Training Seminars & Events

The Western Region offers a full calendar of business training. All training is currently offered at no charge unless otherwise noted. This calendar is subject to change. Pre-registration is required for all events. Please review our training policies at the bottom of the page. For information on other Massachusetts SBDC training offered throughout the state, visit the Massachusetts SBDC's statewide training calendar at www.msbdc.org.

We would like to thank the following agencies for cosponsoring our training events.

Platinum Sponsors:

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:
Freedom Credit Union | Granite State Development Corporation | Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank | Holyoke Credit Union | Monson Savings Bank

2026 Training Calendar
Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.

Sep 02	Tech Talks with Rob (Getting Found Online: Google, AI Search and Your Digital Presence)
Sep 15	Veteran Founder Blueprint™ (8 weeks through Nov 3)
Nov 04	Tech Talks with Rob (Year End Tech Tune-Up: Simplify, Secure, and Set Up 2027 for Success)

Program Descriptions

Tech Talks with Rob 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. 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.
Veteran Founder Blueprint™ Your Next Mission: Building a Thriving Business with the Veteran Founder Blueprint™ The Veteran Founder Blueprint™ is an 8-week 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 Speakers: Lisa Ducharme, USAF, Retired; Executive Director – Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce Anita Eliason, Senior Business Advisor – Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Western Region Click here to view flyer for series. 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 Cosponsored by the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Training Policies: 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. The Massachusetts SBDC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a training session. Seminar materials are for attendees only.

Tech Talks with Rob

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.

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.

Veteran Founder Blueprint™

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

The Veteran Founder Blueprint™ is an 8-week 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

Speakers:

Lisa Ducharme, USAF, Retired; Executive Director – Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Anita Eliason, Senior Business Advisor – Massachusetts Small Business Development Center - Western Region

Click here to view flyer for series.

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

Cosponsored by the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce

Training Policies:

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.

The Massachusetts SBDC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a training session. Seminar materials are for attendees only.