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This popular workshop provides a complete overview of business start-up
and planning considerations, oriented to those planning a venture as
well as existing small business owners. Topics include the
entrepreneurial lifestyle, feasibility, business strategy, business plan
preparation, marketing, financing and additional resources. A free
workbook is provided. These seminars are offered free of charge.
Sessions are held at various locations throughout the Boston area.
> Click here for complete listing of dates,
times and locations.
You will be redirected to the Boston Regional Office's website. Click
'back' on your browser to return to this website.
Cost:
Free
Contact: Boston Regional
Office & Minority Business Center at 617-287-7750 or
sbdc@umb.edu
How to Obtain a GSA Schedules
Contract
This free one-day workshop is held monthly in Boston.
This workshop, designed to encourage and support small businesses
interested in obtaining a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract, is held
throughout the year. Learn more about contracting opportunities, the
procurement process and resources available.
Not sure which solicitation applies to your product or service? GSA's
Schedules e-Library website in order to view or download solicitations.
You can also view and download solicitations by visiting Federal
Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website.
Before attending the workshop, please review the
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding
the GSA Schedules Program.
GSA also has a
Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Express Program
- please direct questions regarding it to (866) 472-5738 or send email
to mas.express@gsa.gov.
Date: Ongoing monthly: March 17, April 12, May 12, June 16, July
14, August 18, September 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Location: Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr. Federal Building, Auditorium 1st
Floor, 10 Causeway Street, Boston (directions)
Cost: Free
Contact: U.S. General Services Administration at 866-734-1727
> Register online
Cosponsored by GSA Office of Small Business Utilization
*Sorry, this seminar is full*
Proven online strategies can help you launch your company's web presence, email newsletter or blog, and help you sell goods or services online. At this workshop, you will learn how to track your marketing and sales progress through web analytics.
The workshop will touch on natural and paid search engine marketing, developing keywords, shopping carts, web graphics and building your email list to reach your target market. The speaker will be Carol Sanger of the The Web Division.
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Finding the Right Insurance For Your Business
Protect your business and personal assets and avoid liability by obtaining proper insurance protection prior to unexpected events. Selecting a cost-effective and appropriate insurance plan and assessing your company's potential risks are part of the process. The workshop covers liability, property, vehicle, workers compensation, and employee benefits insurance. The speaker will be Marc Slafsky.
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: North Shore Community
College, 100 Cummings Center, 181 Elliot Street, Suite
121-E (Room C01), Beverly (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact:
Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Principles of Effective Email Marketing
Email provides one of the best returns on investment in the standard marketing arsenal, but are you doing all you can to get the most out of this medium? This discussion will cover email marketing techniques, design do's and don'ts, content relevancy, effective segmentation, animations and video, reporting and analytics, testing techniques, nurturing campaigns, autoresponders, techie terminology, and email's love-hate relationship with social media.
The speaker will be Eric Salerno, President Red Ember Marketing.
Date: Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location:
Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost: $10 - pay via
credit card or PayPal with link below
Contact:
Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
> Register online - you will be redirected to the Enterprise Center's merchant to pay
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College and the Creative Economy Association of the North Shore
*Registration reopened - additional space available for a limited time only*
This
workshop will focus on strategies for creating communities using
Twitter and blogs.
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: HarborOne Credit Union, 131 Copeland Drive, Mansfield
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi Jacobsen or Alison Moriarty at 508-673-9783 or register online with link below
> Register online
Cosponsored by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce & HarborOne Credit Union
This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business plan development. Topics will include: financing, marketing and business planning.
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main Street,
Greenfield
Cost: $35
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
Mobile Marketing Primer: Create Powerful Mobile Marketing Programs
The mobile phone has become one of the most social, intelligent and personal devices.
With over 207 million mobile phone subscribers in the U.S. and growing, mobile marketing is the next big trend in marketing. Learn how to use mobile marketing to acquire customers, increase sales, improve customer satisfaction and build loyalty.
Tactics include SMS (text) campaigns, mobile applications (e.g. iPhone, BlackBerry apps), mobile web advertising and many more sophisticated technologies.
The speaker will be Heather Sears, President of Mobile Synergies.
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location:
Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost: $10 - pay
via credit card or PayPal with link below
Contact:
Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College and the Creative Economy Association of the North Shore
*Sorry, this seminar is full*
So, you’ve never had any formal business or accounting training, and you’re not sure what’s coming in, what’s going out, and whether you’re making money or not. This two-hour workshop will introduce you to the wonderful world of finance and accounting. We will cover a number of basics that every entrepreneur or company owner (big or small) should know- including record-keeping, tax considerations, cost accounting, pricing, financial statements, accounting software, vendors, and strategies for keeping it all together.
Date: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Copley Square Library, 700
Boylston Street, Conference Room 05/06, Boston (directions)
Cost: Free
Contact: Boston Regional Office & Minority
Business Center at 617-287-7750
Cosponsored by the Kirstein Business Library
Are you struggling to keep your business running? Are you looking to expand your business? Business attorneys from Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP and business advisors from the MA Small Business Development Center Network Southeast Regional Office will provide one-on-one feedback about the business or legal issues you and your company are facing.
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: TBD
Cost: Free
Contact: For registration and location information,
please contact Nathaniel Kurtis at the Lawyer's Committee for Civil
Rights at 617-988-0611 or by email at
nkurtis@lawyerscom.org
Cosponsored by the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights, Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce, New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce & the Southern New England School of Law
TSA Certified Cargo
Screening Program
What Are You Doing to
Meet the August, 2010 100% Screening Deadline?
As
of August, 2010, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will
require 100% screening of all cargo on passenger aircraft. This will
dramatically affect the processing and efficiency of air cargo exports.
Several challenges are expected to create a bottleneck as export
shipments are processed.
Will your forwarder, carrier or airport be ready for the deluge of
parcels requiring inspection? Will you be at the front of the line or
the end of the line when handing off cargo to carriers? Do YOU want to
control the screening of your cargo?
TSA’s Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) is a voluntary program
that will provide maximum control for shippers as they process their air
cargo shipments. The CCSP entails development and implementation of
procedures and policies for shippers to self-screen and prevent
unauthorized access to their cargo. CCSP shippers will enjoy fast-track
access for their cargo at carrier facilities and will avoid the backlogs
and delays anticipated once the 100% cargo screening requirements go
into effect. CCSP shippers will also eliminate the possibility of
having their cargo opened at forwarder or carrier facilities. C-TPAT
certified companies already possess many of the CCSP requirements!
This seminar, which includes Sensitive Security Information (SSI), will
explain in detail the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP) and how
this program may have a significant impact on your company’s global
supply chain operations. We hope that this program will help you to
make an informed decision as to how your company should address cargo
screening and its associated risks and benefits. We encourage questions
and dialogue at all times.
Speakers Include:
- Akmal Ali, J.D. with the Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, Science & Technology Directorate, Department of Homeland Security
- Douglas Brittin, Air Cargo Manager with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Douglas Foster, Assistant Branch Chief, Certified Cargo Screening Program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association
- Yvette Jamison, Principal Cargo Security Analyst with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Gary Lupinacci, Assistant Branch Chief, Certified Cargo Screening Program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Varrick Smith, Technology Program Manager, Air Cargo with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
- Harvey Waite, Vice President of Oceanair, Inc.
Seminar Security Note:
All companies attending must be "Known Shippers" as
listed in the TSA database. All attendees must be a
Due to security requirements, deadline for
registration is Friday, March 19
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Time: Registration 10:30 a.m.; Program 11:00 a.m. -
4:00 p.m.
Location: Radisson Hotel, 200 Stuart Street, Boston (directions)
*Special room rates available
Cost: $95 / $85 for members of the Compliance Alliance; includes lunch and seminar materials
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at
617-973-8664. Register online with link below.
* The Radisson Hotel is offering a special room rate of $169 per night for March 24-25. When making your reservation, mention that you are attending the Massachusetts Export Center’s event.
Marketing-Revisited on the World Wide Web
Even if you thought you were marketing your business and were all ready for the rebound economy, take another look - times are changing fast. Marketing has changed drastically and you need to be sure you are up to speed with the latest concepts in this challenging world. You will learn how to put together a Marketing Program to help build the foundation of your business that incorporates today's innovations. You'll create the opportunity to reach out to a variety of prospects and potential clients if you can get recognized. This includes learning about marketing on the world-wide-web! Join us for this informative, interactive workshop and leave with the basics to design your very own Marketing Program.
The speaker will be Fern Nissim, CMD, principal of Integrated Marketing Source (North Grafton).
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Time: Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins University
Center at Clark University, Worcester (directions)
Cost: $39 - prepayment required to reserve a space
Contact: MSBDC at Clark University 508-793-7615 or via
email at sbdc@clarku.edu. Register
online with link below.
Cosponsored by Bank of America and TD Bank
Facing the Challenge - Marketing in Tough Times
*Please note location change
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:
JFK Museum, 397 Main Street, Hyannis (parking available in rear of
building)
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
Using Social Media to Increase Sales
Social networking has taken the Internet by storm and is once again changing the face of communications. Our marketing specialist will explain Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Flickr. Whether your goal is more traffic to your web site, enhanced awareness of your company and product brands or increased sales, learn how this can translate into success for your company. The two speakers will explain how they use social media on a modest and practical level to help them improve customer relations and increase sales for their businesses. This session will be extremely helpful to cut through the confusion surrounding social media.
The speakers will be Shari Worthington, president of Telesian Technology, Inc. (Worcester) and Jill Zelley, owner of Mountainside Market, Country Conveniences and Cafe (Princeton).
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time: Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Grace Conference Room,
Higgins University Center at Clark University, Worcester
(directions)
Cost: $39 - prepayment required to
reserve a space
Contact: MSBDC at Clark University
508-793-7615 or via email at
sbdc@clarku.edu.
Register online with link below.
Cosponsored by Bay State Savings Bank and Sovereign Bank
Doing Business in Emerging Markets: China, India and Brazil
As we enter this global century, there are great opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in expanding into new markets. Come hear about the emerging middle class markets in these countries that have the best growth prospects.
Retail, automobile, financial services, healthcare and technology companies have strong growth drivers. The speaker will discuss the opportunities and challenges of these sectors and some of the unique aspects of doing business with, and in, these nations. This includes regulations, taxes, infrastructure costs, profit margins, wage rates, and growth of incomes and per capita health care spending by country.
The speakers will be Rob Lutts, President and CIO of Cabot Money Management and Marie Hladikova, CGBP and Trade Services Manager with the Massachusetts Export Center.
Date: Thursday, April 1, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This
workshop will teach clients how to open a LinkedIn as well as a
Facebook account. We will discuss registering businesses in both
networks along with fan pages and discussion groups.
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Irish Cultural Centre of New England,
200 New Boston Drive, Canton
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at
the MSBDC 508-673-9783
or register online with link below
Cosponsored by the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce
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, April, 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Falmouth Chamber of Commerce, 20 Academy Lane, Falmouth
Cost: $5.00
Contact: Marcia Gaudet at Coastal Community Capital at 508-362-3367
Cosponsored by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Community Capital and the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce
This workshop will focus on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research - primary, secondary, qualitative and quantitative. The core focus will be on developing and keeping a customer. Topics will include advertising, public relations, and the importance of developing a marketing plan.
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Location: TDBank Community Room, 175 Main Street, Northampton
Cost: $35
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
Business Legal Issues
Ensure the smooth flow of your business by selecting the appropriate legal structure, obtaining permits and licenses, protecting business assets and knowing your responsibilities as an employer. Although formal legal advice cannot be offered, this workshop will provide guidelines for your venture.
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Northern Essex Community
College North Andover Campus, 1600 Osgood Street,
Room
17, North Andover (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Search
engines and search engine optimization, social networking (Facebook,
Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, MySpace), blogs and
e-newsletters... What are they? What do they do And, are they
the right tools for your type of business? Should you use a
social network? A blog? Or something in between? Find out how
these tools can take your business to the next level.
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: HarborOne Credit Union, 131 Copeland Drive, Mansfield
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at the MSBDC at
508-673-9783 or register with link below
Cosponsored by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and HarborOne Credit Union
Developing Brand Essence to Capture and Keep Your Clients
It's not enough these days if they just remember your name--it's how they feel about you. A Brand Essence captures the heart and intrinsic nature of your company. When your brand is strong, you develop lasting emotional ties to and loyalty of your costumers. In this economic climate, strong brands with strong personal connections will be the ones that persevere.
The speaker will be Richard Earl who has over 30 years of experience with notable advertising campaigns for P&G, Johnson & Johnson and more. He will discuss how you can create a Brand Essence for your company. He is currently with the Regis Group.
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Learn from a banker and a consultant how a lender looks at your loan request. Credit quality, cash flow and collateral are key. This presentation will focus on preparing your existing business or startup venture for financing. Sources of capital, including SBA guaranteed bank loans, will be discussed. The speakers will be Bob Vieira, management consultant and a banker.
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Middlesex Community College
at The Career Place,
100 Sylvan Road, Trade Center Park, Woburn
(directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cash Flow Your Way To Breakeven
Why do bankers say "cash flow is king?" How is cash flow different from profit? This workshop and its simple but realistic class exercise will help you understand cash flow, assess when you will need capital, and position your business for bank financing. The speaker will be Jane Johnson, CPA and CMA, B2B CFO, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This workshop is geared toward helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one’s own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing, and the loan application process will be presented. Attendees will also be provided with a guide to writing a business plan and other materials. Complimentary breakfast will be provided.
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Time: Registration 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Harbor View Hotel, 131 North Water Street,
Edgartown
Cost: Free
Contact: Tamarah Barao, SEED Corporation @ 508-822-1020
Cosponsored by SEED Corporation, Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Martha's Vineyard Commission and SCORE
This workshop is geared toward helping potential entrepreneurs evaluate and understand the fundamentals of owning one’s own business. Information on how to get started, where and how to get financing, and the loan application process will be presented. Attendees will also be provided with a guide to writing a business plan and other materials. Complimentary breakfast will be provided.
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Time: Registration 8:00 a.m.; Program 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Harbor View Hotel, 131 North Water Street,
Edgartown
Cost: Free
Contact: Tamarah Barao, SEED Corporation @ 508-822-1020
Cosponsored by SEED Corporation, Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank, Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, Martha's Vineyard Commission and SCORE
The
Small Business Experience/Creating a Social Media Plan
Part I: What is social media and what social media tools are small businesses using? Come hear a panel of small businesses talk about their experiences and what the future holds. Part II: Learn the seven steps needed to develop a social media plan based on your business purpose, social media purpose, target audience & your resources.
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - noon
Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1
Federal Street, Springfield (directions)
Cost: $40
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
Twitter & Blogs
Learn the basics: • what they are • why to use them
• how to get started
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal Street, Springfield (directions)
Cost: $40
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
LinkedIn & Facebook
Learn the basics: • what they are • why to use them
• how to get started
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1
Federal Street, Springfield (directions)
Cost: $40
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
*Sorry, this seminar is full*
So, you’ve already started your business, but nobody is calling, and nobody is buying (or they aren’t buying enough!). This workshop provides an overview and orientation to basic marketing concepts, strategies and tactics. You will learn about developing marketing strategies, conducting research, establishing pricing, the meaning of “branding”, distribution channels, advertising, public relations, and most importantly, ideas for maximizing awareness and sales.
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Copley Square Library, 700 Boylston Street, McKim Building, Orientation Room, Boston (directions)
Cost: Free
Contact: Boston Regional Office & Minority Business Center at 617-287-7750
Cosponsored by the Kirstein Business Library
*Sorry, this seminar is full*
Effective marketing -- the process of identifying, reaching, capturing, and retaining your customers -- is essential to business success. This workshop will provide simple, cost effective, and practical approaches to marketing your business. Our experienced presenter will explore and discuss a wide range of marketing resources, tools and tips. The speaker will be Ellen Kaplan of Possibilities at Work.
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: North Shore Community College
100 Cummings Center,
181 Elliot Street, Suite 121-E, Beverly
(directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu.
Tear Down the Walls: Running a Successful Virtual Company
Want to cut down on costs, be able to hire good people from anywhere, and easily stay in touch with customers from all over the world? Our panelists, who are all part of virtual companies, will discuss the virtues and downfalls of running a virtual company, tips on how to get started, how to build client trust, and how to manage your team when the office is in cyberspace.
The speakers will be Peter Gordon, Founder Patent GC LLC; Lyn Kaplan, President North Shore Technology Council and Consultant at Administaff; and Kathy Murphy, President of Chi Solutions, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up consideration through business plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing and business planning.
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Location: MSBDC Berkshire Regional Office, 75
North Street, Suite 360, Pittsfield (directions)
Cost: $25
Contact: Andrea Morris at 413-499-0933.
Register online with link below.
Are Your Company's Files Secure?
Massachusetts has imposed the most stringent data security regulations in the nation for all businesses large and small. Non-compliant business files and computers can subject your company to fines/investigations by the Atty. General's Office and or data breach litigation. Learn how to understand the laws and requirements that could save you $1000's in fines. One of our speakers will address the legal issues and the other has the knowledge to discuss the technology implications.
The speakers will be Shehzad Rajwani, Esq., from the Harbor Law Group (Northborough) and Adam Winter, president of Swiftec IT, Inc. (Shrewsbury).
Date: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Time: Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program 9:00 a.m.
- Noon
Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins
University Center at Clark University, Worcester (directions)
Cost: $39 - prepayment required to reserve a
space
Contact: MSBDC at Clark University 508-793-7615
or via email at sbdc@clarku.edu.
Register online with link below.
Cosponsored by Commonwealth National Bank, The Harbor Law Group and Mirick O'Connell
Employment Law: Illuminating the Interviewing, Hiring and Termination Process
If you think common sense is good enough in the hiring and termination process, think again! This workshop will give you practical tips in the hiring and termination process such as the essential components of a job description, what you can and can’t ask in an interview, how to use reference checks to your advantage, how to convey the offer, when to use discipline, the discharge process and significant COBRA changes.
The speaker will be Sarah Schwartz, President and Managing Partner of Schwartz Hannum PC.
Date: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This
workshop will focus on strategies for creating communities using
Twitter and blogs.
Date:
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Time:
8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Location:
Irish Cultural Centre of New England, 200 New Boston Drive,
Canton
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at
the MSBDC 508-673-9783
or register online with link below
Cosponsored by the Irish Cultural Centre of New England, Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce
Financing Your Business: Do You Qualify?
Learn from a banker and a consultant how a lender looks at your loan request. Credit quality, cash flow and collateral are key. This presentation will focus on preparing your existing business or startup venture for financing. Sources of capital, including SBA guaranteed bank loans, will be discussed. The speakers will be management consultant Bob Vieira, and a banker.
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Northern Essex Community
College North Andover Campus, 1600 Osgood Street,
Room
17, North Andover (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Social Media, Search and Digital Media Optimization
Recent advancements in online social networking, social search and real-time search guarantee that the world of search and online marketing will change forever. When search marketers realized they could influence organic search results by optimizing social media site content and pushing it into top positions of search results they embraced it. This seminar has been designed to guide you through the complex landscape of traditional social media and how to create a finely-tuned online marketing program that will boost search engine traffic, build brand-awareness, drive deep user engagement and generate viral online buzz.
The speaker will be Louise Rijk, vice president of Sales and Marketing at Advanced Media Productions, Inc. (Natick).
Date: Thursday, May 6, 2010
Time: Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins
University Center at Clark University, Worcester (directions)
Cost: $39 - prepayment required to reserve a
space
Contact: MSBDC at Clark University 508-793-7615
or via email at sbdc@clarku.edu.
Register online with link below.
Cosponsored by Fidelity Investments and Webster Five Cents Savings
Career Transition Forum: Looking for a Career Change?
This special CAREER TRANSITION FORUM is an interactive discussion for both current and possibly future business owners as well as other professionals who are considering a career change or are looking for a job.
The forum covers: Discovering career options, identifying strategies effective in today’s economy, the importance of recognizing values and satisfaction in your work life; addressing the most difficult part of changing careers; how to create a successful career transition process; and how to communicate your competitive advantage.
The speaker will be Joycelyn Snell, Founder Professional Career Solutions.
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Time:
8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Why do bankers say "cash flow is king?" How is cash flow different from profit? This workshop and its simple but realistic class exercise will help you understand cash flow, assess when you will need capital, and position your business for bank financing. The speaker will be Jane Johnson, CPA and CMA, B2B CFO, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Middlesex Community College
at The Career Place,
100 Sylvan Road, Trade Center Park, Woburn
(directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Why should I buy from you? What makes you special? These questions cut to the core of nearly every purchase decision you make, and your prospects are no different.
How do you answer? Are you authentic, formulaic, or improvised? You should be all three, but to what degree, when, with whom, and how.
Come learn some concrete and easy to master tools to help you in every sales situation you encounter no matter what the environment or what you sell.
Date: Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal Street,
Springfield (directions)
Cost: $40
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
Direct Marketing: Creating Qualified Leads for Your Business
This workshop explains how to undertake a successful direct marketing campaign for both electronic and print media. You will learn how to develop direct mail campaigns that cut through the clutter and get responses from your target audience.
This workshop will also explain how to develop strategies, how to create compelling messages and how to choose offers that will yield the highest response rate for your business. This workshop is geared to both business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) marketing.
The speaker will be Paul Sullivan, Principal and Creative Director of ivan, paul.
Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010
Time:
8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Protect your business and personal assets and avoid liability by obtaining proper insurance protection prior to unexpected events. Selecting a cost-effective and appropriate insurance plan and assessing your company's potential risks are part of the process. The workshop covers liability, property, vehicle, workers compensation, and employee benefits insurance. The speaker will be Marc Slafsky.
Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This
workshop will teach clients how to open a LinkedIn as well as a
Facebook account. We will discuss registering businesses in both
networks along with fan pages and discussion groups.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: HarborOne Credit Union, 131 Copeland
Drive, Mansfield
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at
the MSBDC 508-673-9783
or register online with link below
Cosponsored by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce & HarborOne Credit Union
eMarketing - Internet Tools 101
There are a vast array of internet tools that can be used to improve customer loyalty and increase sales for small businesses. Determining which are the best techniques to use for your business and where do you start, can seem to be an overwhelming task. This session will explain and demonstrate the basics of a variety of these options. It will include the pros and cons as well as providing some "screen shots" of the most popular tools. This session is an overview of internet tools - not an in depth training. Most of the tools are either free or have a modest controllable cost, however, most of them will require an investment of time to achieve a significant benefit.
The speaker will be Gregory M. Charland, owner and lead consultant of Charland Technology (Hubbardston).
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: Registration 8:45 a.m.; Program 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Grace Conference Room, Higgins University
Center at Clark University, Worcester (directions)
Cost: $39 - prepayment required to reserve a space
Contact: MSBDC at Clark University 508-793-7615 or via
email at sbdc@clarku.edu. Register
online with link below.
Cosponsored by Commerce Bank and Middlesex Savings Bank
Any economic transaction embodies a contract. In this comprehensive overview of business law and contracts, you will learn about how contracts are defined and constructed, the types of law that govern contracts, navigating oral and written contracts, contracts in the internet age, breaches, disputes, and different avenues for remediation, bankruptcy, and typical issues and areas of concern, including product liability, employment agreements, commercial leases, and finding corporate attorneys to meet your need.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Copley Square Library, 700 Boylston Street, McKim Building, Orientation Room, Boston (directions)
Cost: Free
Contact: Boston Regional Office & Minority Business Center at 617-287-7750 or register online with link below.
> Register online
Cosponsored by the Kirstein Business Library and Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights
Ensure the smooth flow of your business by selecting the appropriate legal structure, obtaining permits and licenses, protecting business assets and knowing your responsibilities as an employer. Although formal legal advice cannot be offered, this workshop will provide guidelines for your venture.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: North Shore Community College
100 Cummings Center,
181 Elliot Street, Suite 121-E (Room C01), Beverly
(directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
This workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business plan development. Topics will include: financing, marketing & business planning.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: Amherst Town Hall, 1st Floor Meeting Room, 4 Boltwood
Walk, Amherst
Cost: $35
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
Did you know that Chinese is spoken by more than 1.5 billion people globally and the Hispanic/Latino purchasing power is expected to reach $1 trillion in 2010? If you want to take your business to the global market, this workshop will give you an introduction to how you can leverage technology, language and culture to improve your bottom line and how to communicate in a global environment.
The speaker will be Kaarina Kvaark, Founder Able Innovations.
Date: Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Time:
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Create An Interactive Website For Your Small Business: A One-Day Boot Camp
Learn the basics of Joomla! - a popular open source content management system that lets you build complex websites without a programming or design background. Create a new website including event calendar, photo gallery, contact form and more. Learn to plan your site, enter and edit content and menus, and install extensions. Comfort with Microsoft Word and your internet browser required.
Note: this workshop will not include e-commerce or shopping cart features.
Date: Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal Street,
Springfield (directions)
Cost: $75
Contact: Western Regional
Office SBDC at 413-737-6712 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu. Register online with link
below.
New Law as of March 1: Your Company and Identity Theft
As of March 1, 2010, an important new Massachusetts state law takes effect to protect the Personal Information (PI) of consumers and employees. Learn what steps your company must take to avoid costly fines, protect this data and protect your operations. This information is critical for every company and institution.
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Time: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Location:
Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact:
Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Is
your company's website prepared to handle overseas customers? E-commerce is increasing rapidly in the United States, and even more so outside of the United States!
Why Should I Attend?
Many small and medium sized businesses have become savvy in finding customers and selling their products through their websites. However, with the high-speed, and expanding reach, of today's business environment, companies are finding it necessary to continually adapt, improve, and more effectively use, their websites to appeal to and accommodate international customers. But with constraints on staff and budgets, companies are also faced with the need to maximize outreach strategies. If you've ever asked yourself if there are simple tools and best practices to make your company's website work for you in attracting foreign buyers, distributors, and customers, then this seminar is 2G2BT…too good to be true that is!
Who Should Attend?
Expert speakers and panelists will address a wide range of topics for both B2B and B2C firms. If you have questions such as the ones below, you will benefit from attending this conference!
- How do I decide which markets to target overseas with my website?
- How do I even start trying to localize my website?
- Should I register my website in an overseas market?
- How do overseas search engines find my website?
- How can I make my website easier for international customers to navigate?
- Should I translate my website into foreign languages so it can be found
on overseas search engines?
- What are overseas customers saying about my product and brand?
- How do I retain foreign customers on my website?
- How do I avoid online scams and how can I trust an inquiry that comes from
my website?
- How do I take international orders online when duties and customs and
shipping rates vary?
- What are common methods of payment outside of the United States?
- Can I use export insurance to protect myself against default of payments
from overseas buyers?
This interactive conference will feature speakers and break-out discussions on the following topics: Marketing Your Brand Online to Overseas Customers, Keeping International Visitors on Your Website, and Getting Paid While Avoiding Fraud.
For further information, please click here.
Dates: June 9-10, 2010
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Boston
Cost: $295 (early bird registration before May 1) and $350 after May 1, 2010. Price is per participant and includes lunch, coffee breaks & materials. ** If you are a client of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and/or the Massachusetts Export Center, please call our office at 617-973-8664 for a link to special discount pricing.
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at 617-973-8664. Non-SBDC registration is available online by clicking here.
Innovative and practical approaches to sales will quickly improve your company's bottom line. Learn about cold calling, closing sales, getting that first appointment, making presentations and developing positive long-term relationships with customers.
The speaker will be Jay Wallus of Street Smart Business Development.
Note: This workshop does not cover marketing.
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
This workshop will focus on strategies for creating communities using Twitter and blogs.
Date: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Location: HarborOne Credit Union, 131 Copeland Drive,
Mansfield
Cost: Free
Contact: Tammi or Alison at the MSBDC at 508-673-9783
or register online with link below
Cosponsored by the United Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce and the HarborOne Credit Union
Doing Business in the Americas (North America, South America and the Caribbean)
Hispanics and Latin Americans are changing the face of the Business to Consumer market in the US. These Pan American markets are the fastest growing B2C market segments in the US and are projected to reach 25% by 2050.
In this workshop, Eduardo Crespo will delve into how your business can tap into the Hispanic markets by understanding the idiosyncrasies of language, culture and media consumption and how this can help you develop a targeted marketing strategy for your business.
The speaker will be Eduardo Crespo, CEO Hispanic Market Solutions.
Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
As the recession recedes and hiring begins to increase, many employees will be looking to change jobs. Keeping your best talent while you are hiring new talent become major challenges. This workshop will explain how to keep good talent and how to search for new talent to maximize your success now and in the future.
The speaker will be Mo Nariani, founder and Marketing/Talent Acquisition director for JOE GREEN Home Solutions, Inc.
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College
Still not using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and other
social media sites? You might be missing out on a
valuable business opportunity. This workshop for
beginners will guide you through the maze of social
media and how to use them.
The speaker will be Judy Parisella, founder of MOJO2GO.
Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Time: 8:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Location: Enterprise Center at Salem
State College, 121 Loring Avenue, Suite 106, Salem (directions)
Cost:
No charge
Contact: Laurel
Costello
at the SBDC at 978-542-6343 or lcostello@salemstate.edu. Register online
with link below.
Cosponsored by the Enterprise Center at Salem State College