Training Seminars & Events

The Western Region offers a full calendar of business training. All training is currently offered at no charge unless otherwise noted. This calendar is subject to change. Pre-registration is required for all events. Please review our training policies at the bottom of the page. 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:

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:
Freedom Credit Union | Granite State Development Corporation | Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank | Holyoke Credit Union | Monson Savings Bank

2026 Training Calendar
Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.

Nov 04	Tech Talks with Rob (Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success)
Nov 09	Funding Opportunities for Small Business (Springfield)
Nov 17	Understanding Cash Flow and How It Affects Your Business

Program Descriptions

Tech Talks with Rob Join 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: Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month - click on date(s) 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 Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success When was the last time you looked under the hood of your business technology? Be honest: How many apps are you paying for that you have not opened in months? How many old accounts still have access to your systems? When was the last time you updated anything? Before the holiday rush hits, Tech Talks with Rob is dedicating November to a full year-end tech tune-up—a practical, no-stress session to help you clean up, lock down, and plan ahead. We will cover: How to audit your software - what you are paying for, what you actually use, and what can go Revoking access from former employees, old apps, vendors and forgotten integrations The 15-minute security checkup every business owner should do before January Consolidating tools: when one app can replace three *Setting your tech budget and priorities for 2027 - what is worth investing in and what is hype A printable year-end tech checklist you can work through over a coffee Think of it as spring cleaning—in November—for all your business technology.
Funding Opportunities for Small Business This event is designed for entrepreneurs or existing business owners looking to connect with regional capital providers. There will be a speaker panel focused on individuals currently considering evaluating a franchise opportunity or acquiring an existing business with SBA 7(a) or 504 funding. The process can be overwhelming without guidance and considerations of the following: Emotional and personal financial considerations in buying a business How to assess a business’s attractiveness and potential value The role of financing and how to access capital to fund your venture The importance of due diligence and research How to find resources and SBA Lending Partners to get started Connect with the SBA network and get your questions answered face-to-face with experts. There will be outreach tables to network with local Western Massachusetts resource providers! Speakers include: James "Jamie" Barber, Program Manager — Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England Lisa Ducharme, (USAF Retired) Executive Director — Mass Veterans Chamber of Commerce Anita Eliason, Senior Business Advisor — Massachusetts SBDC - Western Region Aaron Fox, Business Broker — Transworld Business Advisors of Boston Keegan Shepardson, District Director — U.S. Small Business Administration, Massachusetts District Office Date: Monday, November 9, 2026 Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET Location: UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield, Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield Cost: No charge Contact: Paula Pawloski at ppawlosk@umass.edu Sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration
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 it. 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 Our speakers include: Alison Walsh, Certified Public Accountant — Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz LLP Matthew Ogrodowicz, Certified Public Accountant — Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz LLP Allen Kronick, Business Advisor — Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Western Region Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET Location: Online Cost: No charge Contact: Paula Pawloski at ppawlosk@umass.edu

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

Tech Talks with Rob

Join 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: Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month - click on date(s) 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

Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success

When was the last time you looked under the hood of your business technology? Be honest: How many apps are you paying for that you have not opened in months? How many old accounts still have access to your systems? When was the last time you updated anything?

Before the holiday rush hits, Tech Talks with Rob is dedicating November to a full year-end tech tune-up—a practical, no-stress session to help you clean up, lock down, and plan ahead. We will cover:

How to audit your software - what you are paying for, what you actually use, and what can go
Revoking access from former employees, old apps, vendors and forgotten integrations
The 15-minute security checkup every business owner should do before January
Consolidating tools: when one app can replace three *Setting your tech budget and priorities for 2027 - what is worth investing in and what is hype
A printable year-end tech checklist you can work through over a coffee

Think of it as spring cleaning—in November—for all your business technology.

Funding Opportunities for Small Business

This event is designed for entrepreneurs or existing business owners looking to connect with regional capital providers. There will be a speaker panel focused on individuals currently considering evaluating a franchise opportunity or acquiring an existing business with SBA 7(a) or 504 funding.

The process can be overwhelming without guidance and considerations of the following:

Emotional and personal financial considerations in buying a business
How to assess a business’s attractiveness and potential value
The role of financing and how to access capital to fund your venture
The importance of due diligence and research
How to find resources and SBA Lending Partners to get started

Connect with the SBA network and get your questions answered face-to-face with experts. There will be outreach tables to network with local Western Massachusetts resource providers!

Speakers include:

James "Jamie" Barber, Program Manager — Veterans Business Outreach Center of New England
Lisa Ducharme, (USAF Retired) Executive Director — Mass Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Anita Eliason, Senior Business Advisor — Massachusetts SBDC - Western Region
Aaron Fox, Business Broker — Transworld Business Advisors of Boston
Keegan Shepardson, District Director — U.S. Small Business Administration, Massachusetts District Office

Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield, Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Sponsored by U.S. Small Business Administration

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 it. 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

Our speakers include:

Alison Walsh, Certified Public Accountant — Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz LLP
Matthew Ogrodowicz, Certified Public Accountant — Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz LLP
Allen Kronick, Business Advisor — Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Western Region

Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Training 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 regulations.

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