Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

 

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.


 
export
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, globe indicates an exporting training event.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~ 2026 Training Calendar 

Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.              globe = export training
 AUGUST
13 Small Business Open House (Newton)
 
 SEPTEMBER
2 Tech Talks with Rob (Getting Found Online: Google, AI Search and Your Digital Presence)
15 The Veteran Founder Blueprint™ (8 weeks through Nov 3)
17 Small Business Open House (Fall River)
23 Small Business Open House (Pittsfield)
 
 NOVEMBER
4 Tech Talks with Rob (Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success)
 












 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  
 

 

 

    

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Program Descriptions


Tech Talks with Rob

Tech Talks with RobJoin 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.

Various topics that we will cover:

  • Professional Email Systems: Learn how to set up and manage a professional email system that enhances your business communication and credibility.
  • Cybersecurity: Discover strategies to protect your business from cyber threats and ensure your data remains secure.
  • Password Managers: Find out why password managers are a must-have for securing your sensitive information and how to implement them effectively.
  • SEO: Uncover the secrets of Search Engine Optimization to increase your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website.
  • Domains and Web Hosting: Get to grips with choosing the right domain names and web hosting services that align with your business goals.
  • POS Systems: Explore the various Point of Sale systems available and how to select one that streamlines your sales processes.

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
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu


UPCOMING TOPICS:

Getting Found Online: Google, AI Search and Your Digital Presence

Your customers are searching for you right now. Can they find you? Google has changed. AI is now answering questions before people even click a link - and if your business is not showing up in those answers, you might as well be invisible.

In September's Tech Talks with Rob, we will cover:

  • How Google's AI Overviews are changing the way customers discover local businesses
  • Why your Google Business Profile is now your most important homepage
  • Reviews, photos, and posts - the free tools you are probably ignoring
  • What showing up in AI search actually means and what you can do about it today

 


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:

  • How to audit your software - what you are paying for, what you actually use, and what can go
  • Revoking access from former employees, old apps, vendors and forgotten integrations
  • The 15-minute security checkup every business owner should do before January
  • Consolidating tools: when one app can replace three *Setting your tech budget and priorities for 2027 - what is worth investing in and what is hype
  • A printable year-end tech checklist you can work through over a coffee

Think of it as spring cleaning—in November—for all your business technology.

Are You Bankable?

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:

  • Think Like a Banker – Discover how financial institutions assess your bankability
  • Master Your Business Narrative – Craft a persuasive story that highlights your strengths and the opportunity
  • Navigate Financial Imperfections – Learn how to present past challenges in the best possible light
  • Prepare Your Documentation – Gather the right financial records to streamline your loan application

Date: See dates below
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Matin Hussainy at the Massachusetts SBDC at 413-545-1988 or matin.hussainy@umass.edu 

 

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.

The Veteran Founder Blueprint™

Your Next Mission: To Building a Thriving Business with the Veteran Founder Blueprint™

The Veteran Founder Blueprint™ is an 8-week (Tuesdays starting September 15 - November 3) 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.

  • Complete one focused field action each week
  • Test an idea, speak with customers, strengthen a connection, or refine your offer
  • Then use what you learn to plan, act, review, and adjust

Date: Tuesdays, September 15 - November 3, 2026 (8 weeks)
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

 

Important Training Notes

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.