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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~~~ 2025 Training Calendar |
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Unless otherwise
noted, training is offered online.
= export training |
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| DECEMBER | |
| 18 | Are You Bankable? |
| JANUARY 2026 | |
| 7 | How to Start a Business |
| 13 | Small Business Credit: What Every Owner Needs to Know |
| 14 | Exploring the Government Marketplace |
| 20 | Small Business Taxes - Part 1 |
| 27 | Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners |
| 28 | Small Business Cash Flow Essentials |
| FEBRUARY | |
| 3 | Financials 101 |
| 10 | Small Business Taxes - Part 2 |
| 17 | Understanding the Business Loan Process |
| 18 | Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners |
| 26-27 |
Export Expo |
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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Your small business is "bankable" if a commercial bank or lending institution is willing to offer you financing, such as a loan or line of credit. Small business owners often seek financing to buy equipment or inventory, launch a new product line, open or expand retail or manufacturing operations, further grow an existing business and more. Contrary to popular belief, banks are eager to lend to small businesses. However, in order to be bankable, you need to understand your business' numbers, how to organize them for a commercial loan, and how to present your personal and business story in a compelling manner. This workshop will be led by Karen Baldeschwieler, small business consultant with Zenagos. We may be joined by additional guest speakers. Learn how to:
Date: See dates below
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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. The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
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Small Business Credit: What Every Owner Needs to Know Understanding credit is essential for every small business owner, whether you're just starting or looking to expand. In this webinar, participants will learn how credit works, why it matters, and what steps business owners can take to strengthen their financial foundation. This session will cover:
Whether you're building credit from scratch or working to repair it, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to take control of your business credit and position your company for long-term success. The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist at Cambridge Savings Bank. Date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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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: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Join the Massachusetts SBDC Northeast office and IRS Stakeholder Liaison for a two-part webinar series designed to help small business owners navigate key IRS topics and better understand their tax responsibilities. Whether you're just getting started or looking to enhance your financial management, this series offers valuable insights and practical guidance directly from the IRS. In Part 1, you will learn about Getting Started - Building a Strong Foundation. Topics will include:
We will also focus on setting up your business for success by helping you understand your obligations and the resources available to you. The speaker will be Jeffrey Latessa, IRS Communications & Liaison and Stakeholder with the Internal Revenue Services. Space is limited, so register now! Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners You’ve likely heard the SEO acronym many times, but what does it mean for your small business? This webinar will provide an overview of SEO fundamentals including:
The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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Small Business Cash Flow Essentials Cash flow is the heartbeat of every small business, and understanding how to manage it effectively can determine whether your business survives or thrives. This webinar covers the fundamentals of cash flow management and is designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their financial stability and plan for long-term growth. During this session, participants will learn:
Whether you're experiencing cash flow challenges or simply want to optimize your financial operations, this workshop will offer practical strategies and real-world tools you can begin using right away. The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist with Cambridge Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
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Every Small Business should know how to keep detailed records of the daily transactions involved in their business. They create reports that allow management, stakeholders and regulating authorities to have insight into the financial health of the organization. As the business owner, you need to understand the metrics that are reported in the cash flow and income statements, and balance sheets and how they relate to each other. This workshop will go over all three of these topics and show examples of each one. The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
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In Part 2 of the Small Business Taxes webinar series, learn about Managing and Growing--Staying Compliant and Informed. Topics will include:
This session will dive into ongoing compliance, maximizing available tax benefits, and best practices for managing your business finances. The speaker will be Jeffrey Latessa IRS Communications & Liaison and Stakeholder with the Internal Revenue Services. Space is limited, so register now!
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
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Understanding the Business Loan Process Do you have a great idea for a business and the only thing standing in your way is the money to give it some legs? Or, you already own your own business but could use some extra capital to take things to the next level? You have come to the right place! In this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of business loan proposals. Topics to be covered include:
The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners Planning for retirement isn’t just crucial for individuals—it’s a powerful tool for strengthening and growing your small business. This webinar will guide entrepreneurs through the essential components of establishing a retirement plan, helping you make informed decisions that support both your long-term financial security and your business’s success. In this session, you will learn:
Whether you are a sole proprietor, growing a small team, or planning for future expansion, this workshop will provide straightforward guidance to help you choose the retirement plan that works best for your goals. The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist with Cambridge Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
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Export Expo Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the local exporting community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. This year’s Export Expo will again be a virtual event that will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community. The Export Expo will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of export-related topics. This year’s Export Expo will focus on current and imminent developments in our international trade environment, including the impact of the geopolitical landscape, policy, regulation and enforcement on global trade operations. Critical issues such as export control and economic sanctions policy, the implementation of widespread tariffs, and escalating regulatory enforcement will be addressed, with a focus on helping companies to remain nimble while navigating and responding to a dynamic and increasingly complex global trade environment. The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for the same timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format! Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference’s content, so you won’t miss a thing! Speakers and content to be announced soon. Click here to view a recap video of our 2025 Export Expo. Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2026 Export Expo Sponsorship Package (pdf). Dates: Thursday and Friday, February 26 & 27, 2026
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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. |
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. 
Join
us for an informative webinar designed to help you create a targeted
capability statement (CS) that gets the attention of federal
agencies and prime contractors (large businesses with negotiated
subcontracting goals) and positions your business to be noticed.
Whether you are new to the government marketplace or looking to
sharpen your outreach materials, this session will give you the
tools you need to stand out.