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. |
|
|
~~~ 2026 Training Calendar |
|
|---|---|
|
Unless otherwise
noted, training is offered online.
= export training |
|
| JANUARY | |
| 20 | Small Business Taxes - Part 1 |
| 21 | Conversations That Matter: Strategic Planning and Goal Setting for the New Year |
| 22 | Unlock Your Business Potential Workshop (in-person) |
| 22 | Are You Bankable? |
| 23 | Free Legal Clinic |
| 27 | Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners |
| 28 | Small Business Cash Flow Essentials |
| 29 | Tax Planning for Small Business Owners |
| FEBRUARY | |
| 3 | Financials 101 |
| 4 | Tech Talks with Rob - Beyond Passwords: Untangling the Security Alphabet Soup |
| 10 | Small Business Taxes - Part 2 |
| 11 | Borrowing Basics for Startups |
| 17 | Understanding the Business Loan Process |
| 18 | Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners |
| 24 | AI for Small Business: Legal Risks and Ethical IP Guardrails |
| 26 | Are You Bankable? |
| 26-27 |
Export Expo |
| MARCH | |
| 10 | Intellectual Property Fundamentals: Trademark, Copyright, and Trade Secret |
| 18 | Developing an Effective Government Focused Capability Statement |
|
|
|
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: Held on the first Wednesday of the month
- click on date below to register
Feb 4 Topic - Beyond Passwords: Untangling the Security Alphabet Soup Join us for an enlightening webinar series designed specifically for small business owners looking to navigate the complex world of technology. Are you feeling overwhelmed by all the talk about passwords, passkeys, and multi-factor authentication? You’re not alone! Join us for a practical and engaging Tech Talk that breaks down the different security methods available to protect your business. From authentication apps to biometrics and beyond, we will make sense of the options and help you choose what works best for your small business. You will learn:
|
|---|
|
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
|
|
Join the Massachusetts SBDC Northeast office and IRS Stakeholder Liaison for a two-part webinar series designed to help small business owners navigate key IRS topics and better understand their tax responsibilities. Whether you're just getting started or looking to enhance your financial management, this series offers valuable insights and practical guidance directly from the IRS. In Part 1, you will learn about Getting Started - Building a Strong Foundation. Topics will include:
We will also focus on setting up your business for success by helping you understand your obligations and the resources available to you. The speaker will be Jeffrey Latessa, IRS Communications & Liaison and Stakeholder with the Internal Revenue Services. Space is limited, so register now! Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
|
|
Conversations That Matter: Strategic Planning and Goal Setting for the New Year The New Year brings a powerful opportunity to shape your strategic plan for 2026. How do you want your business to grow this year—and what concrete actions can you take in January to turn that vision into reality? This upcoming training will help you set clear, realistic, and ambitious goals while equipping you with practical tools to build resilience and strengthen adaptability. In today’s climate of ongoing economic and workforce uncertainty, success belongs to leaders who plan intentionally and act decisively. The speaker will be Tamara Sime, CEO & Owner of TEC Staffing Services. Tamara began her career at GE Plastics, serving in multiple financial roles over seven years and graduating from GE’s Financial Management Program. In 2001, she became CFO of a local employment agency, where she spent 19 years driving significant revenue and profit growth. In late 2020, she founded TEC Staffing Services, followed by the launch of TEC Consulting Services in 2024. Since then, Tamara has advised entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries, with a growing consulting portfolio. Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
|
|
Unlock Your Business Potential Workshop Gain access to the information and support you need to start, grow and sustain your business. Join us for an opportunity to hear from local experts on products, services, resources and educational programs available to help your business thrive. Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Cosponsored by HarborOne Bank, U.S. Small Business Administration, SEED, Office of the State Treasurer and SCORE |
|
Entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southeastern Massachusetts are eligible to meet with Attorney Christopher Cassara for a one-time, one-on-one, 30-minute appointment. Click here to determine if you qualify for a free appointment.
Date: Friday, January 23,
2026 Cosponsored by Partridge Snow, & Hahn LLP |
|
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners You’ve likely heard the SEO acronym many times, but what does it mean for your small business? This webinar will provide an overview of SEO fundamentals including:
The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
|
|
Small Business Cash Flow Essentials Cash flow is the heartbeat of every small business, and understanding how to manage it effectively can determine whether your business survives or thrives. This webinar covers the fundamentals of cash flow management and is designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their financial stability and plan for long-term growth. During this session, participants will learn:
Whether you're experiencing cash flow challenges or simply want to optimize your financial operations, this workshop will offer practical strategies and real-world tools you can begin using right away. The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist with Cambridge Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
|
|
Tax Planning for Small Business Owners Join Larry Nannis to discuss tax preparations for the small business owner. Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
Cosponsored by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) and MassDevelopment Growth Capital Division |
|
Every Small Business should know how to keep detailed records of the daily transactions involved in their business. They create reports that allow management, stakeholders and regulating authorities to have insight into the financial health of the organization. As the business owner, you need to understand the metrics that are reported in the cash flow and income statements, and balance sheets and how they relate to each other. This workshop will go over all three of these topics and show examples of each one. The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
|
|
In Part 2 of the Small Business Taxes webinar series, learn about Managing and Growing--Staying Compliant and Informed. Topics will include:
This session will dive into ongoing compliance, maximizing available tax benefits, and best practices for managing your business finances. The speaker will be Jeffrey Latessa IRS Communications & Liaison and Stakeholder with the Internal Revenue Services. Space is limited, so register now!
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
|
|
SEED Corporation in conjunction with Massachusetts Small Business Development Center is hosting a Borrowing Basics Webinar for business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. During this virtual session, participants will learn the fundamentals of financing a small business, what lenders look for in a loan application, and funding programs available to start-up and existing businesses. Topics will include the Six C's of Credit, traditional versus non-traditional lending requirements, and SBA loan programs. Speakers:
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
|
|
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
|
|
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 |
|
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! Speakers and content to be announced soon. Click here to view a recap video of our 2025 Export Expo. Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2026 Export Expo Sponsorship Package (pdf). 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 |
|
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.