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 has closed. Please read important 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. Coming Soon - click here for the Spring 2024 Partners for Trade training booklet. On the calendar below, indicates an exporting training event. |
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~~~ 2024 Training Calendar |
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Training is held online unless otherwise noted = export training | |
NOVEMBER | |
7 | Ways to Improve Your Credit |
8 | Government Contracting 101 |
12 | Business Credit 101: How Your Personal Credit Impacts Your Business Credit (Worcester) |
13 | Understanding the Business Loan Process |
14 | Antiboycott Compliance: Why You Should Care and What You Should Do About It |
14 | 2025 Business Updates from an Employment Law Expert |
15 | Why Certify (Government Contracting) |
21 | The Art of Export and Deemed Export Licensing |
21 | Developing a Dynamic Capability Statement |
22 | Business Formations - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business |
DECEMBER | |
4 | Tech Talks with Rob |
5 | Finding Government Contracting Opportunities (Worcester) |
6 | Compliance Clinic (for Compliance Alliance members only) |
11 | How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for Export and Import |
JANUARY 2025 | |
30-31 | Export Expo |
Program Descriptions
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. Some of the topics 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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Are you looking to improve your credit score, but aren’t sure where to start? Join our webinar, where we will give you tips on how to increase your credit score. In this webinar you will learn the following: how credit scores are calculated, tips to build credit, even if you are starting from scratch, how to effectively manage debt and reduce outstanding balances, the role of credit utilization and its impact on your score, and common mistakes to avoid that can hurt your credit. The speakers will be:
Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
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If you are a seasoned small business owner with one or more years in business and looking for new markets for your goods or services, you should consider selling to the federal government! Attend this workshop to learn how to better position yourself to sell to the federal government. Also learn how the federal government purchases goods and services. We will briefly touch on federal agency small business goals, the federal certification application process and potential benefits for: Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women Owned Small Business, Veteran and Service Disabled, 8(a) Business Development Program and HUBZone Program. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Friday, November 8, 2024
Cosponsored by Center for Women & Enterprise - Central Massachusetts |
Business Credit 101: How Your Personal Credit Impacts Your Business Credit Join us for a comprehensive workshop on mastering the fundamentals of business lending. Learn essential principles needed to navigate the intricate world of financing for the growth of your business. Gain insight on where to start, different lending options and what lenders are looking for in terms of you as a borrower. The speaker will be Sonia Descormiers, vice president and relationship manager at Berkshire Bank. Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
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Understanding the Business Loan Process Do you have a great idea for a business and the only thing standing in your way is the money to give it some legs? Or, you already own your own business but could use some extra capital to take things to the next level? You have come to the right place! In this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of business loan proposals. The following topics will be covered: "5 C's of Credit: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. In addition, topics include: how to obtain a loan for start up, how to obtain a loan for an existing business, and how to obtain a loan to buy a business. The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region. Date: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
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Antiboycott Compliance: Why You Should Care and What You Should Do About It U.S. antiboycott laws prohibit U.S. persons from participating in economic boycotts by other countries that are not sanctioned by the U.S., and they also require that boycott requests are reported to the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Over the past two years, BIS has issued multiple policy updates, signaling a much more robust enforcement environment related to the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). At the same time, antiboycott enforcement actions have been steadily on the rise, with public antiboycott settlements announced frequently. Notably, many of these settlements involved U.S. parties that submitted voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs). Some settlements also involved reporting-only violations, where the U.S. party did not engage in any conduct in furtherance of a prohibited boycott. Moreover, while BIS’ recent publishing of the boycott Requester List has raised greater antiboycott awareness, it has also put exporters on high alert to potential antiboycott compliance risks inherent in specific transactions, causing concern and unease for many. Join us to learn about the antiboycott regulations, including prohibited activities, allowable activities, reporting requirements, and more. You will also learn about specific antiboycott enforcement trends, high-risk markets and activities, and use of the boycott Requester List as a tool for compliance. Finally, you will receive guidance on transactional screening and clearance, including for transactions that may involve high-risk parties. You will also learn how to structure these transactions in order to remain compliant. Our speaker will be Sylvia Costelloe, Counsel with ArentFox Schiff. Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
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2025 Business Updates from an Employment Law Expert Please join Attorney Wendy Hansen with Foley & Foley, PC for a virtual overview of the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) updates. We will review the following:
There will be a Q&A session at the end of the webinar for any general employment law-related questions! Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Cosponsored by Foley & Foley, PC |
Join this webinar as we explore the many certifications (local, state, federal and third party) and their value to you when looking for government or corporate subcontracting opportunities. In this session, we will debunk certification myths and how and where to market your certifications. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
Cosponsored by Center for Women & Enterprise - Central Massachusetts |
The Art of Export and Deemed Export Licensing While export licensing may seem like a relatively straightforward application process, the reality is that there are several tips, tricks and techniques that can make the difference between receiving sufficient authorization in a timely way and receiving the dreaded Return Without Action (RWA). Planning ahead, providing sufficient information, and knowing how to navigate the system all contribute to a successful export licensing strategy. This webinar will provide an overview of the export licensing landscape, including the various licensing jurisdictions, information systems and tools for license submittal and tracking, as well as general requirements for license applications. You will also gain insight into export licensing strategies to maximize success, such as planning ahead on transactions to help broaden the scope of authorization, effective preparation of materials to minimize delay, and providing the support necessary to help licensing officers help you. The webinar will also provide some takeaways from the new, robust deemed export licensing guidelines published by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Our speakers will be:
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
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Developing a Dynamic Capability Statement Attend this informative webinar to learn the importance of developing a robust capability statement when targeting the government marketplace. A focused, well-prepared capability statement (CS) will assist you in marketing your products and services to large businesses with supplier diversity programs, federal agencies and other similar markets. A CS is an effective, inexpensive marketing tool used to quickly highlight your strengths and "capabilities" when marketing and representing your small business. Please join us for ideas and tips so you too can Develop a Dynamic Capability Statement for your future marketing outreach. The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Cosponsored by Center for Women & Enterprise - Central Massachusetts |
Business Formations - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business Please join us for a free webinar where you will learn how to choose the right structure for your business. Topics include:
Presented by Chanise Anderson, Managing Attorney at Marksetgo Law, P.C. Date: Friday, November
22, 2024
Cosponsored by HarborOne Bank |
Finding Government Contracting Opportunities Your business is at a place where you are stable and looking for opportunities to grow through government contracting. Now what? In this session, we will discuss:
The speaker will be Sandra Ledbetter, government sales advisor with the Massachusetts SBDC. Date: Thursday, December 5, 2024
Cosponsored by Center for Women & Enterprise - Central Massachusetts |
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, Lu Racco, Counsel and Co-Chair of International Trade & National Security with the law firm of Foley Hoag, who will be on hand to provide context to regulatory concerns as needed. Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
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How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for Export and Import Calculating the final landed cost of goods that are going to be imported or exported can be challenging for businesses that must identify and consider all the elements that go into the landed cost, including duties, taxes, government fees, shipping charges, insurance, document transfer fees, and other pricing components. We start with the concept of transaction value, which can be broadly defined as the price paid or payable at the time the goods leave the country. Building upon that, we will focus on identifying all the other regulatory elements of landed cost, the importance of understanding and selecting the most appropriate INCOTERM rule, the influence that assists have on the dutiable value, and other charges and fees that can impact the landed cost calculation (including retaliatory tariff treatments and special additional duties). While pricing is also dictated by market conditions, identifying and understanding all costs is crucial to turning a profit. This webinar will give a detailed overview of costs and provide international traders with tools to help them make the right pricing decisions. The speaker will be Norman Lubeck, Esq. - Senior Manager, Global Trade Advisory Services with Tradewin. Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024
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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 local exporting community! The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations. This year’s Export Expo will again be a virtual event that will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community. The Export Expo will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of export-related topics. The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for the same 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! Speakers and content to be announced soon. Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2025 Export Expo Sponsorship Package. Click here to view our 2024 Export Expo Recap Video. Dates: Thursday and Friday, January
30 & 31, 2025
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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 programs may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change. Please note: Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email 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, 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. |