Statewide Training & Event Calendar
All training events are held in Massachusetts unless otherwise noted. Preregistration is required. 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 only accept credit cards 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 review our
Registration and Cancellation 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 at right to download the Spring 2017 export training booklet (pdf). |
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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? Click on the SBA logo to
view topics. |
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2017 Calendar |
= international training |
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| JULY | |||
| 31 | Google Marketing Series - Session 1 (Springfield) | ||
| AUGUST | |||
| 3 | Basics of Starting a Business (Greenfield) | ||
| 4 | Email Fraud & Information Security Awareness (Springfield) | ||
| 7 | Basics of Starting a Business (Springfield) | ||
| 8 | Google Marketing Series - Session 2 (Springfield) | ||
| 15 | Social Media Marketing Coaching (Mansfield) | ||
| 16 | Google Marketing Series - Session 3 (Springfield) | ||
| 16 | How to Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Holder and Government Contracting 101 (Boston) | ||
| 17 | Opportunities for Women in Federal Contracting (Boston) | ||
| 22 | Google Marketing Series - Session 4 (Springfield) | ||
| 28 | Google Marketing Series - Session 5 (Springfield) | ||
| SEPTEMBER | |||
| 11 | Basics of Starting a Business (Springfield Area) | ||
| 12 | Social Media Marketing Coaching (Mansfield) | ||
| 13 | QuickBooks Desktop Version for Beginners (Springfield) | ||
| 20 | How to Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Holder and Government Contracting 101 (Boston) | ||
| 27 | Small Business Lending: Are You Really Ready for a Loan? (Springfield) | ||
| OCTOBER | |||
| 2 | Basics of Starting a Business (Springfield Area) | ||
| 5 | Basics of Starting a Business (Greenfield) | ||
| 18 | How to Become a GSA Federal Supply Schedule Holder and Government Contracting 101 (Boston) | ||
| 18 | QuickBooks Online Version for Beginners (Springfield) | ||
| NOVEMBER | |||
| 6 | Basics of Starting a Business (Springfield Area) | ||
| 8 | Understanding Your Company's Cash Flow (Springfield) | ||
| DECEMBER | |||
| 4 | Basics of Starting a Business (Springfield Area) | ||
| 7 | Basics of Starting a Business (Greenfield) | ||
| 8 | Export Expo (Boston)
- Save the date! |
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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. Space is limited, so register early! To register, click on the specific date below and you will be transferred to a registration form. Space is limited to the first 25 participants, so register early! Dates:
August 16,
2017 |
September
20, 2017 |
October 18,
2017 |
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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. Please click here 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)
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 below
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Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business. This free workshop, presented by Allen Kronick, senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Western Regional Office, will focus on business fundamentals, from start-up considerations to business plan development and funding sources. It is designed for owners of existing businesses as well as those who are planning to start one. The workshop will help entrepreneurs write a business plan and provide structure to starting/managing their venture. Topics will include:
Oreste Varela, Springfield branch manager of the U.S. Small Business Administration will also present, The SBA Advantage: An Overview of SBA’s Programs and Services. This 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. This free workshop is typically held on the first Monday of the month in Springfield and the first Thursday of the month in Greenfield (unless otherwise noted, due to holiday or other conflict). See chart below for dates, times, locations and registration links. The Greenfield workshops are cosponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Cost: No charge
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Legal Clinic (offered in Western Massachusetts) The MSBDC Western Regional Office is pleased to announce that we are offering free legal clinics for small business owners. Entrepreneurs and small business owners can meet one-on-one with an attorney to discuss general legal questions such as corporate structure, leases, contracts, insurance, employment, franchising, and various other business-related issues. Appointments are 30 minutes. The attorney donating her time and legal expertise is Sarah K. Willey, Esq. with WMASSBIZLAW.
All services are provided by the attorneys which are not acting as agents and/or representatives of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. By meeting with an attorney, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the MSBDC from any and all claims and liability arising from your session. Participants will receive a general waiver statement prior to their meeting. Participants are eligible to attend one 30-minute legal clinic. Individual appointments are subject to availability. As a courtesy to the attorneys, if you cannot attend your appointment, please contact our office at 413-577-1768 or msbdc@msbdc.umass.edu at least 24 hours in advance. Date:
TBA
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Email Fraud & Information Security Awareness Email is an essential method of communication for most businesses, yet email can also open the door to fraud and thousands of dollars in losses. Learn the latest techniques that fraudsters are using to trick your employees in to installing malware and how you can best protect your business from these financial crimes. The speaker will be Karen Cartier, CBAP, CBCCO, Fraud Prevention Officer at Greenfield Saving Bank. Karen has over 25 years of experience in the fields of finance and banking. She is currently employed as the Compliance & BSA Officer at Greenfield Savings Bank and is an online course instructor for the Center for Financial Training, where she teaches Fraud Examination and Accounting Forensics. Karen is certified in Compliance, Bank Secrecy, and Fraud Analytics, and has completed studies at Holyoke Community College, Elms College, and the New England School of Financial Studies through the Babson Executive College. Date: Friday, August 4, 2017
Sponsored by Greenfield Savings Bank |
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Social Media Marketing Coaching
Come to a free 30-minute coaching session. We will take a look at what your business is currently doing and make suggestions for the best strategy for high-impact social media marketing. The presenters will be Tricia White, owner of T. White Creations, brand marketing strategist and social media marketing trainer, and Nancy Lowd, senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. IMPORTANT: If you are a no show and do not cancel your appointment at least 48 hours in advance, you may be unable to register for future sessions. You must email info@msbdc.umass.edu to cancel your appointment. Please indicate your name, phone number and email, along with the date and time of your appointment. Limit one free session per client. Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Cosponsored by HarborOne |
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Opportunities for Women in Federal Contracting
Agenda: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
11:45 - 12:30 Date: Thursday, August 17, 2017
Sponsored by Women Impacting Public Policy, American Express and the U.S. Small Business Administration, in conjunction with local sponsors of the MA Small Business Development Center, SCORE and CWE |
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Google Marketing Series - 5 Workshops
People are searching online for businesses like yours every day. Make sure they can find and connect with you by adding your business information to Google Search and Maps. This does not replace your website. This workshop can help people find your website. Start a fire under your business—get better results from your existing web presence by claiming your own Google business page. In this series of workshops you will:
Space is limited and you must register in advance.
Sponsored by MSBDC & SCORE |
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Social Media Marketing Coaching
Come to a free 30-minute coaching session. We will take a look at what your business is currently doing and make suggestions for the best strategy for high-impact social media marketing. The presenters will be Tricia White, owner of T. White Creations, brand marketing strategist and social media marketing trainer, and Nancy Lowd, senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. IMPORTANT: If you are a no show and do not cancel your appointment at least 48 hours in advance, you may be unable to register for future sessions. You must email info@msbdc.umass.edu to cancel your appointment. Please indicate your name, phone number and email, along with the date and time of your appointment. Limit one free session per client. Date: Tuesday,
September 12, 2017
Cosponsored by HarborOne |
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QuickBooks Desktop Version for Beginners
This session is suitable for those who have recently started using QuickBooks and those who plan to use it. The basic principles of QuickBooks remain the same for the Windows, Macintosh, and online versions of the program, although specific details of how to accomplish a task may differ slightly. It is not required, but if you have a laptop or tablet and have QuickBooks loaded, feel free to bring it and follow along. NOTE: This workshop is designed for training on the basics of QuickBooks and is not intended to troubleshoot problems individuals may currently be experiencing. Those types of questions are better suited to a one-one consulting session. The presenter will be Don Lesser, president of Pioneer Training, Inc. Don has been a consultant and business owner for over 30 years. He has been using QuickBooks since version 2.0 for MS-DOS. He has taught QuickBooks for 20+ years, as well as consulted in its use for a wide range of clients. Don is not an accountant and does not provide accounting advice, but focuses on how to use QuickBooks to track your company’s income and expenses. Date: Wednesday September 13, 2017
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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? If so, please join us for a workshop that addresses these questions and much more! The speakers will lead an interactive and personalized workshop to help you prepare for the loan application process. As they tailor the 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. Topics to be discussed include:
This workshop is presented by Tom Cebula, Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer and Jeff Lomma, Branch Manager/Business Specialist for Tower Square. Tom and Jeff have presented this workshop in the past and always receive rave reviews from the attendees. Tom has 18 years of commercial and retail banking experience. Jeff has been with Westfield Bank since 2007 and currently develops new and existing relationships with small business and consumer customers. Westfield Bank is proud to offer this workshop through the MSBDC as both organizations share a strong commitment to the growth of small businesses in our region. Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2017
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QuickBooks Online Version for Beginners
The session will use QuickBooks Pro Online, but will be useful for all versions of QuickBooks. This session is suitable for those who have recently started using QuickBooks Online and those planning to use it. It is not required, but if you have a laptop or tablet and have QuickBooks Online loaded, feel free to bring it and follow along. NOTE: This workshop is designed for training on the basics of QuickBooks Online and is not intended to troubleshoot problems individuals may currently be experiencing. Those types of questions are better suited to a one-one consulting session. The presenter will be Don Lesser, president of Pioneer Training, Inc. Don has been a consultant and business owner for over 30 years. He has been using QuickBooks since version 2.0 for MS-DOS. He has taught QuickBooks for 20+ years, as well as consulted in its use for a wide range of clients. Don is not an accountant and does not provide accounting advice, but focuses on how to use QuickBooks to track your company’s income and expenses. Date: Wednesday October 18, 2017
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Understanding Your Company's Cash Flow Your business runs on cash—cash in and cash out—a very critical aspect to you and your business. Cash flow refers to the revenues a business generates and collects compared to expenses it pays out over a fixed period of time. It is one of the most critical components of success for a small business. This workshop will teach:
The presenter will be Robb Morton, a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant with 28 years of experience. Robb's experience in management accounting includes work with a major government contractor that required him to obtain knowledge of cost accounting standards and rate calculations. He has many years of experience dealing with manufacturers and has worked with a variety of computer packages. His seven years experience as a controller has given him a unique perspective that serves as a tremendous benefit when dealing with the challenges faced by his small business clients. He also has extensive experience working with family-owned businesses, both as advisor and as a member of their management team. Robb works with many area banks and finance companies to assist clients with their working capital and equipment financing needs. Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2017
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Export Expo - Save the Date!
The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide variety of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day export operations. The event will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community. Coinciding with the exhibition, the Export Center will convene workshops and roundtable discussions throughout the day on a wide variety of export-related topics. This year’s Export Expo will focus on uncertainty in the current global trade landscape, including possible upcoming shifts in U.S. trade policy. Hot-button issues such as NAFTA renegotiation, free trade policy, export controls, sanctions, enforcement and more will be addressed. World-wide international trade trends and related topics will also be discussed, with a focus on helping companies to navigate a dynamic and increasingly complex global trade environment. The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers, opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions, networking, and fun! This event regularly sells out. Space is limited, so register early! Registration will open in the fall. Photo ID required for entrance to building.
Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available! Date: Friday, December 8, 2017 Registration will be available in the fall. |
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. 
We all know social media is key to our marketing success. What
should the content be? What is the right amount? On which
platform? Am I doing it right? Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest,
Instagram...so many choices! Which is right for my business?
ChallengeHER
events offer women-owned small businesses the information and tools
they need to succeed in the world of federal contracting.
INFORMATION IS POWER! This seminar qualifies for 2.0 Continuous
Learning Points for CORs and COs. The seminar will include:
Are you intimidated by
social media? You paid all that money and
invested all that time to create your website, but you're not getting
the return? Explore with us how you can improve your results. We're here to help, beginning with these educational workshops.
We want to help every business in our communities to get found on
the web—starting with yours!
This
is an introduction to the popular accounting program QuickBooks.
This will cover the desktop version only. The session will cover
setting up a new company, invoicing and receiving payments, writing
checks and paying bills. The session will end with a brief
introduction to and overview of reports. 
Join
us for the largest and most important export event of the year that
brings together export resources, training and information – all
under one roof!