Statewide Training & Event Calendar
All training events are held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted. Preregistration is required for all events. Each registration link is program-specific. If no link is listed, online registration is not available or registration has closed.
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. We accept credit cards 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. If you can't log into your account to register for training, a verification code will be sent from this email address. We use this email frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list.
Please review our
cancellation and refund
policies.
 
The Massachusetts Export Center organizes seminars, webinars and events throughout the year under Partners for Trade—the official export training initiative of the Commonwealth. The Export Center also offers an opportunity to view archived webinars. For further information, visit www.mass.gov/export. Click on image to right to download the Export Center's Early 2020 Partners for Trade export training brochure. |
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 The
Massachusetts Export Center created the
Massachusetts Export Resource Center, a comprehensive, one-stop resource for
accessing a wide range of instructional and practical information on
exporting to help your business grow and take advantage of international
opportunities. Registration is free! |
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 Did you know that the U.S. Small Business Administration offers free online training through its Learning Center? Click on the SBA logo to view topics.
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Program Descriptions
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How to Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Holder and Government Contracting 101
This free one-day workshop is typically held monthly in Boston. This workshop, designed to encourage and support small businesses interested in obtaining a GSA Federal Supply Schedule contract; learn more about contracting opportunities, the procurement process and resources available. Not sure which solicitation applies to your product or service? Refer to GSA's Schedules e-Library website in order to view or download solicitations. You can also view and download solicitations by visiting the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website. Before attending the workshop, please review the GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Program and the GSA Vendor Tool Box. Please direct any questions regarding the GSA MAS Program to the GSA MAS Helpdesk (National Customer Service Center) by phone at 800-488-3111 or by email at mashelpdesk@gsa.gov. To register, click on a specific date below and you will be transferred to the registration form. Space is limited to the first 25 participants, so register early! Date:
Wednesday,
March 18, 2020 |
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Introduction to Government Contracting
To register for an event, click on a specific date below and you will be transferred to the registration form. Space is limited, so register early! Dates: TBA |
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General information will be provided on the following programs and services:
These free two-hour programs are offered frequently at various locations. Click on button below to visit SBA's website for dates, locations and registration information.
Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and area chambers of commerce |
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Legal Clinics (offered monthly in Southeast Massachusetts)
We are pleased to announce that Christopher Cassara, Esq., partner at Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP (PSH), is continuing to hold free Legal Clinics in our office and at our outreach locations. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are eligible to meet one-time, one-on-one for 30 minutes, to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, and various other business related issues.
These free and confidential 30-minute sessions are offered once a month at various locations. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens online two weeks prior to each legal clinic's date. If you have questions, please call the MSBDC office at 508-673-9783.
As a courtesy to Attorney Cassara, who is volunteering
his time for the clinics, please call our office at at least 24 hours in
advance if you cannot attend your appointment. Dates: Monthly on Fridays
- see dates below Register online by clicking on the desired date below:
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Basics of Starting Your Business (Springfield)
Topics will include: introduction and need for planning; basic business plan format; choosing your legal form of organization; marketing, market planning and research; cash flow projections; financial statements; and financing. In addition, there will be an overview of the U.S. Small Business Administration's programs and services. The presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses, and will include capital, counseling and contracting information. Oreste Varela, branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Springfield, will be a speaker. In addition, Allen Kronick, a senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Western Regional Office, will speak. There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required. To register, click on the appropriate date below. If you have questions or problems registering online, please contact Lynn Shedd at lshedd@msbdc.umass.edu or 413-577-1768. Register online by clicking on the desired date below:
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Basics of Starting Your Business (Greenfield) Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business! This free workshop will help entrepreneurs write a business plan and provide structure to starting/managing their venture. It will also focus on business fundamentals; from startup considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Both those who want to start a business and existing business owners looking for guidance on creating a business plan and securing financing to grow their business will find this session helpful. Topics will include: introduction and need for planning; Basic business plan format; choosing your legal form of organization; marketing, market planning and research; cash flow projections; financial statements; and financing. In addition, there will be an overview of the U.S. Small Business Administration's programs and services. The presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the various SBA programs and services available to prospective or current entrepreneurs who need assistance in starting or expanding their businesses, and will include capital, counseling and contracting information. Bonus: If your business is food-related, you are invited to attend a guided tour of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation commercial kitchen following the workshop. Please follow these guidelines when visiting the commercial kitchen: no open-toed shoes, tank tops, or strong perfumes/colognes and limited jewelry. Anyone under the age of 18 is not permitted in the commercial kitchen area. Oreste Varela, branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration in Springfield, will be a speaker. In addition, Anita Eliason, a senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network's Western Regional Office, will speak. There is no charge for these workshops, but pre-registration is required.
To register, click on the appropriate date below. If you have
questions or problems registering online,
please contact the MSBDC Western Regional Office at
lshedd@msbdc.umass.edu
or 413-577-1768.
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This seminar has been postponed until further notice. The financial wellness workshop will give the participants the knowledge, tools, and resources they can use to improve their financial well-being. Topics will include:
The speaker will be Emil Farjo, a Certified Credit Counselor, a Certified Financial Coach and a Business Consultant. Emil holds a B.S. degree in Statistics and Computer Sciences from the Rafidain University, and an A.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Institute of Technology in Baghdad, Iraq. Through his work at the Thrive program, a program of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, Emil is able to provide free financial counseling to any individual in the Greater Springfield community. He is a social entrepreneur; as he assists, guides, and mentors, refugees and immigrants to create their own enterprises, through his work at Ascentria Care Alliance. He has developed and facilitated many series of financial literacy workshops statewide through his work with the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants. Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: TBA |
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New Regulations that Every Business Owner Should Know About!
Health Insurance for Employees. Should you be offering health insurance to your employees? The Massachusetts Health Connector has a shopping platform for small business. Bringing state-of-the-art tools to employers, brokers, and employees, and making it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance to its employees. You have the power to control costs and offer significant flexibility. It’s easy, it’s flexible, and it’s affordable! The speaker will be Chaitra Sanders, Distribution Channel and Account manager for Massachusetts Health Connector for Business. Ms. Sanders will bring you up-to-date on the latest health care regulations and show you an affordable way to provide coverage for yourself and your employees. Understanding Cybersecurity. Feeling overwhelmed by the horror stories? In this interactive seminar you will gain insight on: Understanding the data that you manage, broker, or require; Identifying trustworthy resources that can help you; Establishing and measuring progress towards your security goals; Steps to start to build a plan for success. The speaker will be John Danahey, owner of NerdsToGo in Taunton. He will demystify cybersecurity in a relaxed setting and answer your concerns regarding this hot topic! As a Service-Connected Disabled Veteran and owner of a Massachusetts Certified-Veteran Enterprise, John differentiates himself from the competition. John has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in cyber security and system operations. He works with small businesses in Southeastern Massachusetts to provide security and data protection. Employment Law Compliance and HR-Related Risk Management. Is your business prepared should the Commonwealth’s Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Labor or OSHA conduct an audit? Do you have policies and practices in place? The need to more effectively manage HR-related risk has never been greater. Compliance obligations are burdensome and the corresponding liability and exposure for employers of all sizes is extraordinary. The speaker will be Wendy Hansen, an attorney with Foley & Foley, PC who will help you navigate the recent regulatory changes for small business owners. Attoney Hansen has a strong human resources background and previously worked at an insurance defense litigation firm in Boston, reviewing and analyzing employment law. Human Resources Management. Speaker will be Monet Viens, president of the SouthCoast Human Resources Council, will provide insight to this organization whose purpose is to enhance the professional knowledge of individuals involved in any aspect of human resources management. This runs the gamut from compensation and payroll functions, legal issues, benefits, safety, health, communications, recruiting and retention, labor relations, employee development and event planning, to name a few. If you’re in HR, you know the list goes on and on! Date: TBA Cosponsored by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) and the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) |
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Women-owned Businesses Adapting to COVID-19 This webinar will be a panel discussion with women business owners from different industries who will share their experiences and strategies they have used to cope and adapt with the impact of COVID-19 on their business. You must register for this event. Details on how to join will be emailed once registered. Click here for flyer of webinar.
Date: Friday, March 27, 2020
Brought to you by WesternMass Business Technical Assistance Collaboration: Center for Women and Enterprise, Common Capital, Franklin County CDC, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE of Western Mass, and Valley CDC. |
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Social Media Tips During Moments of Crisis Our speaker will be Katelin Cwieka, Marketing, PR & Communications Professional, MBA Candidate Isenberg School of Management, AVP – Communications Manager, Marketing for Avidia Bank. Kate joined Avidia Bank in April 2015 from a local marketing agency, where she brought a fresh perspective on social media and content marketing to a traditionally stale industry including launching a social media employee advocacy program. Kate also teaches Marketing and Personal Branding Classes at the Center for Women and Enterprise. Additionally, Kate sits on the Board of Directors for LeadershipMetroWest and for the MetroWest Women’s Network. You must register for this event. Details on how to join will be emailed once registered. Click here for flyer of webinar.
Date: Monday, March 30, 2020
Brough to you by WesternMass Business Technical Assistance Collaboration: Center for Women and Enterprise, Common Capital, Franklin County CDC, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SCORE of Western Mass, and Valley CDC. |
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Cash is KING! Learn simple steps to manage your cash and keep your business strong. Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 |
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If you are an exporter, importer, international sales or logistics personnel, or anyone who works with international trade documentation and compliance, you should not miss this program. Our speakers will provide an overview of the new Incoterms®, discuss how to use them, and implement them to your advantage. Speakers include:
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2020
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You do not have to be an accountant or CPA to run a successful business! This workshop will provide practical information to evaluate cash flow, how cash flow is different from an Income Statement and what the balance sheet tells you about your business. The speaker will include Robert Look, vice president with Middlesex Savings Bank. Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Cosponsorred by Middlesex Savings Bank |
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El taller se centrará en los fundamentos empresariales, desde las consideraciones iniciales hasta el desarrollo del plan empresarial y las fuentes de financiación. El curso se impartirá en español. Fecha: Miércoles 29 de abril de 2020
Copatrocinado por Eastern Bank |
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Join us for a free workshop focusing on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Cosponsored by CI Works |
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ATA Carnets: Facilitate Duty Free Temporary Exports While Saving Time and Money Exhibiting at a foreign trade show? Shipping demo equipment to your overseas sales agent? Traveling for work and carrying professional equipment? Save time and simplify Customs clearance while avoiding costly Temporary Import Bonds by using an ATA Carnet instead! An ATA Carnet is an internationally-accepted Customs document that allows for goods to travel between 85+ countries and territories without the need to pay import duties or taxes, resulting in significant cost savings. It is one of the most helpful tools that exporters can use for temporary shipments! Carnets offer many advantages, but it is important that they are processed correctly to avoid Customs claims and penalties due to no proof of re-exportation. Join us as we discuss the benefits of ATA Carnets, including their uses and management. This program will offer comprehensive guidance for the proper handling of Carnets, including use of Carnets for controlled goods. Tips for troubleshooting will be provided for challenging scenarios, such as goods remaining in-country permanently; goods not re-exported in a timely manner; or cases when the Carnet may be lost or stolen. The speaker will be Kiel Ursin, Carnet Specialist with Boomerang Carnets. Date: Friday, May 15, 2020
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Primeros Pasos Para Emprender Un Negocio Propio Este taller te dará información essential para orientarte en como emprender un negocio propio. Comenzar un negocio es una aventura y verás que al principio te abrumarás muy fácilmente, sin embargo la clave para seguir en pie es contar con un plan de trabajo a seguir, un mapa que te debe guiar a lo largo del camino de tu negocio. El orador será Samalid Hogan, director regional y asesor comercial principal de la Oficina Regional del Oeste de MSBDC. Se requiere registración antes del taller. Regístrese en nuestra página de la internet. Fecha: Lunes 18 de mayo de 2020
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El taller se centrará en los fundamentos empresariales, desde las consideraciones iniciales hasta el desarrollo del plan empresarial y las fuentes de financiación. El curso se impartirá en español. Fecha: Miércoles 20 de mayo de 2020
Copatrocinado por la Cámara de Comercio de Peabody |
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Understanding Your Company's Financial Statements If you are in business, financial statements are an essential tool. Knowing how to read your financial statements will help you to understand what happened last year in your business and what is likely to happen this year. This workshop will include: Balance Sheet Income Statement Profit/Loss The speaker will be Robb Morton. Robb has more than 30 years of experience in public and management accounting. He has over seven years of experience as a controller which has given him an unique perspective that serves as a tremendous benefit when dealing with the challenges faced by his small business clients. Robb also has extensive experience working with family-owned businesses, both as advisor and as a member of its management team. Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2020
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This presentation will help you gain a better understanding of the core legal concepts impacting your business.
The speaker will be Sarah Willey, counsel with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP's Business and Finance Department. Sarah is also a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Practice Group and Employment Law Practice Group. She has experience advising clients in the areas of business formation, mergers and acquisitions, business succession planning, and corporate structuring of businesses in regulated industries. Sarah counsels clients in protecting and maximizing their intellectual property via trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. She also assists businesses with designing, implementing and auditing corporate compliance programs under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Pre-registration is required. Register online with link below. Date: Monday, June 1, 2020
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The Massachusetts Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presents a workshop on the following topics:
The speaker will be Michelle Simoes, procurement specialist with the Massachusetts PTAC. Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Cosponsored by the Massachusetts PTAC |
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Trade Compliance "Off-the-Record" Discussion Group
Join us to connect with fellow trade compliance practitioners for an off-the-record, informal discussion to compare notes and discuss compliance challenges across any number of areas: screening and compliance with ever-growing list-based sanctions; jurisdiction and licensing issues; tariffs and customs compliance issues; recent regulatory developments, including possible changes to de minimus allowances and the foreign direct product rule, new controls on emerging and foundational technologies, the information technology supply chain executive order, and much more. Bring your questions and concerns to share with the group. The discussion will be led by experienced trade compliance practitioners. While we prefer in-person participation to enhance the discussion, a dial-in option will be provided for participants unable to participate in person. Date: Friday, June 5, 2020
Cosponsored by Teradyne, Inc. |
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This free workshop will discuss the benefits of using LinkedIn to market your business. The speaker will be Cara Chatellier. Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2020 |
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Developing a Dynamic Capability Statement Attend a free webinar to learn tips for developing a robust capability statement to assist you in marketing your products & services to large business prime contractors and federal agencies. A capability statement (CS) is a unique marketing tool used primarily in the federal procurement marketplace. A CS can be a very effective, and inexpensive, marketing piece used to quickly highlight your strengths and capabilities at small business matchmakers and other outreach events. Link will be sent out to all attendees the day before the webinar launches. Date: Thursday, June 11, 2020
Cosponsored by the Center for Women’s Enterprise (CWE-Central MA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network - Government Sales/Central MA PTAC Region |
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Legal Requirements for Small Business A small business owner needs to know what their federal, state and local legal obligations are. This course will give you an overview of the legal requirements that every small business owner should know. The speaker will be Gina Flynn, vice president and branch manager at Eastern Bank. Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank |
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Matchmaker Preparation Webinar Attend a free lunchtime webinar to help you prepare for a successful experience at a small business government procurement matchmaker. We will share tips and strategies on how to "better" prepare for this unique marketing event. The webinar will briefly cover:
Link will be sent out to all attendees the day before the webinar launches. Date: Thursday, June 18, 2020
Cosponsored by the Center for Women’s Enterprise (CWE-Central MA), Small Business Administration (SBA), Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Network - Government Sales/Central MA PTAC Region |
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Complying with U.S. Export Controls
The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements under these regulations. We will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR; steps to take to determine the export licensing requirements for your item; how to determine your export control classification number (ECCN); when you can export or reexport without applying for a license; Automated Export System (AES) procedures and requirements; sanctions programs; Export Compliance Program (ECP) concepts; and real life examples in applying this information. Presenters will conduct a number of "hands-on" exercises that will prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company's export activities. This one-of-a-kind program is well suited for those who need a comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR. The instructors are experienced export policy specialists, and enforcement personnel from BIS's field offices. This seminar will also include guest speakers from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. The instructors will be available during the seminar to answer your questions. **Please read the important information regarding cancellation and refund policy, parking details and hotel reservations below the registration button. Exhibitor Opportunities Available - Click here to learn more! Dates: TBA - Spring 2021 |
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This workshop will focus on learning the various means to raise capital and the requirements needed for borrowing. Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 |
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How to Build an Export Compliance Program
Agenda topics include guidance on how to establish an Export Compliance Program, strategies to enhance your company’s compliance program, how to avoid common compliance errors, and how to build a solid framework for your company’s compliance program. This program includes small group discussion, hands-on exercises, compliance peer networking, and provides a written example of an export compliance program as well as the Office of Exporter Services January, 2018 revised Export Compliance Guidelines to assist in developing your compliance program. Note: The information presented in this program is not a legal requirement of the Export Administration Regulations. It is intended to give informational advice and guidance based on industry best practices in the field of compliance. Recommended prerequisite: Complying with U.S. Export Controls or equivalent experience. The instructors are experienced export policy specialists, engineers, and enforcement personnel from BIS's Washington, D.C. headquarters and field offices, as well as representatives from other U.S. government agencies as appropriate. The instructors will be available throughout the seminar to answer your questions on how the export regulations affect the export activities of your organization or client. **Please read the important information regarding cancellation and refund policy, parking details and hotel reservations below the registration button. Exhibitor Opportunities Available - Click here to learn more! Date: TBA - Spring 2021 |
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In our digital age, the Internet has given consumers unprecedented control of the purchasing process. 95% of the world’s markets lie outside the United States, but in order to seize that opportunity, your website must become your best sales rep! Your prospects, customers, and competitors are all online, but are your website and online presence the best they can be to showcase your brand and your business to the global marketplace? During this program, we will discuss best practices in website localization, online marketing, and e-commerce strategy that will help exporters build their brands and grow their businesses by creating the best user experience for their international customers. Join us to learn about the key success factors for an intelligent global digital marketing strategy that will help companies to get found, be understood, and improve customer experience. The speaker will be Jeff Ardis, Business Development Director at IBT Online. Date: Thursday, July 16, 2020
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China Global Trade Compliance and Security Update The U.S. government has been expanding national security-based restrictions in connection with technical, business and academic activities involving China, which is having far-reaching implications for a wide range of industry sectors as well as academia, startups and investors. There has been a proliferation of Chinese parties subject to list-based sanctions, perhaps best exemplified by the addition of Huawei and others to the U.S. Entity List. Proposed regulations to implement the May 2019 executive order on telecommunications supply chain security would establish a new regulatory process in which certain transactions would be subject to review, mitigation, and even the prohibition or unwinding of completed transactions, and would provide for significant penalties for failure to meet regulatory obligations. Rollbacks to allowances under the De Minimis and Foreign Direct Product Rules are expected to restrict claims that items and technology are not subject to U.S. export controls to largely target U.S. exports to China. There will soon be new restrictions on "emerging and foundational" technologies, which will be controlled for export to China as mandated under the Export Control Reform Act. The recently-implemented final rule on transactions subject to mandatory review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) will provide for heightened scrutiny of Chinese investment in U.S. businesses involved in critical technology, critical infrastructure and sensitive personal data. Join us to learn about these developments and more, and how to best manage the increasing compliance risks associated with doing business in or with China. The speaker will be Brian Curran, partner with Hogan Lovells US LLP. Date: Friday, July 24, 2020
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All
services are provided by PSH which is not acting as an agent and/or
representative of the Massachusetts Small Business Development
Center Network. By meeting with PSH you agree to indemnify and hold
harmless the MSBDC from any and all claims and liability arising
from your session with PSH. Participants will receive a general
waiver statement prior to their meeting. 
Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business! This free
workshop will focus on business fundamentals, from start-up
considerations to business plan development and funding sources. It will help entrepreneurs write a business plan and
provide structure to starting/managing their venture. This workshop
is appropriate for anyone who wants to start a business and existing
business owners looking for guidance on creating a business plan and
securing financing to grow their business.
This
event has been postponed.
Incoterms®
provide internationally-accepted definitions and rules of
interpretation for the most common commercial terms used in
contracts for the global sale and transfer of goods. The terms help
traders to avoid costly misunderstandings by clarifying the tasks,
costs and risks involved in the delivery of goods from sellers to
buyers worldwide. The new Incoterms® 2020 rules came into force on
January 1, 2020, and the revision incorporates changes in both
substance and presentation of the Incoterms®.
The
current global trade compliance environment is the most challenging
and complex in recent memory. 
This
two-day program is led by BIS's professional counselling staff and
provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR). The seminar will also feature guest speakers from
the BIS Office of Export Enforcement; the U.S. Census Bureau; and
the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control.