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 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:
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

 


2026 Training Calendar
 Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.
  
Mar 05 Tech Talks with Rob - Emails, Domains and Your Brand
Mar 17 Massachusetts Wage Act (available online and in-person in Springfield)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

 

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:  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

Thursday, March 05 Topic - Emails, Domains and Your Brand

Is your email still "yourcompany@gmail.com?" You're not alone—but you could be losing customers because of it. Join us for "Emails, Domains and Your Brand"—a game-changing Tech Talk that shows you how to build trust, protect your business, and look professional from day one.

Massachusetts Wage Act presented by the Law Firm of Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and Common Capital are pleased to invite you to attend a presentation about the Massachusetts Wage Act. The Massachusetts Wage Act, along with various other state laws, imposes numerous requirements on employers regarding employee compensation. Violating these regulations can be extremely costly. When employees file complaints with the Attorney General, it can trigger extensive, intrusive investigations that may result in civil citations or enforcement actions against the employer. Additionally, employers may face lawsuits in court, which can sometimes affect an entire class of employees. In most cases, employees who are owed unpaid wages can recover three times the amount owed, along with their attorneys' fees and related costs.

The speaker will be Erica Flores, an employment attorney with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. Attorney Flores will walk participants through many of the legal requirements, including:

  • Compensable working time and timekeeping requirements
  • Minimum wage and overtime
  • Travel time and transportation expenses
  • Rules governing tipped employees
  • Wage deductions

Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online or In-Person at UMass Amherst Center at Springfield, Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Suite 260, Springfield
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at ppawlosk@umass.edu

 

Cosponsored by Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. and Common Capital

 
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 regulations.

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