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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~~~ 2025 Training Calendar |
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Unless otherwise
noted, training is offered online.
= export training |
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| NOVEMBER | |
| 7 |
Mastering Tariff Management: The Essential Tools |
| 13 | Exploring the Government Marketplace |
| 19 | Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting Yourself and Your Business |
| 20 | Traveling Resource Tour (Quincy) |
| 20 | Springfield Small Business Resource Forum: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Start and Grow in Springfield (Springfield) |
| 20 | Are You Bankable? |
| DECEMBER | |
| 3 | Tech Talks with Rob (topic: TBD) |
| 10 | Finding Government Contracting Opportunities |
| 10 |
Government Contractors and Tariff Challenges: Strategies for
Success |
| 18 | Are You Bankable? |
| FEBRUARY 2026 | |
| 26-27 |
Export Expo - save the date! |
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: Held on the first Wednesday of the month
- click on date below to register
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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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Mastering Tariff Management: The Essential Tools Tariff management has become a top priority for international logistics and compliance professionals, demanding increased time commitment and significant expertise. Mastering tariff management tools is essential for both exporters and importers as supply chains are being restructured and realigned in the current trade environment. This webinar will zero in on essential tools for tariff management, including leveraging the provisions of Chapter 98 of HTS that allow for tariff mitigation under specific circumstances; using duty drawback to reclaim up to 99% of the duties paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported; and re-assessing customs valuation practices to ensure that the correct valuation methods are used, along with taking advantage of all available deductions and exclusions. Don’t miss this informative program – and bring your questions! Our speaker will be Robert Stein, vice president of Braumiller Consulting Group. Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
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Exploring the Government Marketplace
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the government marketplace and address what it means to be "procurement ready". In this webinar, you will learn:
We will briefly touch on federal small business goals and the categories, as listed below, federal certifications, and potential benefits for small businesses participating in these certification programs:
Whether you are just beginning to explore this specialty market or looking to strengthen your position, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you prepare to succeed in the government marketplace. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting Yourself and Your Business In today’s digital world, protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. This webinar will introduce the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including how to recognize common threats, safeguard your data, and adopt best practices to reduce risk. Whether you are a small business owner or simply looking to strengthen your personal online safety, this session will give you practical tools to stay secure. The speaker will be Nancy Gerardi, regional director with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Tuesday, November
19, 2025
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Join Nancy Lowd, Massachusetts SBDC Senior Business Advisor, for Morning Coffee & Networking sponsored by NeighborWorks Housing Solutions. You will have the opportunity to meet representatives from SEED Corporation, SCORE, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, along with members of the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, and local economic development directors. Whether launching a business, growing an existing one, or enjoying meeting other business owners, this is where you can meet and learn about the newest business programs and support. Coffee and pastries will be provided. Bring your business cards and meet some great people, it’s going to be a busy morning. Registration is appreciated. Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025 Cosponsored by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, SEED Corporation, SCORE, NeighborWorks, and local economic development directors |
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Springfield Small Business Resource Forum: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Start and Grow in Springfield Join us for a dynamic and informative event designed to support small business owners looking to launch or expand their ventures in Springfield, Massachusetts. The forum will spotlight key resources, programs, and contacts available to help your business thrive in the City of Springfield. This event is cosponsored by the Massachusetts SBDC and MassDevelopment. What to Expect: MassDevelopment will share information on its technical assistance resources and financing products designed for small businesses. The Massachusetts SBDC will share insights on the assistance its organizations provides to small businesses. The City of Springfield representatives will provide insights into:
Whether you're opening a new storefront, expanding operations, or simply exploring opportunities in Springfield, this event will help you navigate the local landscape and connect with the right people. The format will be informal and conversational, allowing businesses to ask questions and hear directly from city staff. Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs and small business owners, startups and early-stage companies, community partners, and anyone currently or interested in doing business in Springfield. Agenda: Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Cosponsored by MassDevelopment |
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Finding Government Contracting Opportunities
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Government Contractors and Tariff Challenges: Strategies for Success In 2025, sweeping tariffs under IEEPA and Section 232 have raised the cost of critical items required to fulfill government contracts — particularly steel, aluminum and globally sourced components. These increased duties are not only inflating material costs, they are also introducing supply chain delays, complicating performance schedules, and putting fixed-price contractors at risk of unrecoverable cost overruns. Whether performing under existing contracts or preparing for new opportunities, there are key strategies and regulatory tools available to manage these risks. Join us to gain practical insights into safeguarding your business against tariff-driven disruptions in the federal marketplace. This webinar will explore recent tariff policy developments and their impact on costs and compliance. Our speaker will also discuss the DFARS tariff exemption, proven risk mitigation strategies and key approaches to preserving profitability and competitiveness in the face of tariff-related challenges. Our speaker will be Jacqueline Unger, partner and government contracts group leader with PilieroMazza PLLC. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
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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, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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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. |
Are
you a seasoned small business owner with at least one or more years
in business looking to expand into new markets? Selling to the
government (municipal, state, federal) may be a strategic next step.
Join us for this informative webinar led by the Massachusetts Small
Business Development Center's Government Sales Advisory Program.