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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| DECEMBER | |
| 2 | Conversations That Matter: How To Turn Your Holiday Customers into Year-Long Customer |
| 3 | Tech Talks with Rob (topic: The Future of AI - What’s Coming and How to Prepare Your Business) |
| 10 | Finding Government Contracting Opportunities |
| 10 |
Government Contractors and Tariff Challenges: Strategies for
Success |
| 18 | Are You Bankable? |
| JANUARY 2026 | |
| 14 | Exploring the Government Marketplace |
| FEBRUARY | |
| 26-27 |
Export Expo |
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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Conversations That Matter: How To Turn Your Holiday Customers into Year-Long Customers The holidays bring excitement and visibility—a perfect time to welcome people, showcase your best, and create lasting impressions. But real success comes from turning that moment into a lasting connection. We will talk with Stephen Warley, a dedicated community builder and digital media veteran, to understand instead of asking, “How do I sell?” ask, “How do I serve so well that they stay with us year-round?” Now calling North Adams home, and with a background in broadcasting and solo entrepreneurship, Stephen has turned his attention to fostering local innovation and connection in the Berkshires. Learn Strategies to:
The goal isn’t just sales—it is relationships. Capture the holiday surge and think beyond it. The people you meet in December can become loyal customers in March and August. That shift from seasonal to year-round, turns a business into a community resource. Speakers:
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
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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 Location: Online Cost: No charge Contact: CWE at info.regional@cweonline.org
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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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: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Cosponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise |
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Export Expo 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. This year’s Export Expo will focus on current and imminent developments in our international trade environment, including the impact of the geopolitical landscape, policy, regulation and enforcement on global trade operations. Critical issues such as export control and economic sanctions policy, the implementation of widespread tariffs, and escalating regulatory enforcement will be addressed, with a focus on helping companies to remain nimble while navigating and responding to a dynamic and increasingly complex global trade environment. 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. Click here to view a recap video of our 2025 Export Expo. Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2026 Export Expo Sponsorship Package (pdf). Dates: Thursday and Friday, February 26 & 27, 2026
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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. |
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 walk through: 
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.