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.

Jun 03	Friend or Fraud - How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned
Jun 10	AI for Small Business: Getting Found Online — Google & AI Search (Greenfield)
Jun 17	Small Business Open House (Springfield)

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 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 [Jun 3] Friend or Fraud - How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned You've heard about AI for two years. You might even be using it. But here's what nobody is telling you — the same AI tools that can save your business 15 hours a week are being weaponized against businesses just like yours right now. This month's Tech Talks with Rob cuts through the noise with "Friend or Fraud: How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned" — a no-jargon, no-hype, 20-minute session that covers both sides of the AI story. You will learn which free and low-cost AI tools are actually saving small business owners time right now (writing, customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping), what data you should never put into an AI tool and why, how voice cloning and deepfake video calls are being used to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers, the one protocol that stops AI-powered payment fraud cold, and how to write a one-page AI use policy for your staff in a single afternoon.
AI for Small Business: Getting Found Online — Google & AI Search This free, in-person hands-on workshop is for small business owners in Western Massachusetts. (A laptop is required to participate.) The way customers find businesses has changed. They're not just searching Google anymore — they're asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini for recommendations. Is your business showing up? In this practical, no-jargon workshop hosted by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and Greenfield Cooperative Bank, you will discover exactly where your business stands in today's search landscape and walk away with a clear, actionable plan to improve your visibility — starting the same day. Who Should Attend - This workshop is built for you if... You own or manage a local business—retailers, service providers, contractors, healthcare practitioners—any business that relies on local customers finding you. You wonder why competitors outrank you — you have a website and a Google profile, but you're not showing up the way you should. This workshop explains why and fixes it. You have little time for marketing — every strategy taught here is designed for a business owner wearing many hats. If you can spare one hour a month, you can do this. You are not a tech person — no coding, no jargon. You only need a laptop and a willingness to test your own business in real time during the session. The speaker will be Rob DelMastro, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Berkshire and Western Regions. Rob advises small business owners across Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. With 35 years of hands-on IT and technology experience, 20 years in cybersecurity, and 20 years advising small businesses, Rob brings a uniquely practical perspective to the intersection of technology and business growth. Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. ET Location: Greenfield Cooperative Bank, 63 Federal Street, Greenfield Cost: No charge Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu Cosponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank
Small Business Open House Join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for a Small Business Open House designed to connect businesses and entrepreneurs directly with lenders, resource partners, and business advisors from across the region. The Open House will provide attendees with the opportunity to network, ask questions, explore financing options, and learn more about resources available to support business growth and success. Whether you are starting a business, seeking capital, planning for expansion, or simply looking to make valuable connections, this event is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts and organizations dedicated to helping Massachusetts small businesses thrive. We encourage all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners to attend. Click here to visit our dedicated Open House page. Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET Location: UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield, 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield Cost: No charge Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and New Valley Bank & Trust

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 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

[Jun 3] Friend or Fraud - How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned

You've heard about AI for two years. You might even be using it. But here's what nobody is telling you — the same AI tools that can save your business 15 hours a week are being weaponized against businesses just like yours right now.

This month's Tech Talks with Rob cuts through the noise with "Friend or Fraud: How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned" — a no-jargon, no-hype, 20-minute session that covers both sides of the AI story.

You will learn which free and low-cost AI tools are actually saving small business owners time right now (writing, customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping), what data you should never put into an AI tool and why, how voice cloning and deepfake video calls are being used to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers, the one protocol that stops AI-powered payment fraud cold, and how to write a one-page AI use policy for your staff in a single afternoon.

AI for Small Business: Getting Found Online — Google & AI Search

This free, in-person hands-on workshop is for small business owners in Western Massachusetts. (A laptop is required to participate.)

The way customers find businesses has changed. They're not just searching Google anymore — they're asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini for recommendations. Is your business showing up?

In this practical, no-jargon workshop hosted by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and Greenfield Cooperative Bank, you will discover exactly where your business stands in today's search landscape and walk away with a clear, actionable plan to improve your visibility — starting the same day.

Who Should Attend - This workshop is built for you if...

You own or manage a local business—retailers, service providers, contractors, healthcare practitioners—any business that relies on local customers finding you.
You wonder why competitors outrank you — you have a website and a Google profile, but you're not showing up the way you should. This workshop explains why and fixes it.
You have little time for marketing — every strategy taught here is designed for a business owner wearing many hats. If you can spare one hour a month, you can do this.
You are not a tech person — no coding, no jargon. You only need a laptop and a willingness to test your own business in real time during the session.

The speaker will be Rob DelMastro, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Berkshire and Western Regions. Rob advises small business owners across Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. With 35 years of hands-on IT and technology experience, 20 years in cybersecurity, and 20 years advising small businesses, Rob brings a uniquely practical perspective to the intersection of technology and business growth.

Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Greenfield Cooperative Bank, 63 Federal Street, Greenfield
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Cosponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank

Small Business Open House

Join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for a Small Business Open House designed to connect businesses and entrepreneurs directly with lenders, resource partners, and business advisors from across the region.

The Open House will provide attendees with the opportunity to network, ask questions, explore financing options, and learn more about resources available to support business growth and success. Whether you are starting a business, seeking capital, planning for expansion, or simply looking to make valuable connections, this event is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts and organizations dedicated to helping Massachusetts small businesses thrive.

We encourage all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners to attend. Click here to visit our dedicated Open House page.

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield, 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and New Valley Bank & Trust

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.