Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

 

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.


 
export
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, globe indicates an exporting training event.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~ 2024 Training Calendar 

Training is held online unless otherwise noted              globe = export training
 SEPTEMBER
23 Essential Legal Guidance For Your Growing Business
26 Essential Elements of a Business for Bank Funding
26 Social Media Marketing for Beginners
 
 OCTOBER
3 How to Start a Business 101: The Basics
16 Effective Networking For Entrepreneurs
17 How to Start a Business 101: The Basics
17 GET READY-For Government Procurement
 
 NOVEMBER
6 Tech Talks with Rob
 
 DECEMBER
4 Tech Talks with Rob
 



 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  
 

 

 

    

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

Program Descriptions


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:

  • Characteristics of an entrepreneur
  • Learn from those before you – reasons why businesses fail
  • The life of a business owner
  • SBA basics
  • Different methods to write a business plan
  • Creating your elevator pitch

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
Time: Varies (1.5 hours)
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Regional Office hosting the event (see: 'facilitated by' on registration form)

>> Click here to visit the How to Start a Business page for upcoming dates!

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.

Some of the topics 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:  Held on the first Wednesday of the month - click on date below to register
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

*No session in October   

Essential Legal Guidance For Your Growing Business 

Join us for an in-depth workshop on navigating the essential types of contracts for small businesses, including service agreements, consulting agreements, and terms and conditions.

Discover how each contract type addresses different business needs and learn how to select the right agreement for your situation. We will delve into the foundational principles of contract law, covering what constitutes a legal contract, the essential elements required for enforceability, key legal terminology, and defining the scope of work. Explore the distinction between "nice to have" and "need to have" elements in your agreements and learn how to set the appropriate tone for your business. Gain a clear understanding of the critical components of a contract—offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual consent—and see how even email exchanges can form enforceable contracts. We'll also discuss how pre- and post-agreement communications can impact your contracts. Master effective negotiation techniques to secure favorable terms and conditions.

Additionally, we’ll cover the basics of vendor agreements, including drafting and reviewing contracts with suppliers, understanding what constitutes a breach of contract, and the steps to take if a contract is violated. Learn about remedies for breaches and how to enforce your rights effectively.

The speaker will be Tania Shah, managing member and CEO with Shah Law, PLLC. Ms. Shah is a business attorney, serial entrepreneur, and full-time professor of law who dedicates her law practice to assisting mom-owned and woman-owned businesses.  

Date: Monday, September 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Gavin Rocha at the Massachusetts SBDC at gavinrocha@umass.edu

Essential Elements of a Business for Bank Funding

Join us for an informative seminar designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking bank funding to grow their ventures.

This event will delve into the critical components of a business plan that banks look for when evaluating loan applications. Attendees will gain insights on how to craft a compelling and comprehensive business plan that clearly outlines their vision, strategy, and financial projections.

Key topics include:

  •  How to concisely communicate your business concept and objectives.
  • Demonstrating a deep understanding of your target market and competitive landscape.
  • Highlighting your business structure, mission, and unique value propositions.
  • Detailing your business’s organizational structure and management team.
  • Describing your offerings and their benefits.
  • Outlining your approach to attracting and retaining customers.
  • Specifying your funding needs, potential future funding requirements, and proposed use of funds.
  • Presenting realistic financial forecasts, including income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets.
  • Including additional documents that support your plan, such as resumes, permits, and other relevant information.

The speaker will be Manassah Bradley, senior business advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC.

Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Gavin Rocha at the Massachusetts SBDC at gavinrocha@umass.edu

Social Media Marketing for Beginners

There are a plethora of social media platforms available. Is it necessary to have a presence on all of them? How can you determine which platforms are suitable for your business? Should you continuously stay updated with the latest social media apps? Moreover, is it acceptable to share identical content across all platforms, or does it need to be tailored differently? In this webinar, you'll gain insights into leveraging each platform effectively to convey your message. Additionally, you'll learn about essential terminology, best practices, and methods for monitoring your social media efforts.

The speaker will be Rosa Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region.

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link. If it does not appear in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Date: Thursday, September 26, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Kaitlin Muldoon at kmuldoon@salemstate.edu or 978-542-7369

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
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Location:
Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Gavin Rocha at the Massachusetts SBDC at gavinrocha@umass.edu

GET READY-For Government Procurement

SBAIf you're looking to expand your business with government procurement, then this event is perfect for you. Join us as we guide you through the essentials needed to prepare you for government opportunities. Our expert speakers will share valuable insights and strategies with the resources to be successful…the rest is up to you!

Speakers include:

  • Stanley Grip, Procurement Specialist — Massachusetts APEX Accelerator
  • Sandra Ledbetter, Government Sales Advisor — Massachusetts Small Business Development Center
  • Susan Lourie, Business Opportunity Specialist — U.S. Small Business Administration

This skilled team of presenters have extensive knowledge in government procurement and will provide you with the essential know-how for government procurement!

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Susan Lourie, SBA at 617-565-5560

Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration

 

Important Training Notes

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.