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. On the calendar below, 
indicates an exporting training event. |
|
|
~~~ 2025 Training Calendar |
|
|---|---|
|
Unless otherwise
noted, training is offered online.
= export training |
|
| JANUARY | |
| 23 | Small Business Lending: Are you Really Ready for a Loan? |
| 29 | Understanding Small Business Taxes |
| 30-31 |
Export Expo |
| FEBRUARY | |
| 5 | Ways to Improve Your Credit Score |
| 5 | Tech Talks with Rob: Don’t Get Hooked! Phishing Protection for Your Small Business |
| 7 | Government Contracting 101 |
| 19 | Financials 101 |
| 26 | Understanding the Business Loan Process |
Program Descriptions
|
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
February 5 Session: Cybercriminals are targeting small businesses with increasingly sophisticated phishing attacks. Are you prepared to recognize and stop them? Join us for this webinar tailored to small business owners. You’ll learn: how phishing works and why small businesses are prime targets; the most common phishing techniques to watch out for; practical steps to identify and avoid phishing attempts; and tools and best practices to secure your business against cyber threats. Protecting your business doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to stay safe in today’s digital landscape. Small business owners, managers, and employees who want to strengthen their cybersecurity awareness and protect their organizations from phishing attacks should attend this session. Reserve your spot today and safeguard your business from the next potential phishing attempt! |
|---|
|
Small Business Lending: Are you Really Ready for a Loan? Searching for ways to fund your start-up business? Are you a current business owner in need of working capital or new equipment? Not quite sure how to approach the bank for help? Please join us at this workshop presented by Tom Cebula of Westfield Bank, as he addresses these questions and much more. Tom will lead an interactive and personalized workshop to help you prepare for the loan application process. As he tailors this workshop to your business, you will learn how preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful credit experience. You will discover the importance of good credit and a strong business plan. Westfield Bank is proud to offer this workshop through the Massachusetts SBDC as both organizations share a strong commitment to the growth of small businesses in the region. Topics to be discussed:
The speaker will be Tom Cebula, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending with Westfield Bank. Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
Cosponsored by Westfield Bank |
|
Understanding Small Business Taxes Are you a small business owner seeking to simplify and master the process of income tax filing? Join us for this engaging and informative workshop designed to empower entrepreneurs like you with essential tax knowledge. This workshop is tailored to help small business owners confidently approach tax season while maximizing their understanding of critical forms and requirements. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your financial management skills in 2024! In this session, you will:
Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
|
|
Export Expo (for the latest Expo program updates, visit our dedicated Expo page by clicking here) 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! Additional 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
|
|
Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Are you looking to improve your credit score, but aren't sure where to start? Join our webinar, where we will give you tips on how to increase your credit score. In this webinar you will learn the following:
The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, senior business advisor and financial specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
|
|
If you are a seasoned small business owner with one or more years in business and looking for new markets for your goods or services, you should consider selling to the federal government. Topics include:
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Friday, February 7, 2025
|
|
Every small business owner 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: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
|
|
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. The following topics will be covered:
The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, senior business advisor and financial specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
|
|
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.