Are Your Company's Files Secure? Would You Risk Thousands of Dollars in Fines to Find Out?

Massachusetts will soon impose the most stringent data security regulations in the nation. The regulations go into effect on March 1, 2010 and will require you to secure all private personal information in your possession (employees, customers). Your files and computers must be compliant or you will be assessed fines for each breach! With the state in need of revenue, you can be sure that fines will be issued no matter what the cost to small businesses. There are no exemptions for small business either. Attend this free event and prevent thousands of dollars in potential fines!

The panel will include: Representative Michael Roderiques (D-Westport), a legal perspective on your business’ written plan and a data technology expert. Registration is at 7:45 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided.

Date: Friday, February 5, 2010
Time: Registration 7:45 a.m.; Program 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. 
Location: White's of Westport, 66 State Road, Westport
Cost: Free
Contact: National Federation of Independent Businesses at 877-863-0763

Sponsored by the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, National Federation of Independent Businesses, The Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce & The New Bedford Area Chamber

Free Legal Workshop

Join us for a free legal workshop for small businesses on contracts, real estate, employment and choice of entity. This workshop is geared toward existing businesses. Qualified attendees may be eligible for a follow-up free legal session with an attorney. 

Date: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 
Location: Southern New England School of Law, Moot Court Room, 333 Faunce Corner Road, North Dartmouth
Cost: Free
Contact: Call The Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights at 617-988-0611 or email nkurtis@lawyerscom.org

Cosponsored by Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, Southern New England School of Law, Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce

 
Geek Girl Boot Camp

Do you feel overwhelmed by technology? Rely on your son or daughter 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!

Topics include: PC and MAC, iPhone, iTunes, internet, websites, HTML, email marketing, consumer electronics, software, social media, Photoshop, InDesign, blogging, podcasting, digital photography, video and more!

Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: 4C's Adult Learning Venter & upstairs @ Venture Hyannis, both located in Hyannis
Cost:  $139
Contact: For more information and to register online, click here or contact Leslie Fishlock at Geek Girl Camp at leslie@geekgirlcamp.com

Sponsored by the Geek Girl Camp

SNEEF: Case Study of Marinus Research & Design Company

The evening will include networking and a presentation / panel discussion focusing on MRDC, an exciting engineering research and development company involved in developing solutions for marine applications. Marinus Research and Design Company (MRDC) is affiliated with the Northeast Maritime Institute. All entrepreneurs, investors, students and interested parties are welcome.

The presenter will be Eric Dawicki, President and Sid Martin, Vice President of Technology of MRDC. The moderator will be Bill Lyndon, Licensing Associate at the ATMC / Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property. For more information on MRDC please visit: www.sneef.umassd.edu

Date: Thursday, March, 11, 2010
Time: 5:30 p.m. Networking & Light Dinner; 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Presentation & Discussion
Location:  Advanced Technology & Manufacturing Center, 151 Martine Street, Fall River
Cost: $20 with advanced registration or $25 at the door
Contact: Register at sneef@umassd.edu or call Tammy Lajewski at 508-999-9288

Sponsored by the Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum

Second Cape Cod Entrepreneurs Weekend: Business Plan Competition

The weekend will bring together developers, designers, marketers, to create a company from concept to launch. Before the event, those enrolled will communicate over the web to see what ideas are out there—and suggestions for what you might work on. At the kickoff Friday night, the entire group will vote on the best ideas and dole out tasks. You’ll be a part of a team of 8 highly motivated, energetic people that want to create a company from concept to launch in one weekend. At the end, the companies will be judged for their likelihood of success

Dates: Friday, March 12 - Sunday, March 14, 2010
Time: Friday evening through Sunday evening -- All schedules will be available upon registration.
Location: Cape Cod Community College Adult Learning Center and Venture Hyannis, 500 Main Street, Hyannis
Cost: $50 per participant (includes all meals except Friday night's dinner with your team) Contact: Register online with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce at: www.ecapechamber.com/store/Product.asp?pid=81  

Sponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

Facing the Challenge - Marketing in Tough Times

Times are tough. But this is not the time to just cut your marketing budget and efforts.  Learn low cost ways to actually increase your market penetration and sales revenue at this workshop! The presenter will be Clifford Robbins, Senior Business Advisor with the MSBDC. 

Date: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Coastal Community Capital, 5 Shoot Flying Hill Road, Centerville
Cost: $5.00
Contact: Marcia Gaudet at Coastal Community Capital at 508-362-3367

Cosponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Coastal Community Capital