May
2
Tue
National Small Business Week 2- Day Virtual Summit @ Virtual Event
May 2 @ 9:00 am – May 3 @ 3:00 pm

Join us May 2 – May 3, 2023, for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE.

Attend this free, virtual summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts! This 2-day, action-packed event will include educational sessions, online business resources, and expert speakers.

Start Smart Workshop @ Virtual Webinar
May 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Start Smart Workshop @ Virtual Webinar
  • 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.

Please find the Zoom link and review PDF Workbook attached in the reminder email 48 hours in advance. Please let me know if you are unable to attend or have questions via email to duganaj@jmu.edu

Thank You! Allison Dugan, Shenandoah Valley SBDC

Selling Into Healthcare – Medical Devices @ nnovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP)
May 2 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Selling into the healthcare industry can be difficult due to the complexity of its buying ecosystem. During this session, the ICAP team will discuss the healthcare industry’s overall buying ecosystem, as well as the different pathways available, specifically for medical devices. To register for this event, please complete the survey linked here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SellingIntoHealthcare.

May
4
Thu
First Thursdays with the SBA: 7(a) and Microloans @ Online
May 4 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

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

Topic: 7(a) and Microloans

SBA Loan Programs: 7(a) – Come learn how an SBA loan can be used to finance your small business. This workshop will present information on:

How to prepare to get an SBA loan
Explain the different 7(a) loan programs available
What information is needed by a lender to get a loan

Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at NSF @ Virtual Webinar
May 4 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join this question-and-answer session to learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by the National Science Foundation. A Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility and what they look for when they review project pitches.

Details will be shared at the beginning of each webinar to view real-time captions. To request other reasonable accommodations for the webinar, please email RArequests@nsf.gov 14 days in advance of the webinar the following information:

1. Event name
2. Event date and time
3. Your contact information (email address preferred)
4. Brief description of the requested accommodation.

Upon joining the webinar, attendees will be in listen-only mode with the ability to type questions in the Zoom Chat panel. For help during the webinar, contact Zoom Technical support at +1-833-966-6468 or email support@zoom.us.

May
9
Tue
Federal Youth Employment Labor Standards for Employers @ Virtual Webinar
May 9 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

At the Wage and Hour Division (WHD), we enforce the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which includes the rules and regulations that govern the employment of workers under the age of 18.

We are committed to protecting the youngest members of our workforce and enforcing child labor law to the fullest extent. We know that the most effective prevention is education. With that in mind, WHD is offering a free webinar on May 9th from 10am-12pm (EDT) for employers to learn more about the FLSA’s youth employment protections.

A Q&A period will follow the presentation, and registrants will be provided with links to child labor compliance assistance materials.

While attendance is free, registration is required.

 

Event Point of Contact: Amy Kim, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist / Kim.Ga@dol.gov

May
10
Wed
The Future of Work – Benefits, HR and Leadership Strategies @ online
May 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

We will explore the changing landscape of work and the role of employee benefits, human resources and leadership strategies in creating a successful and sustainable future for businesses and their employees.

Three Learning Outcomes:

1. Attracting and retaining top talent: In a competitive job market, offering competitive employee benefits can help attract and retain top talent. Employees are looking for more than just a salary, they want to work for a company that offers a comprehensive benefits package.
2. Compliance with regulations: Human Resources play a critical role in ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in costly fines that could be catastrophic to a small business.
3. The three options an entrepreneur has when it comes to handling human resources

This class will be offered in a hybrid format. You will receive a survey to indicate whether you plan to attend in person or virtually. We have limited space for in person attendees so this will be based on first come, first serve.
If attending in person, the address is 1125 Emancipation Highway, Suite 400, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

By registering for this seminar, you grant UMW SBDC permission to share your contact information with the speaker.

May
11
Thu
Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at NSF @ Virtual Webinar
May 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Join this question-and-answer session to learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by the National Science Foundation. A Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility and what they look for when they review project pitches.

Details will be shared at the beginning of each webinar to view real-time captions. To request other reasonable accommodations for the webinar, please email RArequests@nsf.gov 14 days in advance of the webinar the following information:

1. Event name
2. Event date and time
3. Your contact information (email address preferred)
4. Brief description of the requested accommodation.

Upon joining the webinar, attendees will be in listen-only mode with the ability to type questions in the Zoom Chat panel. For help during the webinar, contact Zoom Technical support at +1-833-966-6468 or email support@zoom.us.

May
15
Mon
Keeping Up With Digital Marketing – A’s for Your Q’s – Facebook @ Online
May 15 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Join Virginia SBDC’s Chief Digital Advisor Cameron Nelson for this informative series covering the latest tools in the digital marketing landscape and how to use them effectively for your small business.

Session 2: Facebook Monday, 5/15/23 at 12noon-1pm on Zoom

Is Facebook still a good platform for small businesses? What are some new features, and what are the best ways to utilize it to sell products or promote services? This session with the Virginia SBDC’s Chief Digital Advisor Cameron Nelson will offer a quick overview of the various Facebook tools, how they are delivered, who they reach, what content is effective, and how Facebook can be used to market your small business. Queue up your questions, as the second half of the hour will be a Q & A.

Como Iniciar un Negocio en Virginia (How to Start a Business in VA) @ Virtual Webinar
May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Este seminario cubrirá información sobre los pasos a seguir para iniciar un negocio:

  • Conocer las diferentes estructuras legales de negocios
  • Proceso de Incorporación/Registración en VA
  • Contabilidad e Impuestos para su negocio
  • Licencias de Negocios
  • Empleados vs Contratistas Independientes
  • Recursos para Financiamiento

Todas las capacitaciones se entregarán en Español a través de zoom. (All trainings will be delivered in Spanish via Zoom.)

Por favor regístrese para el seminario y recibirá su confirmación para acceder a la sesión por medio de Zoom.

Para más información enviar un texto a Cely Argueta, Consultora de Negocios al 301-401-7317.

May
16
Tue
Let’s talk about Cybersecurity Safety with Internet & Email Use @ Virtual Webinar
May 16 @ 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

This webinar will provide you with tips and insights on how to

Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert

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

May
17
Wed
SBDC Workshop and Office Hours @ GARCC Office
May 17 @ 8:30 am – 9:30 am
The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center offers professional business advice, training, and information resources to help grow and strengthen local businesses. Our experts advise, train, and inform small businesses to help them achieve success.
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Diane McCarthy, Business Advisor, once a month for a helpful workshop and open office hours 10am-4pm.
SBDC Office Hours at Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce @ GARCC Office
May 17 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
The Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center offers professional business advice, training, and information resources to help grow and strengthen local businesses. Our experts advise, train, and inform small businesses to help them achieve success.
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Diane McCarthy, Business Advisor, once a month for open office hours from 10am-3pm. Email Diane at mccar2dl@jmu.edu to make an appointment.
May
18
Thu
The Global Launchpad @ Irving Theater, CODE Building
May 18 @ 12:45 pm – 5:15 pm

Virginia SBDC’s International Business Development (IBD) Program evaluates startups for export potential and assists startups and existing businesses to compete globally via one-on-one technical assistance and connection to state, national and international resources.Recognizing these specific opportunities and challenges for technology enabled startups, the Virginia SBDC is convening a one-day event in Charlottesville, VA that will bring experts and successful global startups to share their experience entering foreign markets. Specifically, the program will:

  •  Highlight startups that have had success in global markets.
  •  Provide compliance training for early stage companies to understand when and how export controls might impact their business.
  • Host IP and trademark filing training for startups with a focus on how to mitigate costs and prioritize markets for IP protection.
  • Present information on the proper storage and handling of data in foreign markets with a focus on the European Union.
  •  Introduce the taxpayer-funded resources available to companies for global expansion.

**Purchasing multiple tickets for your organization? Add 1 General Admission ticket at $40 and then apply the “GlobalPass” (case sensitive) promo code to unlock $26 discounted tickets for others on your team! Contact Shira Goldeen at events@cvsbdc.org with any questions.**

Program Agenda

  • Remarks from Antwaun Griffin, Head of Socially Responsible Purchasing, Amazon Business
  • Securing Intellectual Property Rights in Foreign Markets
  • Top Regulatory Compliance Issues for STEM Exporters
  • Proper Data Handling Under GDPR
  • Ample opportunities for networking with panelists, resource providers, and the startup community, culminating with a closing reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and Virginia craft beverages
Future Proofing Your Business: Web 3.0, NFTs, & Blockchain @ Virtual Webinar
May 18 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Updated for 2023

Confused about on blockchain for your business? We’ve got you covered.

We demystify blockchain in this illustrative program that includes a Q&A session to answer your questions.

This session will cover:

  • Introduction to Blockchain
    • Blockchain vs. Bitcoin – how are they different?
  • How Blockchain can be used for small business
    • Accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment
    • Use of smart contracts
    • Use of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
    • Using blockchain to raise capital
  • Looking towards the future of blockchain technologies
    • Current rate of blockchain adoption in business
    • Moving towards cryptocurrency as national currency
  • Industry Applications
  • Safety and Privacy Concerns

Presenter:

Cameron Nelson, Chief Digital Advisor, Central Virginia SBDC


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.