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. The Export Center also offers the Compliance Alliance—a special initiative designed to help the state’s businesses enhance their export compliance and global trade competitiveness. 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(s) below to register UPCOMING TOPICS: Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success When was the last time you looked under the hood of your business technology? Be honest: How many apps are you paying for that you have not opened in months? How many old accounts still have access to your systems? When was the last time you updated anything? Before the holiday rush hits, Tech Talks with Rob is dedicating November to a full year-end tech tune-up—a practical, no-stress session to help you clean up, lock down, and plan ahead. We will cover:
Think of it as spring cleaning—in November—for all your business technology.
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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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Small Business Open House Join the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for an upcoming Small Business Open House designed to connect businesses and entrepreneurs directly with lenders, resource partners, and business advisors from across the region. The Open House will provide attendees with the opportunity to network, ask questions, explore financing options, and learn more about resources available to support business growth and success. Whether you are starting a business, seeking capital, planning for expansion, or simply looking to make valuable connections, this event is an excellent opportunity to engage with experts and organizations dedicated to helping Massachusetts small businesses thrive. We encourage all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners to attend. We encourage all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community partners to attend. This event is offered on multiple dates and at locations across the state. Click here to visit our dedicated Open House page. |
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The Veteran Founder Blueprint™ is an 8-week results-driven program designed to help veteran entrepreneurs gain traction and grow their business in their first three years of operation. Led by Lisa Ducharme, USAF, Retired, the Veteran Founder Blueprint™ helps veterans bridge the gap between military service and business success by turning service-tested skills into practical business strategies. Why businesses in their first three years? The first three years are the most fragile and defining years of a business. This is the period when founders are moving from an idea and passion to a sustainable, revenue-generating company.
Speakers:
Click here to view flyer for series. Date: Tuesdays, September 15 - November 3, 2026
(8 weeks)
Cosponsored by the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce |
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Creating a Dynamic Capability Statement - Get Noticed!
We will walk you 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 to align 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. 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, Director of Government Sales with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. Sandra previously provided government procurement assistance to Central Massachusetts businesses under the Massachusetts PTAC/APEX Accelerator (also under the Massachusetts SBDC). Sandra has an extensive procurement career with over 40 years working in the government marketplace. Prior to joining the Massachusetts SBDC to open the PTAC Central Massachusetts office in 2001, Sandra handled government and export sales for a New England-based defense contractor where she also held the title of Small Business Liaison Officer (SBLO). From 1986-1999, Sandra was the Director of the Southwest Michigan PTAC. Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Preparing for a Matchmaking Marketing Outreach Event
The speakers will also provide an overview of their organizations' services. This workshop will cover:
Speakers:
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Introduction to AI for Small Businesses
The speaker will be Cliff Robbins, Regional Director and Senior Business Advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC - Southeast Region. Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Cosponsored by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC) and MassDevelopment |
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STEP Grant Application Webinar Join us to learn about the Massachusetts State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which is available to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services. The Massachusetts STEP program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade & Investment, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Export Center, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. This webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP program and walk participants through the STEP application process. The webinar will provide guidance on program eligibility and completion of the application, and will also discuss specific elements that are critical for successful applicants. The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application. Those applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting with a well-planned export strategy will have the best likelihood of success! Grant awards are made on a competitive basis. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/export/step. Our speakers will be:
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
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Navigating Commerce and State Department Disclosures: Violations, Enforcement, and the China Factor As export controls continue to evolve and enforcement agencies place greater emphasis on corporate compliance, companies are facing increasingly complex decisions about how to identify, assess, and address potential violations. When an issue is discovered, determining whether and how to disclose it to the government can be just as important as identifying the underlying compliance failure. The stakes can be particularly significant when transactions involve sensitive technologies, defense articles, or China-related activities. Join us for a comprehensive overview of the disclosure frameworks administered by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). This webinar will walk through the mechanics of voluntary self-disclosures under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), examine recent enforcement actions and penalty trends, and explore how China-related export controls are reshaping compliance risk. Whether you’re managing an initial disclosure or building a proactive compliance program, this session will equip you with practical guidance for navigating today’s heightened enforcement environment. Our speaker will be Sylvia Costelloe, Counsel with ArentFox Schiff LLP. Date: Thursday, October 8, 2026
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For companies doing business internationally, the actions of third parties can have significant compliance implications. These relationships can introduce additional layers of complexity—and potential exposure—into global supply and distribution chains. Understanding where those risks may arise and developing practical processes for managing them has become an increasingly important part of an effective trade compliance program. U.S. laws and regulations impacting both supply chain and distribution chains continue to shift rapidly as the Administration turns to trade enforcement to accomplish domestic and international policy goals. For companies across industries doing business internationally, managing these evolving risks and third parties relations present ever increasing and new challenges. During this webinar, our subject matter experts will provide an overview of relevant U.S. regulatory regimes and practical tips for identifying key risks, integrating compliance into existing processes, and managing “red flags” when working with your suppliers, resellers, distributors, and other third parties. Participants will gain a better understanding of the regulatory considerations affecting their supply and distribution networks, as well as practical approaches for incorporating third-party due diligence and compliance controls into existing business processes. The discussion will focus on real-world considerations for companies seeking to identify potential issues before they become compliance problems. We hope you will join us! Our speakers will be:
Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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AES, ACE & the FTR: Export Reporting and Compliance in Practice With increased attention to export compliance and enforcement, accurate and complete reporting through the Automated Export System (AES) is more important than ever. The Electronic Export Information (EEI) reported in AES provides government agencies with critical information used to identify potential export compliance and national security concerns, making accurate reporting and an appropriate level of due diligence essential for exporters. This webinar will discuss important AES and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) developments. The program will identify when a transaction is subject to EEI reporting and provide practical guidance on key reporting elements, including valuation, export information codes, license and license exemption codes, and when an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) must be reported. Additionally, our speaker will provide a practical look at AES reporting with an emphasis on risk mitigation and reducing potential enforcement exposure. Topics will include unresolved AES response messages, errors and inconsistencies with shipment details, conducting due diligence by reviewing Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) reports and shipment details provided by freight forwarders, obtaining appropriate information and documentation from buyers, auditing, correcting and documenting export reporting issues. Whether your company files EEI directly or relies on a freight forwarder or other authorized agent, understanding the information being reported on your company’s behalf is essential. This program will provide practical guidance for evaluating your AES reporting process, identifying potential weaknesses, and strengthening compliance with the FTR. Our speaker will be David Robeson, Consultant with Mohawk Global Trade Advisors. Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
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Navigating the New ITAR Landscape: Rulemaking, Enforcement and Compliance Over the past two years, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has made significant changes to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. These changes include many revisions to the U.S. Munitions List, registration fee increases, new licensing exemptions, Part 126 country policy changes, and new and revised definitions. At the same time, new rules that could reshape controls on defense services, technical data, space-related technologies and other areas, are in the pipeline. In July 2026, DDTC’s updated regulatory agenda laid out nine ITAR rulemakings expected over the next 12 months, with several already moving through the rulemaking process. Recent enforcement actions show that that companies are facing significant consequences for issues involving technical data transfers, licensing and other export authorizations, provisos, reexports and reporting requirements. This webinar will look at what is changing, what is coming next, and what it means for your export compliance program. We will translate the regulatory developments into practical steps that companies can take to keep their classifications, authorizations and procedures up to date. We will also discuss how companies can engage more effectively in the rulemaking process, by identifying proposed changes that could impact their business, submitting meaningful comments, and using the rulemaking process as part of their compliance strategy. Our speaker will be Christopher Stagg, Principal with Varick PLLC. Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
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Managing Tariff Exposure: Data-Driven Strategies for Mitigation and Compliance The U.S. tariff landscape continues to shift, creating new cost pressures, compliance challenges and strategic considerations for importers. At the same time, increased customs enforcement is placing greater emphasis on accurate classification, valuation, country of origin and duty mitigation strategies. Businesses are increasingly leveraging trade data analytics to identify duty-saving opportunities, assess supply chain risks, and strengthen compliance programs. Join our webinar for a practical discussion on the latest tariff developments, proven tariff mitigation strategies, and the expanding role of data analytics in identifying opportunities and supporting compliance. The webinar will also feature an update on current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enforcement priorities and what importers should do now to prepare. Whether your company is navigating new tariff exposure, evaluating sourcing alternatives, or strengthening its customs compliance program, this webinar will provide timely insights and practical strategies to help you reduce costs, mitigate risk, and stay ahead of an increasingly complex trade environment. Our speakers will be:
Date: November 5, 2026
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Finding Government Solicitations and Opportunities to Bid
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, Director of Government Sales with the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Selling in China: Navigating CCC Mark, China RoHS and Product Certifications U.S. businesses selling in China or planning to enter the Chinese market face mandatory certifications, product standards, labeling requirements, environmental restrictions, testing and conformity-assessment requirements before their products can be placed on the market. This practical webinar will provide an overview of China’s product-compliance landscape, with a focus on China Compulsory Certification (CCC), China RoHS and other key product certifications. The session will examine when CCC applies, how the certification process works, and how to determine whether a product falls within its scope. It also will explore China RoHS, including its expanding product scope, hazardous-substance restrictions, conformity-assessment options, marking and information-disclosure requirements, as well as important updates to the 2026 framework. The webinar will also address other product-specific requirements, including the China Energy Label, SRRC radio certification and the Network Access License for telecommunications equipment. It will focus on how exporters can identify the requirements that apply to their products, determine when self-declaration is possible, and understand when Chinese testing or third-party certification is mandated. Our speaker will be Tiffany Wong, Product Manager, Market Access Services, US with TÜV Rheinland of North America, Inc.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
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Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the global trade community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of trade resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. The Export Expo is a virtual event that will include an exhibit area showcasing government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the international trade community. The event will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of trade-related topics. This year's Export Expo will be highlighted by influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for this timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format. Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference's content, so you won't miss a thing! Sponsorship opportunities are available. View details on the 2027 Export Expo Sponsorship Package (pdf). Click here to watch a short video recap of last year's Expo. If you would like to access last year's Expo, please click here. Dates: Thursday and Friday, January 28-29, 2027
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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 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 you 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. 
Learn about how AI can help you run your small business.