Mar
28
Thu
Biometric Betrayal: How Our Bodies Become Tools for Hackers @ online
Mar 28 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Overview of Live Webinar

Attention all small business owners! Biometrics are being used everywhere to “improve” the security of user logins and to help us authenticate our identity. However, if your biometrics are compromised, they are compromised forever. Join us for an engaging live webinar where we show you the latest tricks bad actors are using to steal your identity and what you can do to help protect yourself against this growing threat. In this session, you will:

  • Gain a Deeper Understanding: Learn how MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is being used for identification and authentication, and the role biometrics can play.
  • Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Discover ways bad actors can steal your biometrics and use them to impersonate you when perpetrating their latest scams.
  • Strengthen Your Defenses: Learn effective strategies to safeguard your company against identity theft.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your awareness and fortify your business’s security. Register now to stay steps ahead of the evolving cyber landscape!


The webinar will be presented by the following speakers:

Dr. Teresa Piliouras – CEO and Founder, Technical Consulting & Research, Inc., an IT company specializing in AI, cybersecurity, quality management, and data analytics. Dr. Piliouras is a consultant, educator, inventor, and author. She holds a BS from the University of Illinois, an MBA from Iona College, and a PhD from NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

Pui Lam (Raymond) Yu – Executive Vice President Engineering at Technical Consulting & Research, Inc., has over 20 years of industry experience in Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering. He received his BEEE and MSEE from Stevens Institute of Technology and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, respectively, and his MSCS from New York University Tandon School of Engineering.

Adithya Rajendran – Cybersecurity Analyst at Technical Consulting & Research, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Baskin Engineering at UCSC, and has a strong foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering.

Curtis Rowe II – Cybersecurity Analyst Intern, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc., received his BS in Cognitive Science from the University of California, San Diego.

Trademark Basics @ online
Mar 28 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Join us for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks. We’ll discuss what trademarks are, the benefits of federal trademark registration, and the basics of the registration process. We’ll also talk about why it’s so important for any new business to select a trademark that is both federally registrable and legally protectable.

We’ll direct you to free resources from the USPTO and close out the discussion with a question-and-answer session.

Speaker: Mariessa Terrell, Attorney Advisor, Trademarks Customer Outreach, USPTO

Webinar presented in collaboration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
How to Use Sales Funnels & Marketing Automation to Grow Your Business @ online
Mar 28 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

A sales funnel is a marketing term describing where your customers are in their purchasing journey and what marketing tools you can use to guide potential customers from interest to purchase.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to use sales funnels to grow your business, automate your marketing tasks, create a complete customer journey map and determine your business KPIs so you can easily track what’s working and what’s not.

You’ll learn:

  • What is a sales funnel and how to use it in your business
  • How to create a complete customer journey map from discovery to purchase
  • Automation tools you can use to streamline marketing processes
  • How to establish and measure KPIs

Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.

Apr
3
Wed
Government Contracting 101 @ online
Apr 3 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Promotional Video HERE

Overview of This Live Webinar

The following essential steps for government contracting will be covered:

  • The government customer
  • Readiness to be a government contractor
  • Marketing to the customer
  • Government jargon
  • Steps to get started
  • Small business set-asides
  • Targeting the government customer
  • What the buyer wants to know
  • What should go into a capability statement

Speakers: Timm Johnson – Director, Mason SBDC

Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Cancellation Policy: Contact the Center regarding cancellation earlier than 24 business hours prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.

Special Instruction: This live webinar will be presented via Zoom. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration.

Apr
4
Thu
First Thursdays with the SBA: SDVOSB/VOSB @ online
Apr 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Grab your lunch and join us the first Thursday of each month to learn more about SBA programs and network with other small business owners.

Topic: Service Disable Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

The federal government aims to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) each year. Joining the SDVOSB program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. You can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs you qualify for.

Key Takeaways:

  • What is a SDVOSB?
  • Who is eligible for the program?
  • What to expect with the recent changes to the program?

Speaker(s): Joey Pocan, Economic Development Specialist Mr. Pocan assists in the design and implementation of economic development strategies and programs related to Start-ups, business attraction, business expansion, and retention. He conducts research, presents training, project management, data collection and analysis, visits with local businesses and agencies to facilitate business opportunities.

Once registered, an automated email with the Zoom link will be sent to you. If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383

Apr
16
Tue
Grow Your Business with Digital Marketing @ online
Apr 16 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Businesses need to understand the basics of digital marketing now more than ever, because digital marketing creates growth.

Learn about the basics of digital marketing, including:

  • Social Media
  • Email Marketing
  • Paid Ads
  • SEO
  • Affiliate Marketing
  • How to use analytics to measure your success

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.


Instructor: Cameron Nelson, Technology Advisor, VA SBDC

Mr. Nelson has over 19 years experience in technology, and as a senior tech consultant in Silicon Valley helping Fortune 500 companies improve their digital marketing and eCommerce. At the same time he founded several tech companies, including a SaaS website for tree preservation and a blockchain platform for nonprofits. Cameron is accomplished in language, culture, has an MBA and MA and believes new technology products have the ability to help shape our world for the better.

 

Apr
17
Wed
GovCon 101: 8(a) @ online
Apr 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Small Disadvantaged(8(A) firms. This is a huge opportunity for small firms, who qualify, to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting through set-aside opportunities. In this presentation you will learn: • Eligibility requirements for 8(a) certification • Understanding the Application Process • Understanding how to prepare before applying • Staying Certified

Speaker(s): Lisa Powell worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration at the Connecticut District Office from 1998 to 2019 as an Economic Development Specialist monitoring the HUBZone and 8(a) portfolios for the local office before joining the Virginia PTAC as a Procurement Counselor in January 2021. During her time at the SBA, Lisa worked closely with all of SBA’s resource partners to facilitate procurement workshops held at local Community Colleges, Chambers of Commerce and libraries. As a Business Opportunity Specialist, she was involved with the Government Contracting programs that the SBA provides and worked very closely with the purchasing agents for the Federal and State Agencies as well as the larger prime contractors while organizing SBA Matchmakers and assisting small business.

If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383

Apr
23
Tue
Intro to State Government Contracting with SBSD @ online
Apr 23 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Each year, the State buys goods and services totaling more than $7 billion – learn how your company can be a part of that!

This webinar is designed to educate small, woman and/or minority business owners about opportunities to sell their goods and services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and many local governments.

The workshop will provide information about the Virginia procurement process (the eVA system) and the benefits of SWaM certification.

Speaker: Angela Barber, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Eastern VA Region

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.

Apr
25
Thu
Navigating Cybersecurity Compliance @ online
Apr 25 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

A helpful guide for small business owners!

In today’s digital landscape, small businesses face an increasing number of cybersecurity threats. Navigating cybersecurity compliance can be daunting, especially for those with limited resources and expertise. This comprehensive guide provides small business owners with practical insights and actionable steps to effectively manage cybersecurity risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Whether you’re a startup or an established small business, staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges is essential for protecting sensitive data, maintaining customer trust, and securing long-term success.

Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
May
8
Wed
Marketing 101 @ online
May 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Overview of Live Webinar

Refresh your knowledge to effectively market your goods and/or services! This live webinar (via Zoom) will cover the following marketing essentials:

  • How to choose your target group(s)
  • How to communicate with your target(s)
  • Market Definition
  • Market Segmentation
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Company Branding
  • Online (SEO) and Offline Marketing

Speaker: Bernard Ferret – Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC & Serial Entrepreneur

Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Cancellation Policy: Contact us earlier than OR 72 hours (3 days) prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.

Special Instruction: This live webinar will be offered on the Zoom platform. You will receive a Zoom inivitation link after the registration.

May
14
Tue
Success Through e-Commerce @ online
May 14 @ 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

This session will cover:

  • The variety of websites available, the possibilities for upgrading yours to better accommodate online sales and the estimated costs to accomplish this.
  • The various e-commerce platforms available and how to select the best based on your specific business needs.
  • How to setup and manage your online storefront or service portal and how to use data and marketing to maximize returns.
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.

Instructor: Cameron Nelson, Technology Advisor, VA SBDC

Mr. Nelson has over 19 years experience in technology, and as a senior tech consultant in Silicon Valley helping Fortune 500 companies improve their digital marketing and eCommerce. At the same time he founded several tech companies, including a SaaS website for tree preservation and a blockchain platform for nonprofits. Cameron is accomplished in language, culture, has an MBA and MA and believes new technology products have the ability to help shape our world for the better.

May
23
Thu
Combating Social Engineering Attacks @ online
May 23 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Learn strategies for mitigating escalating threats!

As social engineering attacks continue to evolve and escalate, businesses must arm themselves with effective defense strategies. This comprehensive resource delves into the world of social engineering, offering insights into the latest tactics used by cybercriminals to manipulate employees and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. With the right knowledge and proactive measures in place, businesses can strengthen their security posture and safeguard against the ever-growing menace of social engineering attacks.

Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert

A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.