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. |
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Program Descriptions
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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
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How to Recruit, Train and Retain Top Talent - cancelled The most valuable asset for any business is its people. During this high-powered, interactive webinar you will engage with other business leaders to learn the Ten Essentials for Building a Top-performing Team. Your team defines your culture and represent your brand as ambassadors. You need to attract the best of the best talent in this competitive environment today. The speaker will be Tom Herald, regional director of the Massachusetts SBDC at Clark University. Tom will share tips from some of the top recruiters in the business to help you get those first round picks before your competitors. Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
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Are you looking to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This workshop will guide you through the essential steps of launching your business. We will cover key business fundamentals, from start-up considerations and business structure options to creating a strong business plan. Participants will also learn how to identify effective marketing strategies and explore potential funding sources to support their goals. Whether you’re just beginning to brainstorm or ready to take the next step, this session will provide the tools and confidence to move your business idea forward! Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2025
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Understanding Cash Flow and How It Affects Your Business Many a new business owner has asked, "What is cash flow and why is it so important?" The short answer is cash flow is the amount of money coming in to a business and the amount of money going out. Think of it as a water tank — water comes in at the top and drains out the bottom. So to keep your tank nice and full, you want more coming in than going out. Your business runs on cash — cash in and cash out — a very critical aspect to you and your business. This webinar will help you understand what cash flow is, why it's so important, and how to monitor. Whether you hire someone to handle your financials or do them yourself, you must understand these fundamentals. This workshop will teach:
The speakers will be Alison Walsh and Matthew Ogrodowicz, Certified Public Accountants with Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP. Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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Country of Origin as a Tariff Mitigation Strategy in the Current Trade Environment While country of origin determination has always been a crucial element of supply chain management, it has become even more critical in the current trade environment. The analysis of the relative value of components based on detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) is insufficient for origin determination in most cases. With FTAs in flux and new rules announced weekly, it’s not clear which trade agreements may still be used to determine origin. While USMCA origin determination remains an important tool for companies trading with Canada and Mexico, rules differ for other trade agreements and are even less defined for products of the countries that do not have FTAs with the US. Historically, substantial transformation and essential character have been two guiding principles for origin determination. However, the interpretation of substantial transformation has evolved, and the US Customs has been moving away from determining product origin based on the origin of the essential component. This webinar will discuss general principles of origin determination and their current interpretation by the US Customs, review trade agreements that are still applicable for origin determination and outline country of origin management strategies that can help businesses navigate the current trade environment. Our speaker will be Matthew Bock, managing partner with Bock Trade Law. Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
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Join us for a 2-day networking conference designed to spark connections, share insights and deliver unmatched value for your professional growth. What's in store? Speaker panels, networking sessions, and a pitch competition! Dates: Friday & Saturday, October 10 -11, 2025
Cosponsored by Rockland Trust and MassDevelopment |
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Unlock the Power of AI for Small Business Marketing Are you a small business owner looking to stay ahead of the curve in today’s fast-changing digital landscape? Join us for a hands-on workshop. In this interactive workshop, you will to learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can transform your marketing—fast. What you will learn:
Who should attend:
Bring your laptop...this is a hands-on working session, not a lecture. Get step-by-step guidance as you apply AI tools directly to your business in real time. The presenter will be Rob DelMastro, regional director of the Massachusetts SBDC - Berkshire and Western Regions. Rob is a seasoned advisor with over 30 years in tech and entrepreneurship. His practical, no-fluff approach makes AI accessible for small businesses. Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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AI and Export Compliance: Going Beyond the Consolidated Screening List For U.S. exporters, establishing screening procedures is critical to ensure compliance with U.S. export regulations and protect against the export of sensitive goods and technologies to restricted end users and uses. But screening goes well beyond simply checking the Consolidated Screening List. With stepped up enforcement on U.S. exports, businesses are under increased pressure to dig deeper - vetting customers, ownership structures and supply chain partners. The challenge is that much of the information needed for due diligence isn’t always readily available, and in some cases, is deliberately obscured. This webinar will provide practical information for meeting the rising enforcement expectations. Our speakers will discuss export screening requirements and best practices, evaluating ownership structures, and using sources beyond the CSL to clear red flags. Participants will also learn how artificial intelligence can streamline KYC investigations and make them more effective. We hope you will join us! Our speakers include:
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners You’ve likely heard this acronym many times, but what does it mean for your small business? This webinar will provide an overview of SEO fundamentals including: how search engines work; the importance of keyword research; on- and off-page optimizations; and how to use metrics to measure performance. The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, senior business advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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The agenda will feature presentations, hands-on activities, and dedicated networking time. Come discover more about social media, understanding your audience, matching your strategies to your audience, creating effective content, and using AI in social posts that you can implement right away. Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Sponsored by the Women Business Owners Alliance; cosponsored by the Massachusetts SBDC |
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Compliance Clinic for Compliance Alliance members only** Calling all Compliance Alliance members! Join us for an 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 case of questions requiring legal expertise. The Resident Expert for this Compliance Clinic will be fellow Compliance Alliance member, Ashley Roberts, counsel with the law firm of Hogan Lovells. Date: Friday, October
24, 2025
**Not a member yet? Join during our fall promotion for 50% off regular membership pricing (promo expires 9/30/25). Click here for details! |
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Google Analytics Made Simple: Unlock the Key Insights for Your Business Struggling to make sense of Google Analytics 4 (GA4)? Join us for an engaging session designed specifically for small business owners! Learn how to track key metrics, interpret data, and use GA4 insights to grow your business. Whether you are new to GA4 or looking to optimize your setup, this presentation will give you practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you make smarter, data-driven decisions. What you will learn:
This workshop is perfect for small business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to maximize their website and marketing performance. The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, senior business advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday,
October 28, 2025
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CEO Roundtable: Cyber Resilience in Action, A Hands-On Experience for Small Business Leaders October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there's no better time to strengthen your business’s defenses. Join fellow CEOs for an engaging, interactive event featuring the CyberSecureDeck — a cybersecurity card game designed to simulate real-world threats and response strategies. What to Expect:
Why Attend?
Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting to think about cybersecurity, this event will empower you to lead your organization with resilience. The facilitator will be Rob DelMastro, regional director of the Massachusetts SBDC - Western Region. Special guest will be John Petrozzelli, director of MassCyberCenter. Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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Join Nancy Lowd, Massachusetts SBDC Senior Business Advisor, for Morning Coffee & Networking sponsored by NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from SEED Corporation, SCORE, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, along with members of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, and local economic development directors. Whether launching a business, growing an existing one, or enjoying meeting other business owners, this is where you can meet and learn about the newest business programs and support. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Bring your business cards and meet some great people, it’s going to be a busy morning. Registration is appreciated. Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 Cosponsored by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SEED Corporation, SCORE, NeighborWorks, and local economic development directors |
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First Employee Essentials: An Overview for Small Business Hiring Hiring your first employee is a significant milestone for any small business, but it has many responsibilities and considerations. This workshop is designed to equip small business owners with the basic knowledge and tools to navigate the hiring process from start to finish successfully. By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped to confidently hire and manage your first employee, ensuring that your small business is compliant, financially prepared, and positioned for growth. The speaker will be Nancy Gerardi, regional director with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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Mastering Tariff Management: The Essential Tools Tariff management has become a top priority for international logistics and compliance professionals, demanding increased time commitment and significant expertise. Mastering tariff management tools is essential for both exporters and importers as supply chains are being restructured and realigned in the current trade environment. This webinar will zero in on essential tools for tariff management, including leveraging the provisions of Chapter 98 of HTS that allow for tariff mitigation under specific circumstances; using duty drawback to reclaim up to 99% of the duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported; and re-assessing customs valuation practices to ensure that the correct valuation methods are used, along with taking advantage of all available deductions and exclusions. Don’t miss this informative program – and bring your questions! Our speaker will be Robert Stein, vice president of Braumiller Consulting Group. Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
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Exploring the Government Marketplace
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the government marketplace and address what it means to be "procurement ready". In this webinar, you will learn:
We will briefly touch on federal small business goals and the categories, as listed below, federal certifications, and potential benefits for small businesses participating in these certification programs:
Whether you are just beginning to explore this specialty market or looking to strengthen your position, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you prepare to succeed in the government marketplace. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting Yourself and Your Business In today’s digital world, protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. This webinar will introduce the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including how to recognize common threats, safeguard your data, and adopt best practices to reduce risk. Whether you are a small business owner or simply looking to strengthen your personal online safety, this session will give you practical tools to stay secure. The speaker will be Nancy Gerardi, regional director with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, November
19, 2025
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Join Nancy Lowd, Massachusetts SBDC Senior Business Advisor, for Morning Coffee & Networking sponsored by NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from SEED Corporation, SCORE, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, along with members of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, and local economic development directors. Whether launching a business, growing an existing one, or enjoying meeting other business owners, this is where you can meet and learn about the newest business programs and support. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Bring your business cards and meet some great people, it’s going to be a busy morning. Registration is appreciated. Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Cosponsored by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SEED Corporation, SCORE, NeighborWorks, and local economic development directors |
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Finding Government Contracting Opportunities
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Government Contractors and Tariff Challenges: Strategies for Success In 2025, sweeping tariffs under IEEPA and Section 232 have raised the cost of critical items required to fulfill government contracts — particularly steel, aluminum and globally sourced components. These increased duties are not only inflating material costs, they are also introducing supply chain delays, complicating performance schedules, and putting fixed-price contractors at risk of unrecoverable cost overruns. Whether performing under existing contracts or preparing for new opportunities, there are key strategies and regulatory tools available to manage these risks. Join us to gain practical insights into safeguarding your business against tariff-driven disruptions in the federal marketplace. This webinar will explore recent tariff policy developments and their impact on costs and compliance. Our speaker will also discuss the DFARS tariff exemption, proven risk mitigation strategies and key approaches to preserving profitability and competitiveness in the face of tariff-related challenges. Our speaker will be Jacqueline Unger, partner and government contracts group leader with PilieroMazza PLLC. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
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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 |
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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. |
Social media can often feel overwhelming, but
the Women Business Owners Alliance (WBOA) and the Massachusetts
Small Business Development Center -
Western Region are here to help! Join us for an open
networking event where you can share and learn, regardless of
membership status. Stay tuned and invite your friends! 
Are
you a seasoned small business owner with at least one or more years
in business looking to expand into new markets? Selling to the
government (municipal, state, federal) may be a strategic next step.
Join us for this informative webinar led by the Massachusetts Small
Business Development Center's Government Sales Advisory Program.