Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

 

Massachusetts SBDC Network 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 has closed. Please read important registration information by clicking here.


 
export
The Massachusetts Export Center organizes seminars, webinars and events throughout the year under Partners for Trade—the official export training initiative of the Commonwealth. Coming Soon - click here for the Spring 2024 Partners for Trade training booklet.
 
On the calendar below, globe indicates an exporting training event.

    
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~ 2024 Training Calendar 

Training is held online unless otherwise noted              globe = export training
 MARCH
20 How to Start a Business 101: The Basics
20 Maximizing the Benefits of International Trade Show Participation globe
21 Exploring Certifications and Finding Procurement Opportunities
27 Five Tiny Fixes to Improve Your Small Business Marketing
28 Waste Reduction in Food and Beverage Processing Businesses
28 Demystify AI: Discover How Generative AI Can Transform Your Business and Drive Growth
 
 APRIL
4 How to Start a Business 101: The Basics
9 Business Credit 101 (Worcester)
12 Compliance Clinic (Compliance Alliance members only) globe
18 How to Start a Business 101: The Basics
18 Preparing a Government-Targeted Capability Statement – A Business Resume
30  CYA on KYC: Employing Reasonable Due Diligence for Global Trade Compliance globe
 
 MAY
10 China’s Anti-Espionage Law One Year Later: Lessons Learned for U.S. Businesses Operating in China globe
16 Best Practices for AES Filing and Compliance globe
 
 JUNE
13  Use of the Cloud for Export-Controlled Tech Data: Trends, Tips and Best Practices globe
 



 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  
 

 

 

    

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Program Descriptions


How to Start a Business 101: The Basics

The How to Start a Business series is a three-part series designed to provide new business owners with an overview of the information and tools needed to evaluate and develop a new business idea.

In this first session, topics include:

  • Characteristics of an entrepreneur
  • Learn from those before you – reasons why businesses fail
  • The life of a business owner
  • SBA basics
  • Different methods to write a business plan
  • Creating your elevator pitch

The speaker will be a Massachusetts SBDC Network regional director or business advisor.

There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required. This workshop is offered on several convenient dates. A Zoom link for the webinar will be emailed to you immediately after registration from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. Please add this email to your safe sender list.

Date: Typically held on the first and third Thursday of the month - click on date below to register
Time: Varies (1.5 hours)
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Regional Office hosting the event (see: 'facilitated by' on registration form)

     

Maximizing the Benefits of International Trade Show Participation

International trade shows have become an essential tool for businesses looking to tap into global markets. These events provide a unique opportunity to establish global contacts, evaluate the competitiveness of a company’s products and services in foreign markets, create brand awareness, gain exposure to potential suppliers, channel partners and customers, generate leads, and forge valuable partnerships. However, maximizing trade show success in a cost-effective way requires careful planning, thorough market research to assess market potential and customer requirements, realistic budget, effective marketing and PR, and well-executed follow-up.

This program will discuss strategies and tools that businesses can use to maximize international trade show ROI, as well as trade show services available to the US companies through the Department of Commerce. We will also hear from an exporter that has been a successful exhibitor at international trade shows for years, for a different angle on trade show participation.

Speakers:

  • Jerry Kallman, Jr., President and Owner — Kallman Associates, Inc.
  • Mathias Koeckeritz, Senior Policy Advisor — U.S. Embassy Berlin
  • Grace Preston, International Sales Manager — Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc.

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

Exploring Certifications and Finding Procurement Opportunities

North Central MA ChamberIn our first session on Exploring Certifications, we will review the more commonly used certifications available to small businesses and clarify some of the misconceptions around certifications. As an entrepreneur you will often hear that certifications will open doors for growing your business, but a certification does not guarantee contracts. We will explore which certifications may be best for your business and the “value add” they provide.  

During the second session on Finding Procurement Opportunities, we will explore the state, local and federal procurement sites so you know where to register to find potential opportunities and solicitations for you to bid on.

The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC Network.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Time:
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge chamber members / $10 nonmembers
Contact: North Central Massachusetts Chamber at 978-353-7600

Cosponsored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

Five Tiny Fixes to Improve Your Small Business Marketing

Are you looking for simple yet powerful strategies to elevate your brand presence, attract more customers, and drive growth? This webinar will discuss five tiny fixes to improve your small business marketing.

Topics will include:

  • Professional photos
  • Custom website/landing page
  • Marketing strategies
  • Low-hanging fruit
  • Starting small and local

The speaker will be Cara Chatellier, founder and creative director of Bubbly Creative.

Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Kaitlin Muldoon at kmuldoon@salemstate.edu or 978-542-7369

Waste Reduction in Food and Beverage Processing Businesses

UMass Energy Transition InstituteJoin us to learn how businesses that make food and beverages can reduce their environmental impact and increase profitability through waste reduction. Connect with Massachusetts programs that provide the free one-on-one support your business needs to improve your sustainability.

Presented by the UMass Energy Transition Institute with speaker from the RecyclingWorks Massachusetts.  

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Lauren Mattison at the UMass Energy Transition Institute at laurenm@umass.edu 

Cosponsored by the UMass Energy Transition Institute, Massachusetts SBDC Network, and supported by U.S. EPA Pollution Prevention Grant 00A01092

Demystify AI: Discover How Generative AI Can Transform Your Business and Drive Growth

This workshop will focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support business strategy, enhance customer service, improve sales, and maintain competitiveness. The use of real-world examples is emphasized to make the content relatable and actionable.

Speakers include:

  • Manassah Bradley, Senior Business Advisor at the Massachusetts SBDC, Greater Boston Regional Office
  • Dan Geller, Chief Creative Officer, AI Adoption Strategist, Brand Strategist at Agency Renegades
  • Deb Thompson, Regional Director of the Massachusetts SBDC, Greater Boston Regional Office

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online  
Cost: No charge
Contact: Gavin Rocha at the Greater Boston Regional Office at gavinrocha@umass.edu 

Business Credit 101

Join us for a comprehensive workshop on mastering the fundamentals of business lending. Learn essential principles needed to navigate the intricate world of financing for the growth of your business. Gain insight on where to start, different lending options and what lenders are looking for in terms of you as a borrower.

The speaker will be Sonia Descormiers, Vice President, Relationship Manager with Berkshire Bank.

Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. ET
Location: Clark University, Alumni Student Engagement Center, Room 202, 950 Main Street, Worcester
Cost: No charge
Contact: MSBDC Central Regional Office at sadoran@clarku.edu

Compliance Clinic (for Compliance Alliance Members only)

Join us for an informal, off-the-record, give-and-take discussion between exporters that will allow participants to ask questions, share information and "compare notes" on trade compliance issues of interest and concern. All topics are on the table! No agenda, no talking points – just a private, interactive discussion between trade compliance professionals. Bring your questions and concerns, and be prepared to join in the discussion!

We have also invited a “Resident Expert” to be on hand in cases of questions needing legal expertise. The Resident Expert for this Compliance Clinic will be fellow Compliance Alliance member, Matt Bock, Partner with Bock Trade Law.  

Date: Friday, April 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Cost: No charge (this event is for Compliance Alliance Members only)
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

Preparing a Government-Targeted Capability Statement – A Business Resume

North Central MA ChamberJoin us for a workshop on developing a government-focused capability statement. Learn about this special type of marketing collateral you need to create when targeting the government marketplace. A focused, well-prepared capability statement (CS) will assist you in marketing your products and services to large businesses with supplier diversity programs, federal agencies, and other similar markets. A CS is an effective, inexpensive marketing tool used to quickly highlight your strengths and capabilities when marketing and representing your small business.

Please join us for an overview of what is included in a capability statement so you too can prepare a dynamic government-targeted CS for your future marketing outreach.

The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC Network.

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge chamber members / $10 nonmembers
Contact: North Central Massachusetts Chamber at 978-353-7600

Cosponsored by the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce

CYA on KYC: Employing Reasonable Due Diligence for Global Trade Compliance

Exporters face ever-increasing end use and end user due diligence requirements for effective management of global trade compliance. Restricted end uses, significant expansion of restricted parties, broadening Military End Use rules, the OFAC 50% rule, and increased emphasis on illegal diversion are just a few reasons why due diligence is critical. Moreover, federal authorities continue to expand Red Flag listings and Know Your Customer (KYC) guidance, creating additional due diligence concerns for exporters. It is no wonder, therefore, that many exporters find themselves falling down a due diligence rabbithole in trying to achieve compliance, with screening protocols, end user statements, independent research efforts and more. On top of that, due diligence efforts don’t always yield clear-cut results, which can create unease for many.   

This webinar will review due diligence best practices for exporters, with an emphasis on employing reasonable protocols for achieving compliance. The webinar will address due diligence in challenging markets, such as China, and will discuss clearance of transactions in cases involving screening ambiguity or red flags. 

Join us for this practical program that will help you to confidently fulfill your due diligence obligations while maintaining manageable processes and achieving peace-of-mind in export transactions.    

Speakers:  

  • Douglas Jacobson, Founding Partner — Jacobson Burton Kelley PLLC
  • Misty Rutter, Senior Manager, Trade Compliance — Arm Limited    

Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Cost: $25 / No charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

China’s Anti-Espionage Law One Year Later: Lessons Learned for U.S. Businesses Operating in China

China’s expanded “Anti-Espionage Law” has been in effect for nearly a year now. The new law significantly expanded the scope of covered espionage activities and established broad criteria for determining espionage behavior, while granting extensive investigative power to Chinese national security agencies. The broadening of the law has brought unexpected risk to normal operations of U.S. businesses in China. What should U.S. businesses operating in China know about their risks under the law, and what lessons can be gleaned from China’s policy and enforcement actions so far?

This webinar will review key provisions under China’s expanded Anti-Espionage Law and areas of risk for U.S. businesses operating in China. The webinar will discuss activities that could trigger these provisions and strategies for reducing potential legal risk. The webinar will also discuss the convergence of the Anti-Espionage Law with U.S. regulatory requirements, such as required due diligence under U.S. export control laws. Finally, the webinar will also review lessons learned from activity and enforcement actions under the law so far.   

Speaker:

  • Todd Liao, Partner, Shanghai Office — Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Date: Friday, May 10, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Cost: $25 / No charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

Best Practices for AES Filing and Compliance

With the tightening of export regulations and product controls, understanding your responsibilities for export reporting in the Automated Export System (AES) and compliance with the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) has never been more important. Whether filing directly or through a forwarder, exporters are responsible for the required Electronic Export Information (EEI) elements and may be vulnerable to enforcement investigations and violations if the reporting is inaccurate or incomplete.

While this program will provide an overview of AES, the discussion will also detail the responsibilities of the parties involved in the transaction, license type and license exemption codes, and understanding when it is required to include ECCN and export license numbers in reporting. We will also discuss best practices for due diligence and auditing, and exporter obligations in routed export transactions, along with associated compliance risks.   

Speakers:  

  • Lynn Baltz, Sr. Vice President of Operations — J.F. Moran
  • Kathleen Kinahan-Newell, Trade Compliance Manager — Massachusetts Export Center
  • Ellie Salvati, Logistics Specialist — J.F. Moran  

Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Cost: $25, No charge for Compliance Alliance Members
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

Use of the Cloud for Export-Controlled Tech Data: Trends, Tips and Best Practices

Cloud technology has grown to become the standard for storing, sharing and accessing data for most businesses. However, companies using the cloud to store export-controlled tech data or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers using the cloud to distribute software functionality must take special precautions to ensure that they remain compliant with U.S. export control laws. Both the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) have provisions that allow for cloud usage for export-controlled technical data under certain conditions, but companies must be vigilant and implement data security protocols in order to remain compliant. 

Most recently, the cloud is back in the export control spotlight, with the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issuing a proposed rule in early 2024 that would require U.S. cloud or Infrastructure as a Service providers (IaaS) to create sweeping new programs to identify and track foreign customers while also authorizing BIS to block or restrict IaaS transactions in certain foreign jurisdictions or with certain foreign persons. The proposed rule also implements reporting requirements for IaaS providers when foreign customers use U.S. cloud infrastructure for certain AI applications.

Join us for this webinar that will review best practices and requirements for compliance when using the cloud for export-controlled technical data. The webinar will also discuss the allowances for cloud usage under the EAR and the ITAR while providing guidance for implementing effective data security protocols. Finally, the webinar will discuss the new proposed rule for IaaS providers and what this may mean for the future of export controls as they relate to the cloud.   

Speaker:

  • Steven Brotherton, Principal, U.S. & Global Export Controls and Sanctions Leader — KPMG US
  • Jenna Glass, Managing Director, Export Controls and Sanctions — KPMG LLP
  • Ellen Ozderman, Managing Director, Cyber Security Services — KPMG LLP

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: Online
Cost: $25; no charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

 

Important Training Notes

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 programs may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change.

Please note: Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email 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, 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.