Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
Western Regional Office

 

Training Seminars & Events

 

The Western Region offers a full calendar of business training. All training is currently offered at no charge. This calendar is subject to change. Pre-registration is required for all events. Please review our training policies. For information on other Massachusetts SBDC training offered throughout the state, visit the Massachusetts SBDC's statewide training calendar at www.msbdc.org.
 

We would like to thank the following agencies for cosponsoring our training events.

Platinum Sponsors:
Country Bank  Florence Bank    PeoplesBank      Westfield Bank
 

Gold Sponsor:
Greenfield Savings Bank

Silver Sponsors:
Freedom Credit Union | Granite State Development CorporationGreenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank | Holyoke Credit UnionMonson Savings Bank

 


2025 Training Calendar
 Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.
  
Sep 10 Tech Talks with Rob (topic: How AI Can Help Your Small Business Compete and Grow)
Oct 01 Tech Talks with Rob (topic: TBD)
Oct 08 Understanding Cash Flow and How It Affects Your Business
Nov 05 Tech Talks with Rob (topic: TBD)
Dec 03 Tech Talks with Rob (topic: TBD)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

Program Descriptions
 

Tech Talks with Rob

Tech Talks with RobJoin us for "Tech Talks with Rob" an enlightening webinar series designed specifically for small business owners looking to navigate the complex world of technology. Each session, hosted by tech expert Rob DelMastro, will delve into critical topics that are essential for running a modern business in the digital age.

Various topics that we will cover:

  • Professional Email Systems: Learn how to set up and manage a professional email system that enhances your business communication and credibility.
  • Cybersecurity: Discover strategies to protect your business from cyber threats and ensure your data remains secure.
  • Password Managers: Find out why password managers are a must-have for securing your sensitive information and how to implement them effectively.
  • SEO: Uncover the secrets of Search Engine Optimization to increase your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website.
  • Domains and Web Hosting: Get to grips with choosing the right domain names and web hosting services that align with your business goals.
  • POS Systems: Explore the various Point of Sale systems available and how to select one that streamlines your sales processes.

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
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

     

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 basics of cash flow
  • The timing of cash inflows and outflows
  • How to manage your cash flow projections
  • How cash flow is different from profit
  • How to improve your company's cash flow

The speakers will be Alison Walsh and Matthew Ogrodowicz, Certified Public Accountants with Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP.

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Time: 9:00a.m. - 12:00p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

 
AnitaTraining Policies:

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 Executive Order 14218 ‘Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders’ (February 19, 2025).

The Massachusetts SBDC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a training session. Seminar materials are for attendees only.