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 is closed. Please read important training and 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. |
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Program Descriptions
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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: Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month
- click on date below to register
Customer records, invoices, years of work — wiped out by a ransomware attack, a failed hard drive, or a flood. It's not a question of if it happens to small businesses, it's when — and 43% of businesses that experience major data loss never reopen. This month's Tech Talks with Rob tackles the topic most business owners know they should deal with but keep putting off: Backup & Disaster Recovery: Your Business Lifeline. In just 20 minutes, you'll learn the 3-2-1 Rule (the one backup strategy every business needs), why Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive are not backups, how ransomware silently destroys your backups before you even know you've been hit, and free tools already sitting on your computer waiting to be turned on.
You've heard about AI for two years. You might even be using it. But here's what nobody is telling you — the same AI tools that can save your business 15 hours a week are being weaponized against businesses just like yours right now. This month's Tech Talks with Rob cuts through the noise with "Friend or Fraud: How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned" — a no-jargon, no-hype, 20-minute session that covers both sides of the AI story. You will learn which free and low-cost AI tools are actually saving small business owners time right now (writing, customer service, scheduling, bookkeeping), what data you should never put into an AI tool and why, how voice cloning and deepfake video calls are being used to trick employees into authorizing wire transfers, the one protocol that stops AI-powered payment fraud cold, and how to write a one-page AI use policy for your staff in a single afternoon.
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Your small business is "bankable" if a commercial bank or lending institution is willing to offer you financing, such as a loan or line of credit. Small business owners often seek financing to buy equipment or inventory, launch a new product line, open or expand retail or manufacturing operations, further grow an existing business and more. Contrary to popular belief, banks are eager to lend to small businesses. However, in order to be bankable, you need to understand your business' numbers, how to organize them for a commercial loan, and how to present your personal and business story in a compelling manner. This workshop will be led by Karen Baldeschwieler, small business consultant with Zenagos. We may be joined by additional guest speakers. Learn how to:
Date: See dates below
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Benefits on a Budget: A Guide for Small Business Growth How would you like to learn more about financial efficiency, cost-neutrality, and maximizing every dollar for both owner and employee? Please join Chris Roth as he breaks it all down.
The speaker will be Chris Roth, district sales coordinator with Aflac. Date: Wednesday, April 15. 2026
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AI for Small Business: Legal Risks and Ethical IP Guardrails Generative AI, LLMs, Agentic AI, it all feels like the "Wild West." AI can boost productivity, help you create content, conduct research, and even draft contracts. But it can also leak your trade secrets when employees upload confidential data, create content you don't actually own, reproduce copyrighted material, or provide completely incorrect information that you then rely on to make business decisions, whether it's a bad contract, wrong legal advice, or flawed financial projections, you’re liable for the results. The good news? You don't need to avoid AI; you need guardrails. We will discuss practical, simple steps your business can implement today:
The speakers will be John Pothier and Dylan Barrett with Embedded Counsel, PLLC. Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
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In this in-person seminar, you will learn how a business plan serves as a comprehensive guide for starting, managing, and growing a business. A succinct business plan should breakdown how your business operates, goals and steps needed to achieve them including marketing, sales, operations, and financial strategies. Speakers:
Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
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How to Prepare for a Business to Government or Business to Corporate Matchmaker
This workshop will cover:
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC, who will provide the Matchmaker Preparation presentation. Samantha Carr will provide an overview of CWE services and Lisa Gonzalez Welch will provide an overview of SBA services. Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise and the U.S. Small Business Administration |
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Building A Sellable, Sustainable Business Are you a Massachusetts small business owner, founder, or entrepreneur thinking about your next chapter—or wondering how to build a business that's ready when that day comes? Join Exit Factor Lexington and the Massachusetts SBDC for a focused education session designed to help you understand what drives business value, how to avoid the most common exit mistakes, and what steps to take right now—no matter how far away your exit feels. Topics include:
Who Should Attend?
Why Attend?
The speaker will be Gabriela Van Miran, a consultant with Exit Factor Lexington. Date: Thursday - April 22, 2026
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Conversations That Matter: Understanding SBA Funding: What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know Are you a small business owner looking to grow, expand, or invest in your operations but unsure how to access the capital you need? Join us as we sit down with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for an insightful chat designed specifically for business owners like you. We will cut through the confusion around SBA financing — breaking down programs like the 7(a) and 504 loan programs and other key SBA resources, explaining how the SBA partners with your local bank rather than lending directly to businesses, and demystifying the process so you walk away with a clear understanding of the options available to you. But that's not all — we will also explore the SBA's Made in America manufacturing initiative and what it could mean for businesses in our region that produce, assemble, or supply goods right here in Berkshire County. Whether you're exploring financing for the first time or looking to take your business to the next level, this is your opportunity to get real answers from someone with direct knowledge and experience. After our 20-minute conversation, we will open things up for your questions—so feel free to jump in and be part of the discussion! The speaker will be Shelley Gillis, outreach and marketing specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This event is hosted by Rob DelMastro, regional director with the Massachusetts SBDC - Berkshire Region. Date: Wednesday, April 22,
2026
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The Art of Pricing Your Product with Don Lesser There is an art to setting a price for your work. Apple rarely offers discounts. Clothing stores often build their initial prices with a plan for a series of discounts. Consulting firms employ various techniques to avoid quoting an hourly rate, while law firms typically provide an hourly rate and adhere to it. How do you determine the right rate to charge for your time? If your rate is too high, you may scare clients away; if it's too low, clients might undervalue your work. On one hand, you need to consider a livable rate for your work, and on the other, you should be aware of the range of rates in your market. Do you offer discounts? How do you price a job, and how do you accommodate add-ons or changes? Do you have different rates for various types of clients? What about providing services for free? How do you negotiate rates with potential clients? This workshop will guide you through the process of determining your rate and sticking to it. The speaker will be Don Lesser, former president of Pioneer Training, Inc. Don was in business for 30+ years, owning three separate companies, as well as working for Dataviews Corporation in Amherst. Don's companies grew and shrank over the years, and the nature of the businesses changed to meet client demands, but he was successful at it. Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
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As global trade controls evolve, so do the expectations placed on companies to identify and mitigate export risk. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has expanded its Red Flag guidance, providing deeper insight into indicators that may signal the potential diversion or misuse of goods in an export transaction. This webinar will provide a practical, step‑by‑step review of each Red Flag, what it may indicate, and how exporting businesses can translate the guidance into effective compliance actions. Attendees will gain a stronger understanding of risk indicators, enhanced due‑diligence strategies, and best practices for integrating Red Flag assessments into daily operations. Whether you are strengthening an existing compliance program or developing new compliance procedures, this session will equip you with the important tools necessary to identify risks, address them, and avoid costly violations. Our speaker will be Kerry Scarlott, founder of NorthStar Law. Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
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Cape Cod Capital and Resources Matchmaker Attention all Cape and Southeastern Massachusetts area small businesses: you are invited to a small business expo, brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This is a dynamic opportunity to network and learn about the resources available for small businesses to start, grow, and expand. Learn about access to capital and small business success from guest speakers and industry experts. Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Cosponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration |
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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. 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 Ulrika Swanson, partner with the law firm of Cassidy Levy Kent, who will be on-hand to field questions on trade controls needing legal expertise. Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
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Effective Marketing Plan for Business Growth What is the most important part of a business plan? THE MARKETING PLAN!!! To keep one's business on course, the marketing plan must be geared toward: the business's mission, its product and service lines, its markets, its financial situation, and its marketing/sales tactics. Register today to get started on your plan! The speaker will be Cliff Robbins, regional director and senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Southeast Region. Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Cosponsored by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) and MassDevelopment Growth Capital Division |
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Shifting Global Supply Chains in an Era of U.S.–China Trade Tensions: A Trade Compliance Perspective In today’s evolving trade environment, understanding how global supply chains are shifting—particularly across Asia—is critical amid ongoing uncertainty in U.S.–China trade relations and future negotiations. As businesses reassess their supply chains, they must also navigate changing trade and technology dynamics across Asia to effectively manage risk and develop strategies for compliance. This session will provide an Asian perspective to the implications of geopolitical developments on trade and technology flows. It will explore how countries and businesses in Asia are reacting to efforts by the U.S., Europe and China to derisk and decouple their economies. The speaker will also discuss the key trade compliance risks arising from the re-routing of supply chains in Asia and the rise in new manufacturing hubs in countries like India and Vietnam. The session will end with a discussion on practical compliance strategies and best practices that companies and businesses can adopt when dealing with these seismic changes. Our speaker will be Eugene Lim, founding principal of WTS Taxise. Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
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Cut through the tariff confusion with this virtual, expert-led session designed for manufacturers navigating the evolving tariff landscape. Our speakers include a Customs and Trade Attorney and a Licensed Customs Broker and Freight Forwarder. This practical session will begin with a brief overview of current developments, including the Section 122 10% global temporary tariffs, Section 301 investigations, Section 232 expansions, the status of IEEPA tariff refunds, and more, before opening it up for Q&A with attendees. This program will be conducted in a Zoom Meeting format to promote interaction between the experts and attendees, so bring your Customs and tariff questions and be prepared to participate in a lively discussion. No matter what tariff or Customs challenges you’re navigating, this session will deliver the expert insight and real-world solutions you need to keep your global operations running smoothly. Our speakers will be:
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
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Buy vs Build: Considerations for Evaluating AI-based Trade Compliance Technology Solutions In an increasingly complex global trade and regulatory environment, companies are challenged not only to keep pace, but to strategically adopt AI-enabled technologies that create competitive advantage. The decision to build or buy these solutions is inherently multi-layered, spanning functions such as compliance, IT, operations and strategy. This webinar will provide a practical framework for evaluating the build-vs-buy decision in the context of rapidly evolving regulations, global market dynamics and emerging technologies. Participants will gain greater clarity on how to align technology investments with organizational goals and risk tolerance. Real-world examples and case studies will be used to illustrate how companies are approaching these choices in practice. Our speaker will be Leslie August, chief marketing officer with KYG Trade. Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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Massachusetts SBDC training events are supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, you certify that you are legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations. 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 events may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change. Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email address 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, please 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. 
This
webinar will help you prepare for participation in a matchmaker by
providing tips on how to present your products & services. The goal
is for you to have a positive and productive marketing and
networking experience at a B2G (business to government) or B2C
(business to corporation) matchmaker.