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. |
|
|
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: Typically held on the first Wednesday of the month
- click on date below to register
Your employee just quit — and they still have your business email on their phone. Your tablet with QuickBooks was stolen at a trade show. A staff member's personal phone — the one they use to text customers — just got hacked. If any of these scenarios make you nervous, this webinar is for you.
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.
|
|---|
|
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
|
|
Developing an Effective Government Focused Capability Statement
We will walk through how to craft a capability statement specifically tailored to federal buyers and prime contractors - what to include, what to avoid, and how to present your strengths in a way that aligns with government expectations. You will see real-life examples and learn tips, tricks, and best practices to help you build a clear, concise, and compelling CS that may help you build key relationships and land opportunities to bid. Don't miss this opportunity to develop a dynamic capability statement that supports your future success in the government marketplace. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET Location: Online Cost: No charge Contact: CWE at info.regional@cweonline.org
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
|
How to Write a Business Plan Using AI and LivePlan Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you craft a winning business plan. Whether launching a new venture or refining your existing strategy, this workshop will empower you with the tools and insights to bring your vision to life. This training will be led by Nancy Gerardi, Esq., regional director of the Massachusetts SBDC Northeast Region. You will benefit from Nancy's extensive experience and expertise in small business development and strategic planning. Her proven guidance has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve their goals, and now it’s your turn to leverage her knowledge to create a comprehensive and effective business plan. The speaker will be Justin Henderson of LivePlan, who will be video conferenced in to walk you through the LivePlan platform. Jugmi Rao, vice president of TD Bank, will be available to answer any banking questions. In this session, you will learn how to:
Be sure to bring your laptop as you will be writing your business plan during the session! This event is proudly sponsored by TD Bank, covering the cost for the first 25 attendees—a value-packed opportunity at no cost to you! Space is limited to just 25 participants, so don’t wait—secure your spot today and take the first step toward business success. Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026
Cosponsored by TD Bank |
|
Entrepreneurship for Healthcare Practitioners Join us for an online training series designed for healthcare professionals who are exploring the transition from clinician to business owner. During this three-part series, you will gain a practical understanding and foundation of what it means to be an entrepreneur and the steps necessary to start a business in Massachusetts. Who should attend:
What you will learn:
Session 101 is designed to provide new business owners with an overview of the information and tools needed to evaluate and develop a new business. We will cover the basics of entrepreneurship, business plan creation, and will offer a Q&A session. Session 102 is designed to help business owners understand the importance of tracking and interpreting their financial numbers to provide a clear picture of their business’s financial health. Participants will learn why monitoring financial data is essential for decision-making and growth, what stories these numbers talk about business performance, and how to interpret the three main financial statements: Profit and Loss Statement, Cash Flow Statement, and Balance Sheet. Session 103 will provide an overview of the next steps in starting your business, including feasibility studies, marketing plans, customer acquisition, and networking strategies. This is a three-part series for healthcare entrepreneurs. Please register for each session separately by clicking on the links below. Dates: Wednesdays, February 25, March 11 & March
25
|
|
Please join our discussion with Laura Brennan, Assistant Director of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, focused on how small business owners in Berkshire County can leverage data from Berkshire Benchmarks to make more informed strategic decisions. The conversation highlights how Berkshire Benchmarks provides reliable, locally focused data on population trends, workforce demographics, income levels, housing, and economic indicators that can help entrepreneurs better understand their target markets, hiring environment, and long-term growth opportunities. The emphasis on using credible regional data strengthens business plans, supports loan applications, and helps owners align their services with evolving community needs across the county. This event is hosted by Tim Kiely, a senior business advisor with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Berkshire Region. Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Cosponsored by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission |
|
Building a Strategic Plan that Works This webinar will guide business owners through the strategic planning tools needed to move from stability to sustainable growth. Participants will explore the concept of the “$XM ceiling” and how strategic planning helps businesses break through common revenue and operational plateaus. The session will also highlight AI-powered resilience, demonstrating how emerging tools can strengthen decision-making, efficiency, and adaptability in an uncertain business environment. Finally, we will examine what it takes to scale from Massachusetts to global markets, helping businesses think beyond local growth and plan for long-term expansion. Attendees will leave with practical insights and a clearer roadmap for growing their business with intention and strategy. The speaker will be Raquel Araujo, founder and CEO of Levare.ai. Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
|
|
Implement AI-Enabled Operations Successfully in Small and Medium Businesses Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) rarely struggle because they lack software. More often, the challenge is managing numerous unconnected tools. This "tool sprawl" can lead to significant inefficiencies and increased operating costs. At its core, every business must manage sales, customers, service delivery, payments, and its web presence. We will discuss how a lack of cohesion between physical operations and the digital ecosystem creates bottlenecks. We will also explore best practices for adopting streamlined processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve profit margins. This session is relevant to various sectors, including manufacturing, supply chain, real estate, professional services (wealth management, insurance, accounting, etc.), healthcare clinics (community, mental, dental, ophthalmology, ENT or any specialized service), restaurants, and salons. Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Cosponsored by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) and MassDevelopment Growth Capital Division |
|
Boston Manufacturing Pitch and Resource Showcase Are you a small manufacturing business owner, startup founder, resource provider, or Boston-area business dedicated to manufacturing in the Greater Boston area? Join us for a dynamic Pitch Event and Resource Showcase designed to connect start-ups and existing small manufacturers with the capital, expertise, and resources they need to start, grow, and scale, including:
Who Should Attend?
Why Attend?
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
|
|
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 |
|
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
|
|
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
|
|
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. So, 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 Olga Torres, managing member of Torres Trade Law, who will be on-hand to field questions on trade controls needing legal expertise. Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
|
|
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
|
|
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. 
Join
us for an informative webinar designed to help you create a targeted
capability statement (CS) that gets the attention of federal
agencies and prime contractors (large businesses with negotiated
subcontracting goals) and positions your business to be noticed.
Whether you are new to the government marketplace or looking to
sharpen your outreach materials, this session will give you the
tools you need to stand out. 
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.