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 has closed. Please read important 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. Coming Soon - click here for the Spring 2024 Partners for Trade training booklet. On the calendar below, 
indicates an exporting training event. |
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~~~ 2024 Training Calendar |
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Training is held online unless otherwise
noted
= export training |
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| OCTOBER | |
| 16 | Effective Networking For Entrepreneurs |
| 16 | GET READY-For Government Procurement |
| 16 | SBA’s 3rd Annual Small Business Cyber Summit: Unlock the Future of Cybersecurity |
| 17 | How to Start a Business 101: The Basics |
| 23 | SBA’s 3rd Annual Small Business Cyber Summit: Unlock the Future of Cybersecurity |
| 29 | Securing Your Business: Keeping the Hackers at Bay and Your Sanity Intact! |
| 31 |
Recordkeeping Revisited: Practical Considerations for How
the Extended OFAC Statute of Limitations Impacts Global
Trade Compliance Operations |
| NOVEMBER | |
| 6 | Tech Talks with Rob |
| 14 |
Antiboycott Compliance: Why You Should Care and What You
Should Do About It |
| 21 |
The Art of Export and Deemed Export Licensing |
| DECEMBER | |
| 4 | Tech Talks with Rob |
| 6 |
Compliance Clinic (for Compliance Alliance members only) |
| 11 |
How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for
Export and Import |
| JANUARY 2025 | |
| 30-31 | Export Expo |
Program Descriptions
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How to Start a Business 101: The Basics The How to Start a Business series is a three-part series designed to provide new business owners with an overview of the information and tools needed to evaluate and develop a new business idea. In this first session, topics include:
The speaker will be a Massachusetts SBDC regional director or business advisor. There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required. This workshop is offered on several convenient dates. A Zoom link for the webinar will be emailed to you immediately after registration from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. Please add this email to your safe sender list. Date: Typically held on the first and third
Thursday of the month (exceptions may apply) - click on link below
for dates >> Click here to visit the How to Start a Business page for upcoming dates! |
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Some of the topics 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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Effective Networking For Entrepreneurs Unlock the true power of personal connections! In today’s digital age, tools like Google and ChatGPT are invaluable, but nothing beats the impact of genuine human interaction. However, many of us haven't mastered the art of networking, and post-pandemic, it can feel even more challenging. Join us for an exhilarating workshop where you'll gain actionable insights to transform your networking skills. Discover the best places to network, master the art of engaging conversations, learn smooth exit strategies, and effectively harness the power of LinkedIn. Plus, we'll share memory techniques for remembering names and much more. This is your opportunity to build meaningful connections and accelerate your success. The speaker will be Diane Darling, a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in researching, developing, and educating on the role of professional networking strategies in individual career development and business performance. With a rich portfolio, Diane has had the privilege of working with prestigious clients such as Yale Law School, Harvard Business School, 20th Century Fox, Fidelity Investments, and many more. Her expertise extends across diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, law, and technology. Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
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GET READY-For Government Procurement
Speakers include:
This skilled team of presenters have extensive knowledge in government procurement and will provide you with the essential know-how for government procurement! Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration |
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Unlock the Future of Cybersecurity at the SBA Cyber Summit
Reserve your spot today and empower your business with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a digital age! Dates: Wednesday, October 16 & October 23, 2024
Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration |
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Securing Your Business: Keeping the Hackers at Bay and Your Sanity Intact! As part of our ongoing commitment to support and protect your business, the Massachusetts SBDC is excited to announce an upcoming workshop entitled, “Securing Your Business: Keeping the Hackers at Bay and Your Sanity Intact!” In this workshop, we will delve into the critical aspects of protecting your business from cyber threats. We will start by exploring industry-standard frameworks that provide robust guidelines for safeguarding your digital assets. We are honored to have a local State Trooper join us to discuss the current cyber threats targeting businesses in our area, offering valuable insights from the front lines of cyber defense. Additionally, an insurance expert will explain the benefits of having a cyber policy, detailing what it covers and how it can be a crucial part of your risk management strategy. Finally, we will cover some straightforward, practical steps you can take to enhance your business’s cyber security posture. By the end of this event, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to better protect your business from cyber threats. Special guest speakers include:
Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
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On April 24, 2024, the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act (the Act) was signed into law and became effective immediately. The Act included multiple provisions impacting U.S. sanctions. Significantly, the Act extends the statute of limitations for civil and criminal violations of economic sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) from 5 to 10 years by amending the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA), both of which provide the statutory authority for OFAC’s sanctions programs. While the extended statute of limitations will allow OFAC more time to enforce sanctions violations and require exporters to maintain OFAC sanctions-related records for a much longer period of time, the broader implications of the Act on day-to-day global trade compliance operations are significant. OFAC restrictions –such as economic sanctions, Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) and related restricted parties, controls on global financial transactions, and more – permeate the entirety of global trade compliance operations for businesses. Since it is impossible to extricate OFAC-only records for compliance with the new recordkeeping reforms set forth under the Act, companies must think in broader terms when adjusting their global trade compliance programs in response to these new requirements. This webinar will review the key provisions and requirements under the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act. The webinar will also review broader global trade compliance recordkeeping requirements under all U.S. export regulatory jurisdictions, with an in-depth look at how companies must adapt overall recordkeeping and other global trade compliance processes. Finally, the webinar will also address additional compliance risks that may arise as companies calibrate their operations in response to the new requirements set forth under the Act. Our speaker will be Kerry Scarlott, Founding Partner with NorthStar Law. Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024
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Antiboycott Compliance: Why You Should Care and What You Should Do About It U.S. antiboycott laws prohibit U.S. persons from participating in economic boycotts by other countries that are not sanctioned by the U.S., and they also require that boycott requests are reported to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Over the past two years, BIS has issued multiple policy updates, signaling a much more robust enforcement environment related to the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). At the same time, antiboycott enforcement actions have been steadily on the rise, with public antiboycott settlements announced frequently. Notably, many of these settlements involved U.S. parties that submitted voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs). Some settlements also involved reporting-only violations, where the U.S. party did not engage in any conduct in furtherance of a prohibited boycott. Moreover, while BIS’ recent publishing of the boycott Requester List has raised greater antiboycott awareness, it has also put exporters on high alert to potential antiboycott compliance risks inherent in specific transactions, causing concern and unease for many. Join us to learn about the antiboycott regulations, including prohibited activities, allowable activities, reporting requirements, and more. You will also learn about specific antiboycott enforcement trends, high-risk markets and activities, and use of the boycott Requester List as a tool for compliance. Finally, you will receive guidance on transactional screening and clearance, including for transactions that may involve high-risk parties. You will also learn how to structure these transactions in order to remain compliant. Our speaker will be Sylvia Costelloe, Counsel with ArentFox Schiff. Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
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The Art of Export and Deemed Export Licensing While export licensing may seem like a relatively straightforward application process, the reality is that there are several tips, tricks and techniques that can make the difference between receiving sufficient authorization in a timely way and receiving the dreaded Return Without Action (RWA). Planning ahead, providing sufficient information, and knowing how to navigate the system all contribute to a successful export licensing strategy. This webinar will provide an overview of the export licensing landscape, including the various licensing jurisdictions, information systems and tools for license submittal and tracking, as well as general requirements for license applications. You will also gain insight into export licensing strategies to maximize success, such as planning ahead on transactions to help broaden the scope of authorization, effective preparation of materials to minimize delay, and providing the support necessary to help licensing officers help you. The webinar will also provide some takeaways from the new, robust deemed export licensing guidelines published by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Our speakers will be:
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Compliance Clinic (for Compliance Alliance Members only) Calling all Compliance Alliance members! Join us for a discussion between exporters that will allow participants to “compare notes” on export compliance practices that have been effective in addressing some of the challenges in today’s ever-changing regulatory environment. All topics are on the table. No agenda, no PowerPoints – just a give-and-take discussion between trade compliance professionals. This will be conducted in a Zoom Meeting format. So, bring your compliance questions and concerns and be prepared to participate in what we hope to be a lively discussion. Joining us will be fellow Compliance Alliance member, Lu Racco, Counsel and Co-Chair of International Trade & National Security with the law firm of Foley Hoag, who will be on hand to provide context to regulatory concerns as needed. Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
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How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for Export and Import Calculating the final landed cost of goods that are going to be imported or exported can be challenging for businesses that must identify and consider all the elements that go into the landed cost, including duties, taxes, government fees, shipping charges, insurance, document transfer fees, and other pricing components. We start with the concept of transaction value, which can be broadly defined as the price paid or payable at the time the goods leave the country. Building upon that, we will focus on identifying all the other regulatory elements of landed cost, the importance of understanding and selecting the most appropriate INCOTERM rule, the influence that assists have on the dutiable value, and other charges and fees that can impact the landed cost calculation (including retaliatory tariff treatments and special additional duties). While pricing is also dictated by market conditions, identifying and understanding all costs is crucial to turning a profit. This webinar will give a detailed overview of costs and provide international traders with tools to help them make the right pricing decisions. The speaker will be Norman Lubeck, Esq. - Senior Manager, Global Trade Advisory Services with Tradewin. Date: December 11, 2024
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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. 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. Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2025 Export Expo Sponsorship Package. Click here to view our 2024 Export Expo Recap Video. Dates: Thursday and Friday, January
30 & 31, 2025
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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 programs may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change. Please note: Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email 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, 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. |
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. 