using Social Media

Basic overview of social media tools to include: search engine optimization (SEO), social networking (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Myspace), Blogs and E-newsletters.

Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Crescent Credit Union, 115 Commercial Street, Brockton
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

Cosponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Crescent Credit Union

Can Lean Thinking Work for Entrepreneurs?

SNEEF will conduct a case study of Lean Thinking and whether it improves the entrepreneur's ability to launch a successful venture on the first try.

Karl Wadensten, President of VIBCO Vibrators, Wyoming, RI, will discuss how Lean Thinking has transformed his company into an industry leader. Wadensten is a passionate, memorable personality with big ideas, big success stories and a take-no-prisoners attitude. He is the host of a daily talk radio show, The Lean Nation on 790 AM-WPRV in Providence and a member of the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. Wadensten is a firm believer in the power of Lean to transform. Panelists will address VIBCO's use of Lean Thinking in the areas of marketing, operations, and accounting. 

Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010
Time: 5:30 p.m. - networking and light dinner; 6:30 -8:30 p.m. presentation and discussion
Location: Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center (ATMC), 151 Martine Street, Fall River
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Contact: Joanne Randall at SNEEF at 508-999-9121 or by email at sneef@umassd.edu. You can also register online at www.sneef.umassd.edu.

Sponsored by the Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum (SNEEF)

How to Grow Your Business with the Help of the SBA

This workshop will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services that are available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their business. 

Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.
Location: Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, 200 Pocasset Street, Fall River
Cost: Free
Contact: Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce at 508-676-8226

Sponsored by Bank Newport and the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce

Brewing the American Dream U: An Event Exclusively for Small Food & Beverage and Hospitality Entrepreneurs

Join us for a half-day with some some of New England's most successful food and beverage industry insiders. They will answer your questions, provide advice and tips, and coach you through keeping your food and beverage business vibrant during a challenging economy.

Hear from visionary CEOs including Jim Koch, Founder of Samuel Adams and Stacy Madison, Founder of Stacy's Pita Chips. Attend panels with industry experts in packaging, branding, design, sales and distribution, and more! Ask questions of journalists & food bloggers on "What it Takes to Build Buzz". Learn how to "Improve Your Credit and Access Capital to Strengthen or Grow Your Business". Network at a reception hosted by Samuel Adams and meet organizations that help food and beverage businesses to succeed. 

Date: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 1:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza, Boston
Cost: Free
Contact: To register, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/event/799327811 or call 617-616-1582

Sponsored by Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream, ACCION USA

Business & Legal Clinic

The Lawyers' Committee, in association with Goodwin Procter LLP and the Neighborhood Business Initiative, is hosting a free clinic for business owners where they can receive one-on-one assistance from attorneys, accountants, lending organizations, and insurance experts. Attendees can sign up for 20-minute sessions with representatives of each of these professions. The event will also be an opportunity for networking with other business owners and professionals.

Date: Monday, September 27, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Endicott Estate, 656 East Street, Dedham
Cost: Free
Contact: Consultations are free but must be scheduled no later than Friday, Sept. 24. To do so, please call 617-988-0604 or email wcollins@lawyerscom.org 

Sponsored by the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, Goodwin Procter LLP & Neighborhood Business Initiative

Get "Lean". A Premier Business Practice to Improve Your Company's Productivity and Profitability

Please join the MSBDC and Exceeda Consulting Inc. for a this dynamic workshop!

Exceeda’s passion is helping companies eliminate waste and increase profits through Lean methods.  With your leadership and our expertise we can help you begin to transform your business by empowering your employees to be waste eliminators who generate greater profitability through the hands-on application of Lean tools and techniques. This seminar targets service companies who are struggling to achieve desired financial results or want to improve on an already great running business. It focuses upon how to identify waste, streamline your process, remove bureaucracy and ultimately improve profits. Lean is often associated with manufacturing companies, but it is applicable to all businesses.

Is there something preventing you from implementing Lean in your business?  We have heard all the reasons why not: too busy / slow, confusing, can’t afford it; takes too long, too much effort ….. and our personal favorite, WE ARE DIFFERENT!

Excuses aside, there is no better time to eliminate waste and improve your processes.  With our seminar and a little creativity and drive, you can make positive and lasting change to your business.  Take a couple of hours out of your busy schedule and let us educate you about the process of become Lean!  It’s the right time to do it, regardless of what challenges your company might be facing.

Space is limited, so please register today!

Date: Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Time: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. 
Location: Southern Mass Credit Union, 2926 Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford
Cost: Free 
Contact: Tammi Jacobsen or Alison Moriarty at 508-673-9783. Register online with link below.

Cosponsored by Exceeda Consulting Inc., Southern Mass Credit Union and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce

Using LinkedIn and Facebook for Your Business

Basic walk-through of both networks to include: overview of social networking, setting-up personal profiles, identifying business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) uses, building business profiles on each network, and monitoring results.

Date: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Plymouth
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce

Using LinkedIn and Facebook for Your Business

Basic walk-through of both networks to include: overview of social networking, setting-up personal profiles, identifying business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) uses, building business profiles on each network, and monitoring results.

Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Crescent Credit Union, 115 Commercial Street, Brockton
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Crescent Credit Union

Business Case Study 

Join us as a panel of industry experts review the business plan for Healing Threads, provider of dignified and stylish recovery wear.

• Presenter:  Peg Feodoroff, CEO, Healing Threads, A Spirited Sisters, Inc. brand.
• Moderator:  Susan Wornick, Anchor, WCVB-TV, Channel 5.
• Panelists:  Marylou Sandry, CEO, Marylou's News; Cate Adams, VP Commercial Enterprise Banking, Citizens Bank; Jeffery Gross, VP Business Development, Tufts Medical Center Physicians Organization & NEQCA

Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
Location: Bridgewater State College, Dunn Conference Room, Crimson Hall, East Campus, Bridgewater (For directions and a campus map: http://www.bridgew.edu/CampusMap/)
Cost: Free
Contact: Reservations required. Please call 508-531-2026 or email CES@bridgew.edu

Sponsored by Bridgewater State College Center for Entrepreneurship Studies

Learn How to Create a "Buzz" and Get "Found" on the Internet

Come to the "Business Expo for Entrepreneurs" and learn how to create a "buzz" and get "found" on the internet with Brian Halligan, CEO & Founder of HubSpot. Brian founded marketing software company, HubSpot, in 2006 to help businesses transform the way they market their products. HubSpot is currently helping nearly 3,000 companies "get found" on the internet.

Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Bridgewater State College, Rondileau Campus Center, RCC Ballroom, 19 Park Avenue, Bridgewater (For directions and a campus map: www.bridgew.edu/CampusMap)
Cost: $10 per person
Contact: Reservations required. Please call 508-531-2026 or email CES@bridgew.edu

Sponsored by Bridgewater State College Center for Entrepreneurship Studies

Marketing Your Business in Tough Economic Times

Times are tough. But this is not the time to just cut your marketing efforts and budget.  This presentation will help you learn low cost ways to actually increase your market penetration and sales revenue. 

Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: HarborOne Credit Union, 131 Copeland Drive, Mansfield
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783. Register online with link below.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the HarborOne Credit Union, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Comply Now or Pay Later. A Survival Guide for Businesses

Employment law continues to be dynamic – so many topics, so little time!  Every day, employers make personnel decisions that have legal ramifications, some of which they never realize.  Have you ever had an occasion to stop and think about workplace regulations:  Overtime eligibility; security of personal information; use of independent contractors; meal breaks; what do I need to know when I hire, fire or lay off employees? 

Obviously, we believe it is essential that you minimize your risk while maximizing your opportunities.  The goal of our workshop is to empower each participant to gain control by avoiding workplace law distractions.  Did you know discrimination laws in Massachusetts have been extended to the smallest employers?  Do you know that practically any violation of the Massachusetts wage and hour laws subject employers to mandatory triple damages?  Did you know that the Commonwealth has intensified its enforcement of the rigid Independent Contractor Law and the new law requiring the security of personal information? 

We will simplify your compliance obligations and allow you to make better-informed decisions avoiding pitfalls like civil and criminal penalties, front and back pay, consequential, emotional and punitive damages.  This will be an interactive session that will help you achieve compliance so that you can focus on your business. 

Each participant will receive a subject matter outline and the 2010 edition of The Employers’ Guide to Understanding Massachusetts Workplace Law.

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. 
Location: Venture Entrepreneur Business Center, 540 Main Street, Suite 14 (2nd Floor), Hyannis
Cost: Free
Contact: To register please contact Tammi Jacobsen or Alison Moriarty at 508-673-9783. Register online with link below.

 Cosponsored by Foley & Foley PC, Venture Entrepreneur Business Center and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Tweets and Blogs: How This Can Help With SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Basic overview of Twitter and blogging, how they work with search engine optimization (SEO), investigating their uses along with three recognized blogging platforms (Wordpress, Typepad and Blogger), widget and conversion mechanisms, structuring of blogs, ideas for writing and case studies of different types of blogs.

Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Crescent Credit Union, 115 Commercial Street, Brockton
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Crescent Credit Union

Tweets and Blogs: How this can help with SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Basic overview of Twitter and blogging, how they work with search engine optimization (SEO), investigating their uses along with three recognized blogging platforms (Wordpress, Typepad and Blogger), widget and conversion mechanisms, structuring of blogs, ideas for writing and case studies of different types of blogs.

Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Plymouth
Cost: Free
Contact: Online registration is required for this event. Please register with link below. If you have questions, please call Tammi or Alison at 508-673-9783.

> Register online

Cosponsored by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce

Southern New England Agritourism Business Conference

This seminar has been postponed from its original April date. For more information please contact Stu Nunnery at the Rhode island Center for Agricultural Promotion & Education at 401-592-0209 or visit website link below.

New England FarmWays invites you to join us for a special day designed to help you grow more profitable farm destinations and run your farm like a business. We'll show you how to showcase your farm to visitors from near and far.

Date: TBA
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine Street, Fall River
Cost:  Early bird registration $75 per person if registered by April 1. After April 1, $95
Contact: For a complete Agenda and Registration please visit: www.nefarmways.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/54/index.htm 

Cosponsored by the RI Small Business Development Center, New England FarmWays, VisitNewEngland.com & Edible Communities

GeekGirl Southeast Mass Boot Camp

Do you feel overwhelmed by technology, rely on your son to work your iPod or digital camera, wish you had the skills for your dream job, want to have fun learning about tech? If so, it's time for Boot Camp! Workshops for Beginner to Advanced!

Featuring: PC & Mac Skills; Microsoft Office; Excel/Word/PowerPoint/Publisher; Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Blogging; Graphic Design: Digital Photography, Photoshop/InDesign, Video, Podcasting, Wordpress/Websites, Inbound Marketing, Email Marketing, iPhone & iTunes, Google Skills, Workshops for Non-Profits, QuickBooks, HTML/Dreamweaver, JQuery, and MORE!

Date: Postponed - date TBA
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Bristol Community College, 777 Elsbree Street, Fall River
Cost: $149
Contact: Register online at www.GeekGirlCamp.com

Sponsored by Geek Girl Camp