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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~~~ 2026 Training Calendar |
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Unless otherwise
noted, training is offered online.
= export training |
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| MAY | |
| 15 |
Tariff Talk: Ask the Experts |
| 20 |
Buy vs Build: Considerations for
Evaluating AI-based Trade Compliance Technology Solutions |
| 21 | Are You Bankable? |
| JUNE | |
| 2 | Government Contracting (Salem) |
| 2 | Small Business Start-Up Panel Discussion (Salem) |
| 3 | Friend or Fraud - How to Put AI to Work Without Getting Burned |
| 3 |
Convergence of Export and Import
Compliance: Implications for Compliance Programs and Due
Diligence Practices |
| 10 | AI for Small Business: Getting Found Online — Google & AI Search (Greenfield) |
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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
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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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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Interested in doing business with the government but not sure where to start? Join us for an informative panel discussion designed to introduce small business owners to the fundamentals of Federal and State government contracting. This workshop will provide a clear overview of how government contracting works, including key registration steps, certifications, and where to find contracting opportunities at both the Federal and State levels. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand into government sales, this session will help you better understand the process and available resources. Hear directly from experienced professionals in the field:
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank, TD Bank and Middlesex Bank |
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Small Business Start-Up Panel Discussion Thinking about starting a business, but not sure where to begin? Join us for an informative panel discussion on how to start a business designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the key steps involved in launching a successful business. Our panel of experienced professionals, including a banker, insurance agent, accountant, and attorney, will discuss important topics related to business setup and answer questions new business owners often face. Learn about business structures, financing options, insurance needs, legal considerations, accounting basics, and other essential resources to help you start on the right path. Whether you are exploring a business idea or ready to officially launch, this session will provide valuable guidance, practical insights, and the opportunity to connect with local professionals who support small businesses. The panel will be moderated by Lisa Gonzalez Welch, Economic Development Specialist with the Massachusetts District Office of the Small Business Administration. Registration is required. Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Cosponsored by Eastern Bank, TD Bank and Middlesex Bank |
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Recent changes in the U.S. international trade policy have resulted in an all-of-government approach whereby administrative agencies seek to leverage the regulatory structures developed by sister agencies to create rules that meet their own heightened demands. The effect has been a convergence between import, export, and sanctions controls, so that skills that were traditionally developed for compliance with one regulatory regime are now required for compliance with others. This webinar will address key areas of convergence such as product classification, supply chain due diligence as well as the statutory and administrative regulations that led to this development. It will also cover considerations, pitfalls and best practices for practitioners navigating the complex international trade landscape. Our speaker will be J. Tyler Black, Partner with Thompson Coburn LLP. Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
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AI for Small Business: Getting Found Online — Google & AI Search
The way customers find businesses has changed. They're not just searching Google anymore — they're asking AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini for recommendations. Is your business showing up? In this practical, no-jargon workshop hosted by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center and Greenfield Cooperative Bank, you will discover exactly where your business stands in today's search landscape and walk away with a clear, actionable plan to improve your visibility — starting the same day. Who Should Attend - This workshop is built for you if...
The speaker will be Rob DelMastro, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Berkshire and Western Regions. Rob advises small business owners across Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. With 35 years of hands-on IT and technology experience, 20 years in cybersecurity, and 20 years advising small businesses, Rob brings a uniquely practical perspective to the intersection of technology and business growth. Date: Wednesday, June 10, 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. 