Business Classes January 2017

Create a goal-oriented email marketing Strategy. Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible. As digital marketing continues to evolve, email marketing is this the foundation of a good digital strategy. This seminar will help make sense of what’s working and what’s not. We’re going to show you how to make the most of email marketing basics. You’ll Learn: • Small business marketing today overview • Setting goals and objectives • Crafting your message • Measuring success Join us for this fast, info-packed seminar on how to create an email marketing strategy that works.

Beyond the Basics of Government Contracting Module 1 Introduction to Government Contracting The North San Diego SBDC is pleased to announce our training program designed for the small business owner seeking to secure government contracts. Module 1 will cover: •As a small business; what to expect when working with government agencies •How the government buys •How to find your buyer •Unofficial contracting rules •What the websites and other trainings don’t tell you Although not required, it is recommended that you register and attend all 4 modules of this training as some of the content does overlap. You must register for each module separately.

Beyond the Basics of Government Contracting Module 2 Marketing and Capabilities Statements Module 2 will cover: •What is a Capabilities Statement •How to market to government buyers •What government agencies need to know from you •Things to avoid Although not required, it is recommended that you register and attend all 4 modules of this training as some of the content does overlap. You must register for each module separately.

Beyond the Basics of Government Contracting Module 3 Certifications – SB, WBE, MBE, DBE, DVBE, 8(a), HubZONE Module 3 will cover: •Facts about certifications •Local, state, and federal certifications •How to qualify for certifications •Clarifying “controlling ownership” Featuring special guest, The City of San Diego presenting, “How to do business with the City of San Diego” Although not required, it is recommended that you register and attend all 4 modules of this training as some of the content does overlap. You must register for each module separately.

During this two day series; small businesses will learn what it takes to secure government contracts. Multiple Award Schedules (GSA) and Bidding •What is a multiple award schedule •Types of multiple award schedules •Is a multiple award schedule, like the GSA, right for you •How to determine if you should bid •The different types of opportunities – RFP, RFQ, IFB •Tips on how to read a proposal •How to put together a bid There are 4 modules to this series and you must sign up for each module individually.

The Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a free community event* for individuals and businesses to network and obtain information regarding income tax updates, alternative lending, work-training and internship programs, staffing services, and business consulting services available in our community.

Starting a business is a challenging process! This full day workshop is designed to give you an overview of what to consider before starting a business. Topics to include: 1. Focusing on what you intend to sell 2. Financing Options 3. Taxes 4. Business Entities/Legal Structures 5. Marketing Basics 6. Business Plans

Securing capital is critical to the successful launch or expansion of a small business. However, getting approved for business financing can be challenging in the current lending climate. The SBDC, in partnership with Accion San Diego, will guide you through the process of seeking business financing including what to consider before applying for a loan, the factors of evaluation that all lenders use when reviewing loan requests and tips on how to prepare based on your strengths and weakness. Local business financing options will also be presented. It’s never too early to start planning on how to capitalize your business! If you are interested in this workshop, please also consider attending “Steps to Starting a Business”. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Labor laws change frequently. It’s important for small businesses to have a general understanding of the labor laws that affect them and practical ways to comply with those laws. The presenter will cover the most common labor laws violated by small businesses such as meal breaks, overtime, staff designation, and more! ***This workshop provides general information related to labor law. This workshop does not provide legal advice and presenter is not a licensed attorney. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a lawyer if you want legal advice***

This workshop will cover the following topics: * The Number 1 security threat to your organization (…and how to protect yourself) * Why Small and Medium-sized Businesses are more likely to experience Cyber-attacks * Why it’s time to re-imagine your security architecture * Real-world security threats and case studies Fee: $10.00 PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS A 48 HOUR CANCELLATION NOTICE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A REFUND

Start with the end in mind!
During this informative, hands-on workshop, we will: EDUCATE & INFORM (1.5 hours) – Address the actual risk(s) involved in franchise ownership & business ownership vs a traditional career – Discuss the pros and cons of starting a business vs buying a business vs buying a franchise – Identify recession-resistant industries – Learn how to conduct thorough due diligence in business exploration – Uncover financing options

-CREATE MY UNIQUE BUSINESS MODEL (1.5 hours) – don’t leave empty-handed! – Create an individual profile using a propriety assessment created by behavioral psychologists to reveal my unique personality, skills, values relating to business – Apply profile findings to creating my ideal business model – Discuss thought-provoking questions I need to consider now and in the future

Learn how to be found by your Local Customers. Learn to be found everywhere, on all devices and how to be found with Online Advertising. In addition, you’ll learn about Google’s Bonus Tools including: o Google Search Console o Google Analytics o Google Trends o Google Alerts o YouTube

There are numerous types of surety bonds covering a wide range of categories-contract bonds, license and permit bonds, court bonds, subdivision bonds, wage and welfare bonds, fidelity bonds, etc. This workshop will cover the common bond types; what they are, how to apply, and what you will need to secure a bond.

Description: The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers a myriad of services for the start-up and existing business owner at “No Cost” or “Low Cost”. The one-on-one business consulting services are non-fee based and designed to assist in the formulation and management of your business. The workshops and classes cover a variety of business interest topics and most are no cost to the SBDC client. The SBDC mission is to assist small business owners to start and grow their business. If you are interested in this event, please also consider attending “Business Plans that Win $$$”: http://sdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action?ID=9734

Many small businesses and organizations find themselves seeking the right strategies, tools and tactics to make their marketing efforts as effective as possible. As digital marketing continues to evolve, email marketing is this the foundation of a good digital strategy. This seminar will help make sense of what’s working and what’s not. We’re going to show you how to make the most of email marketing basics. FEE: $10 CANCELLATION POLICY: A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR FEE REIMBURSEMENT

This workshop will present business owners with basic bookkeeping and accounting principles as well as general discussion of some of the compliance issues and situations that warrant consideration when setting up their new entity in QuickBooks desktop. This workshop will explain the use of various lists and their functions and attributes within Quickbooks, the issues their own business may present, and how to get started. Please note: IF YOU ARE USING THE ONLINE VERSION, PLEASE SIGN UP FOR OUR “QUICKBOOKS ONLINE” WORKSHOP.

You’ve heard that social networks are a great way to connect your business to your desired audience, but where do you go from there? In this workshop you’ll get a closer look at the popular social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. We’ll show you the benefits of using each based on your target audience demographic, how other organizations are marketing with them, and some dos and don’ts of each channel. You’ll also get tips on how to tell if your social media activity is working.

The IRS Tax workshop illustrates in a practical manner how the Federal and State tax systems are applied to small business ownership. This is recommended for all people currently operating a small business or interested in starting one, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs and corporations. Also, get answers to these common questions: How extensive should my records be? What can I claim as a tax write-off? What do I need to do as far as State Tax issues? This workshop is presented by a California Enrolled Agent with materials from the IRS. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

How you can use your current contacts to further grow your business. Segments include: Building and implementing a referral program, incentive based referrals, using social media, direct contact, current customers/clients and vendors to increase referrals. FEE: $10 CANCELLATION POLICY: A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR FEE REIMBURSMENT.

The WOSB Program is a program that authorizes contracting officers to specifically limiting, or setting aside, certain requirements for competition solely amongst women-owned small businesses (WOSBs) or economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). This workshop covers how to qualify, as well as how to apply for certification.

While a fast moving world can be exciting, when you tell someone that your product is “innovative”, “revolutionary” or “turning the way things are done on its head”, you may see a lot of doors closed. This workshop will help us understand how buying or buy-in decisions are made, how investors and customers tell us what they want, and how we as founders need to look at them. Some of the topics will include: 1. Why every buyer’s decision is personal. 2. What is every buyer’s hidden agenda? 3. What are the top six buying motives and why you need to adapt your pitch to them? 4. How you may improve your chances of success through the “Art of Asking Questions”.

Description: IF YOU’VE EVER DREAMED OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS, NOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE IT REAL! The SBDC presents this step-by-step guide for starting your business, making money, and achieving your goals! The series will cover all aspects of launching a business from licenses to bookkeeping to marketing to setting up shop. Week 1: Lay the Foundation Week 2: Get the Info You Need Week 3: Cut Through Red Tape Week 4: Take Care of Operations Week 5: Deal with Money Issues Week 6: Open Your Doors You have an idea for a business, but now comes the tough part: Getting it up and running! This unique workshop series will guide you, step-by-step, how to get your business started in just six weeks. The classes cover technology and the cloud, legal issues, hiring employees, and much more. Get your business idea, up and running. Participants must attend all 6 workshops in order to be eligible for a certificate and a refund of $50.00. Materials: Students will purchase an ebook of Rhonda Abrams Six-week Start-up from Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Note: $100 Fee for the series

If you are looking to borrow money or raise capital to start or grow your business, attend this workshop. This 2.5 hour workshop will consist of a lenders panel that will provide participants information on their lending programs, new initiatives and will answer all of your questions. You will gain insight on requirements to approach a lender or investor and be able to speak candidly and openly to funders. This workshop will give you the perspective of leading bankers, alternative financers, investors, and industry experts on sources and requirements for funding.

Description: IMPORTANT: YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE SIGNED-UP FOR PART 2 WHEN YOU SIGN-UP FOR PART 1. Learn strategies to grow your small business while writing a plan that will capture the attention of lenders, investors, and partners. The Business Plans that Win $$$ starts with brainstorming your ideas to grow your business. At the end of the first three hours, you will have a draft of your business plan and more confidence as a business leader. Return for the next session to draft a strategic plan to acquire more customers and to use your financial projections to manage your company. Receive immediate feedback from an experienced entrepreneur. Join us for a packed 6-hour session to build your business with the GUIDED approach! FEE: $25.00 CANCELLATION POLICY: A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR FEE REIMBURSEMENT.