Massachusetts SBDC Statewide Training & Event Calendar
Preregistration is required for all events. If no link is listed on the registration page, online registration is not available or registration is closed. Please read important training and registration information by clicking here.
 The Massachusetts Export Center organizes seminars, webinars and events throughout the year under Partners for Trade—the official export training initiative of the Commonwealth. On the calendar below, 
indicates an exporting training event. |
|
|
Program Descriptions
|
Various topics that we will cover:
Whether you are tech-savvy or just getting started, "Tech Talks with Rob" will provide you with the knowledge and tools to leverage technology for your business’s success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and secure your business in the digital marketplace. During each session, Rob will present a brief 15–20-minute introduction to the topic at hand, followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A period. This series aims to create a welcoming environment where participants are encouraged to ask questions. Remember, there are no bad questions. Date: Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month
- click on date below to register
Thursday, March 05 Topic - Emails, Domains and Your Brand Is your email still "yourcompany@gmail.com?" You're not alone—but you could be losing customers because of it. Join us for "Emails, Domains and Your Brand"—a game-changing Tech Talk that shows you how to build trust, protect your business, and look professional from day one. |
|---|
|
Your small business is "bankable" if a commercial bank or lending institution is willing to offer you financing, such as a loan or line of credit. Small business owners often seek financing to buy equipment or inventory, launch a new product line, open or expand retail or manufacturing operations, further grow an existing business and more. Contrary to popular belief, banks are eager to lend to small businesses. However, in order to be bankable, you need to understand your business' numbers, how to organize them for a commercial loan, and how to present your personal and business story in a compelling manner. This workshop will be led by Karen Baldeschwieler, small business consultant with Zenagos. We may be joined by additional guest speakers. Learn how to:
Date: See dates below
|
|
Understanding the Business Loan Process Do you have a great idea for a business and the only thing standing in your way is the money to give it some legs? Or, you already own your own business but could use some extra capital to take things to the next level? You have come to the right place! In this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of business loan proposals. Topics to be covered include:
The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
|
|
Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners Planning for retirement isn’t just crucial for individuals—it’s a powerful tool for strengthening and growing your small business. This webinar will guide entrepreneurs through the essential components of establishing a retirement plan, helping you make informed decisions that support both your long-term financial security and your business’s success. In this session, you will learn:
Whether you are a sole proprietor, growing a small team, or planning for future expansion, this workshop will provide straightforward guidance to help you choose the retirement plan that works best for your goals. The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist with Cambridge Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
|
|
Conversations That Matter: A Practical Guide to Grants with Expert Karen Pelto We are pleased to invite Berkshire County small business owners to join us for an upcoming podcast focused on grant funding and financial support opportunities available to businesses in our region. This session is designed to help local entrepreneurs better understand the grant landscape and how to position their businesses for funding success. Topics will include:
Whether you’re launching, growing, or stabilizing your business, this podcast will offer practical guidance and insights to help you pursue funding with greater clarity and confidence. The speaker will be Karen Pelto, coordinator of the Berkshire Funding Focus at the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026 Cosponsored by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission |
|
AI for Small Business: Legal Risks and Ethical IP Guardrails Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, it all feels like the "Wild West". AI can boost productivity, help you create content, conduct research, and even draft contracts. But it can also leak your trade secrets when employees upload confidential data, create content you don't actually own, reproduce copyrighted material, or provide completely incorrect information that you then rely on to make business decisions, whether it's a bad contract, wrong legal advice, or flawed financial projections, you’re liable for the results. The good news? You don't need to avoid AI; you need guardrails. We will discuss practical, simple steps your business can implement today: acceptable use policies that actually work, understanding which tools match your risk tolerance, and verification protocols that catch problems before they become liabilities. Speakers:
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Cosponsored by Embedded Counsel, PLLC |
|
Join us for a virtual conversation with Ben Sosne of the Berkshire Innovation Center focused on the real opportunities and challenges facing small manufacturing businesses in Berkshire County and across Western Massachusetts. This open, interactive discussion will explore where local manufacturers most often hit growth barriers—such as workforce, capacity, technology, and capital—and how the Berkshire Innovation Center can serve as a practical partner in overcoming them. This event is designed for owners, founders, and operators of small manufacturing businesses. The session will highlight actionable resources, collaboration opportunities, and a forward-looking view of what manufacturing success in the region can look like over the next several years. The speaker will be Ben Sosne, executive director of the Berkshire Innovation Center. Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Cosponsored by Berkshire Innovation Center |
|
Export Expo Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the local exporting community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. This year’s Export Expo will again be a virtual event that will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community. The Export Expo will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of export-related topics. This year’s Export Expo will focus on current and imminent developments in our international trade environment, including the impact of the geopolitical landscape, policy, regulation and enforcement on global trade operations. Critical issues such as export control and economic sanctions policy, the implementation of widespread tariffs, and escalating regulatory enforcement will be addressed, with a focus on helping companies to remain nimble while navigating and responding to a dynamic and increasingly complex global trade environment. The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for the same timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format! Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference’s content, so you won’t miss a thing! Click here to view a recap video of our 2025 Export Expo. Dates: Thursday and Friday, February 26 & 27, 2026
|
|
Intellectual Property Fundamentals: Trademark, Copyright, and Trade Secret Many business owners don’t realize how much intellectual property they own and have created! Let's identify your "Secret Sauce" and lock the kitchen door. Your brand name, customer list, business strategies, products, services, and unique processes are your most valuable assets. We explain how to prioritize your IP spend: when to file for a federal trademark, how copyright protects your work and products, and, most importantly, how to use Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and licenses to protect your trade secrets and intellectual property. Speakers:
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Cosponsored by Embedded Counsel, PLLC |
|
Developing an Effective Government Focused Capability Statement
We will walk through how to craft a capability statement specifically tailored to federal buyers and prime contractors - what to include, what to avoid, and how to present your strengths in a way that aligns with government expectations. You will see real-life examples and learn tips, tricks, and best practices to help you build a clear, concise, and compelling CS that may help you build key relationships and land opportunities to bid. Don't miss this opportunity to develop a dynamic capability statement that supports your future success in the government marketplace. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
|
How to Write a Business Plan Using AI and LivePlan Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you craft a winning business plan. Whether launching a new venture or refining your existing strategy, this workshop will empower you with the tools and insights to bring your vision to life. This training will be led by Nancy Gerardi, Esq., regional director of the Massachusetts SBDC Northeast Region. You will benefit from Nancy's extensive experience and expertise in small business development and strategic planning. Her proven guidance has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their goals, and now it’s your turn to leverage her knowledge to create a comprehensive and effective business plan. The speaker will be Justin Henderson of LivePlan, who will be video conferenced in to walk you through the LivePlan platform. Jugmi Rao, vice president of TD Bank, will be available to answer any banking questions. In this session, you will learn how to:
Be sure to bring your laptop as you will be writing your business plan during the session! This event is proudly sponsored by TD Bank, covering the cost for the first 25 attendees—a value-packed opportunity at no cost to you! Space is limited to just 25 participants, so don’t wait—secure your spot today and take the first step toward business success. Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Cosponsored by TD Bank |
|
Entrepreneurship for Healthcare Practitioners Join us for an online training series designed for healthcare professionals who are exploring the transition from clinician to business owner. During this three-part series, you will gain a practical understanding and foundation of what it means to be an entrepreneur and the steps necessary to start a business in Massachusetts. Who should attend:
What you will learn:
Session 101 is designed to provide new business owners with an overview of the information and tools needed to evaluate and develop a new business. We will cover the basics of entrepreneurship, business plan creation, and will offer a Q&A session. Session 102 is designed to help business owners understand the importance of tracking and interpreting their financial numbers to provide a clear picture of their business’s financial health. Participants will learn why monitoring financial data is essential for decision-making and growth, what stories these numbers talk about business performance, and how to interpret the three main financial statements: Profit and Loss Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Balance Sheet. Session 103 will provide an overview of the next steps in starting your business, including feasibility studies, marketing plans, customer acquisition, and networking strategies. This is a three-part series for healthcare entrepreneurs. Please register for each session separately by clicking on the links below. Dates: Wednesdays, February 25, March 11 & March
25
|
|
Building a Strategic Plan that Works This webinar will guide business owners through the strategic planning tools needed to move from stability to sustainable growth. Participants will explore the concept of the “$XM ceiling” and how strategic planning helps businesses break through common revenue and operational plateaus. The session will also highlight AI-powered resilience, demonstrating how emerging tools can strengthen decision-making, efficiency, and adaptability in an uncertain business environment. Finally, we will examine what it takes to scale from Massachusetts to global markets, helping businesses think beyond local growth and plan for long-term expansion. Attendees will leave with practical insights and a clearer roadmap for growing their business with intention and strategy. The speaker will be Raquel Araujo, founder and CEO of Levare.ai. Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
|
|
Massachusetts SBDC training events are supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, you certify that you are legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. Training registrations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your space for fee-based events, mail your payment to the appropriate office with a copy of the completed registration form. Credit cards are accepted ONLY for the Massachusetts Export Center's events. Your spot is reserved once payment is received by the appropriate office. Training events may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change. Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email address frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list. A verification code will be sent from this email address allowing your to register for training. If you have problems signing in, please do not create a new account with a different email in order to register. For help registering, send an email to the contact in the seminar description. Please review our cancellation and refund policies. |
Join
us for an informative webinar designed to help you create a targeted
capability statement (CS) that gets the attention of federal
agencies and prime contractors (large businesses with negotiated
subcontracting goals) and positions your business to be noticed.
Whether you are new to the government marketplace or looking to
sharpen your outreach materials, this session will give you the
tools you need to stand out.