Please join Senior Business Counselor, and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa as he guides you through a step-by-step process of building a business performance dashboard, complete with relevant metrics, that is invaluable to meet your strategic and tactical goals and objectives. This webinar is extremely useful for early stage companies, growth, or even mature businesses! During this NO-COST webinar you should be able to: :
- See what business dashboards look like
- Understand why a “scorecard” is important
- Become familiar with the principles that guide your 1st dashboard draft
- Know how to get started and begin building a dashboard for your business
- Decide on a group of simple but important key metrics
- See what software is available, making scorecard development easier
- Learn how and when to use these new business metrics with your business team
- See how dashboard insights can make a positive impact on your business performance
- AND… hear answers to many of your business briefing questions in real time!
THERE IS NO COST to ATTEND; but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Speaker: George Siragusa – Senior Business Advisor, Mason SBDC, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University teaching Entrepreneurship for Engineers at the School of Engineering, and Senior Mentor for 3 area Startup Venture Accelerators.
Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce
Cancellation Policy: Please provide 24 business-hours notification prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105
Special Instruction: This live webinar will be presented on the Zoom platform. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration.
Nonpayment has always been one of the biggest risks and concerns for exporters. While cash in advance or a letter of credit are often seen as effective ways to mitigate risk, they are not without their own drawbacks. To be successful in foreign markets, exporters need to find solutions that protect themselves without putting their client in an unfavorable position. This is where export credit solutions can be a powerful tool for exporters. Export credit insurance can even be used by savvy exporters to expand their borrowing base with their bank.
In this webinar, IBD Director Aaron Miller will speak with John Strayhorn of Global Insurance Services to explain the many ways export credit insurance can position the exporter for stronger growth overseas.
Speaker: John Strayhorn is the Founder and President of Global Insurance Services, LLC. which was established in October 2001. Global Insurance Services is a domestic/export credit insurance, trade finance, cargo/vessel and political risk insurance brokerage firm located in Ellicott City, Maryland. John is a member of the Maryland/DC District Export Council and serves as the State of Virginia Designated Export Credit and Political Risk Insurance Trade Partner for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Program.
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.
Every year, the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to businesses owned by veterans. Also, small businesses owned by veterans may be eligible to purchase surplus property from the federal government.
Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.
Presentator: William Pocan, Economic Development Specialist – U.S. Small Business Administration/Richmond District Office
In today’s digital age, it is essential for you to Know Your International Customer to win the battle against fraud. Fraudsters’ tactics are increasingly sophisticated, and you need to bolster your defenses to fight off their onslaught.
In this in-person training, Louise M. Kern, President, GloBIS will teach you how to defend against their attacks by highlighting scammers’ vulnerabilities, teaching you to recognize telltale signs of a scam and introducing you to federally funded programs to help you find the right international business partners and succeed in winning new markets for your goods or services. Participants will leave knowing how to identify scamming emails and vet your potential business partners to ensure that you are working with legitimate companies.
ABOUT THE EXPERT: Louise Kern founded Global Business Information Services, Inc. (GloBIS) in 2003, initially with a China due diligence focus, but its coverage quickly became global. Today, GloBIS provides Credit Reports and Due Diligence on any company, any size, any industry, anywhere in the world. GloBIS is a Strategic Partner of the U.S. International Trade Administration and since 2004, has been a supplier of International Company Profile (ICP) reports on companies in multiple countries to the U.S. Commercial Service. GloBIS is the source of the U.S. Export Import Bank’s foreign credit reports for EXIM’s Export Credit Insurance program.
The SBDC reserves the right to cancel a workshop/event/program for insufficient enrollment, weather emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances. Should a cancellation occur we will use the email you provided to contact you. Pre-registration is highly recommended. If an event is canceled or postponed and you have not pre-registered we will not be able to contact you.
All programs of the Virginia SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
- Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business?
- Do you have questions about how to move forward?
- Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
- Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your Shenandoah Valley SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help!
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You’ll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components – from product development to target marketing to financial projections and bookkeeping. We also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business growth needs.
Thank you for your registration to Start Smart Workshop. Please let Rosie know if you are unable to attend or have questions via email to rigglerc@jmu.edu
Thank You! Barry Henderson, Shenandoah Valley SBDC
Overview of Live Webinar
What You Need to Do to Secure Your Smartphone: Top 10 Security Settings for Android and iPhone
Attention all small business owners! Do you know how to use the security settings built into your Android or iPhone? If not, this webinar is for you. In this session, we will show you how ten (10) crucial security settings can help protect your business:
- Protection Against Unauthorized Access: Security settings such as passcodes, biometric authentication, and pattern locks prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device and the sensitive information stored within it.
- Data Privacy: Security settings help safeguard your personal and sensitive data, including photos, messages, emails, and financial information, from being accessed or stolen by cybercriminals or malicious apps.
- Prevention of Identity Theft: By enabling security features like two-factor authentication and device encryption, you reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized use of your online accounts and personal information.
- Remote Tracking and Wiping: Some security settings, such as Find My iPhone or Find My Device for Android, allow you to remotely locate, lock, or erase your device in case it gets lost or stolen, enhancing the chances of recovering it and protecting your data.
- Defense Against Malware and Viruses: Certain security settings and features, such as app permissions, app store security, and automatic software updates, help protect your device from malware, viruses, and other digital threats that could compromise its security and functionality.
Using the proper security settings on your Android or iPhone is essential for safeguarding your device, personal and business data, and online identity from bad actors and unfortunate accidents.
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.
Harshit Agrawal – Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. He received his BTech in Computer Science from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow, India and his Master’s in Cybersecurity from Syracuse University.
Jonathan Aung – Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. He received his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Boston University. His journey in Cybersecurity is largely self-directed with a concentration in offensive security.
Pushpa Rani – Cybersecurity Intern, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at George Washington University.
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.
The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 23% of that spend is allocated for small business. This is a huge opportunity for small firms to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting. Before entering into this arena you must first know how to market yourself to government. This presentation will help you prepare your firm to get noticed by government and prime buyers by developing a proper marketing plan and strategy.
In this session you will learn:
- Steps to take to be where you can be found by buyers
- Preparing a winning capability statement
- Organize your website, business cards and marketing materials
- Prepare a marketing plan to attract buyers
Instructor: Lisa Wood is the current statewide director of Virginia APEX Accelerator. She previously was the Statewide Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) for the Connecticut PTAC and prior to that was Statewide Director with the Ohio Department of Development after serving as PTAC Director for the Northwest Commission of Pennsylvania. Before joining the PTAC (now APEX Accelerator) community, Lisa was a Contracting Officer for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
Arm yourself with strategies for long-term security!
In an era marked by relentless cyber threats, building a cyber-resilient business is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. This comprehensive guide explores the key components of cyber resilience, equipping business owners and leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to fortify their organizations against cyber-attacks.
From implementing robust security measures and leveraging cutting-edge tools with proactive planning and strategic investments, businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital world while safeguarding their assets, reputation, and customer trust.
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.
The following will be covered during this live webinar:
- Power of SEO and social media for attracting customers, including local SEO to precisely target your market.
- Website optimization for lead generation. How personas, message maps, and content calendars help to make your website and social media footprint more attractive when integrated.
- Social selling as an amplifier of your existing sales and marketing strategy. Learn to build an omni channel presence and customer journey for faster wins.
- What your digital channel strategy needs, to be effective in terms of content, technology and investment.
- How to effectively use paid media and advertising. Cost savings of optimizing your website and SEO to maximize paid media spend and ROI.
Speaker: Hussain Shah, Subject Matter Expert – Digital Marketing, Mason SBDC & 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 24 business hours prior to the event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.
Special Instructions: This live webinar will be presented via Zoom. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration.
Which are the best franchises to invest in today, and what does it take to open a franchise in Virginia?
Whether you are able to operate a franchise full-time, or you want to run a business semi-passively while working a day job, learn more about…
- how the franchise industry has changed since the pandemic
- how the customers have changed
- what the next big opportunities are in franchising!
We will also discuss common pitfalls to obstacles to success. You won’t want to miss this!
By registering for this seminar, you grant Virginia SBDC permission to share your name and email address with the speaker.
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.
Speaker(s): Heather Rosen, President of FranNet of Virginia and D.C.
Co-Sponsor(s): FranNet of Virginia and DC, a franchise advisory and development services firm with 50+ offices in North America
- Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business?
- Do you have questions about how to move forward?
- Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
- Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your Shenandoah Valley SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help!
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You’ll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components – from product development to target marketing to financial projections and bookkeeping. We also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business growth needs.
Thank you for your registration to Start Smart Workshop. Please let Rosie know if you are unable to attend or have questions via email to rigglerc@jmu.edu
Thank You! Barry Henderson, Shenandoah Valley SBDC
The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)
In this class we will showcase the federal landscape and you will have the ability on how to consider your scope, scale and size for any contracting opportunities. We will discuss how to display your relevant past performance which match or exceeds government requirements. You will also learn how your past performances are rated by the buyers.
About the instructor: Daryl Corley, Virginia APEX Accelerator Procurement Counselor
More than 30 years of contracting experience with comprehensive contract Life Cycle support in reviewing initial procurements package for accuracy to contract closeout. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Consultant for MSDS Consultant Services, LLC, which included working with the diverse business community, and clients on contractual issues, provide training material for stakeholders and clients — instructing classes on contract regulatory compliance in the federal government. He created a best practice mentor protégé program by combining governmental and commercial organizations.
Previously, he worked as a consultant/trainer for CACI providing government business solutions and services. In these positions, he demonstrated the ability to resolve a variety of issues (such as acquisition and supply systems, integration, data mapping and analysis service, system testing, training customers, and software malfunctions. He also provided consultant support creating solicitation matrixes, market research, acquisition plans at the contracting offices for the various agencies. Daryl is also a Service Disabled Veteran and dedicated to assisting Veteran Entrepreneurs.
- Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business?
- Do you have questions about how to move forward?
- Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
- Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your Shenandoah Valley SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help!
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You’ll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components – from product development to target marketing to financial projections and bookkeeping. We also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business growth needs.
Thank you for your registration to Start Smart Workshop. Please let Rosie know if you are unable to attend or have questions via email to rigglerc@jmu.edu
Thank You! Barry Henderson, Shenandoah Valley SBDC
Does your business need a mobile app?
In this webinar you will learn if your small business will benefit from having a mobile app, and the steps to successfully deploy and market your app on the app stores. Areas covered include:
- Market Research
- App Scoping
- Finding a Developer and Budget
- App Business Planning
- Marketing Approach
- Building a Prototype
- Launching an App
- Promoting App
Presenter: Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants
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.
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.
- Do you reside in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia and are thinking about starting a new business?
- Do you have questions about how to move forward?
- Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
- Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your Shenandoah Valley SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help!
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You’ll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components – from product development to target marketing to financial projections and bookkeeping. We also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business growth needs.
Thank you for your registration to Start Smart Workshop. Please let Rosie know if you are unable to attend or have questions via email to rigglerc@jmu.edu
Thank You! Barry Henderson, Shenandoah Valley SBDC