Updated for 2024
What’s all the fuss about AI and ChatGPT?
What AI tools are available, and how can a small business use them to streamline customer service and marketing tasks?
This session with the Virginia SBDC’s Chief Digital Advisor Cameron Nelson will help answer those questions and more. The first half of the session will give an overview, and the second half will be set aside for Q & A.
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.
Presenter: 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.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your business, This webinar will help you understand the different loans, grants and other funding options available to you as an entrepreneur or small business owner.
In this webinar, our expert panel will guide you through the latest funding opportunities available to you, including loans, grants, and alternative financing methods.
You’ll learn:
- Different Loan options
- Grant Opportunities
- Alternative Funding Strategies
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
Join us for an informative session at Explore More Discovery Museum in Harrisonburg, VA, tailored for businesses keen on elevating their HR strategies, compliance, and leadership. This event will delve deep into pertinent topics that can shape the way you look at HR and employee benefits.
Learn about upcoming changes to employment law, explore a range of topics related to leadership development, and engage in a critical discussion on the future of DEI. Our expert speakers will share their knowledge and experiences, giving you practical tips and advice to implement in your own organization. Network with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and gain valuable connections.
Topics We Will Cover:
What State or Federal Agencies Are Going to Mess with Employers in 2024 and What Should You Be Doing About It?
Strategic Leadership: Beyond Buzzwords
– Is DE&I Dead?
– How to Achieve Work/ Life Balance
– Effective Performance Evaluation
– Leadership Development and Upskilling
*The topics to be covered are subject to change based on audience feedback and preferences to ensure the most relevant and impactful content is delivered.
Speakers:
Sheri Bender, SPHR and SHRM-SCP certified Consultant at Pulse HR Solutions, LLC: A veteran in HR with over 25 years of experience, Sheri is a Leadership Trainer and Certified Diversity Executive with a profound commitment to transforming workplace cultures through strategic DE&I and leadership initiatives.
Cathy Welsh, Attorney at Flora Pettit: Cathy specializes in guiding clients through complex employment challenges, compliance issues, and risk management, while also sharing her expertise through speaking engagements and active involvement in HR and business organizations.Cathy will discuss the latest trends and best practices in employment law and compliance issues.
Event Highlights:
Light refreshments will be provided by Dayton Catering Co.
Dedicated time for networking to connect with peers and industry professionals.
Engaging Q&A sessions after each presentation, ensuring your specific concerns are addressed.
Sponsors:
A special thank you to our sponsors, Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, Dayton Catering Co. & Event Planning, Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and McGriff Insurance Services for making this event possible.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting, this event promises to equip you with the knowledge and resources to enhance your leadership practices. Reserve your spot today and position your business for success!
Do you want to start your own online business but are worried about the upfront costs? You’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs face this hurdle when they begin their digital entrepreneurial journey. But starting your online business doesn’t have to break the bank!
In this webinar, our expert presenters will show you practical and cost-effective strategies for starting your business website. From building your digital foundation to running and marketing your website, this webinar is your guide to getting started with minimal financial investment.
Learning objectives:
- How to set up your digital foundation without breaking the bank
- When and where to make strategic investments
- How to bring customers to your website once it’s built
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
Diane McCarthy conducts office hours at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce office on the second and every other fourth Tuesdays of each month. This drop-in event will provide business owners and entrepreneurs and opportunity to learn more about the SBDC resources available to them. To make an appointment, contact Diane via email or call 540.568.3227.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your tax literacy. Join our upcoming webinar to learn how you can optimize your small business tax strategy.
In this webinar, our expert presenter Kevin Garcia, CPA will guide you through the key aspects of small business taxes to help you enhance your tax literacy and empower your business for financial success.
After this webinar, you will walk away with the following:
- A better understanding of taxes for your business
- Knowledge of DIY vs. professional tax assistance
- Answers to the top tax questions for U.S. entrepreneurs
- Strategies to lower your tax bill
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
A complex undertaking even in the best of circumstances, alcohol distribution is not for the faint of heart. But producers can avoid many of the pitfalls and shortcomings that their peers succumb to by developing a thoughtful and resourced wholesale strategy.
In this informational webinar, Virginia SBDC Craft Beverage Assistance Manager Chris Van Orden will ask Ben Lewellyn, founder of Full Count Analytics, what planning is required for a producer to set themselves up for success in the distribution game.
Speaker: Ben Lewellyn has worked in craft beverages for more than a decade, focused primarily on building and improving wholesale sales operations (forecasting production, managing salespeople & distributors, selling to key accounts, and developing strategy). He started Full Count Analytics to help craft manufacturers make sense of their data through custom software solutions and individualized coaching. Originally from Alabama, Ben now lives with his wife and son in Charlottesville.
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.
In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with marketing can feel overwhelming. That’s why so many business owners have started using Artificial intelligence in their marketing strategy.
In this webinar, our expert presenter will walk you through how to use AI to automate processes and create marketing content. This presentation is your guide to understanding and embracing AI, no matter where you are in your marketing journey.
You’ll learn:
- How to use AI throughout the marketing process
- How to understand and communicate with AI tools
- How to generate marketing content
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
Are you struggling to attract visitors to your website? It could be the perfect time to learn the SEO basics and elevate your search engine ranking. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a multi-faceted marketing strategy that might seem daunting, but fear not.
Join our webinar, where our expert presenter will guide you through the fundamentals of SEO marketing. You’ll learn how to build an effective SEO marketing strategy, discover quick and effective tactics for driving traffic to your website and monitor and maintain your site’s performance.
Learning objectives:
- The three essential elements to rank high in search engines
- Step-by-step instructions for picking high-potential keywords
- How to seamlessly optimize on-page content for your target keywords
- How to find and fix SEO issues dragging down your rankings
- Simple techniques for getting reputable sites to link back to your website
- How to monitor your site’s search engine performance using free tools
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Woman Owned and Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Businesses (WOSB/EDWOSB). This is a huge opportunity for small woman owned 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 WOSB/EDWOSB • Understanding the application process • Understanding how to prepare before applying • Staying Certified
Speaker(s): Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia PTAC, hosted by George Mason University where she is also an Adjunct Professor of Management. Prior to that, she served as the Statewide Director with the Connecticut and Ohio PTAC programs and was also Director for the Northwest Commission PTAC in Pennsylvania. Before joining the PTAC community, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, Wood performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and a BSBA through Robert Morris University of Pittsburgh where she is also pursuing her PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership.
If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383
Empowering your workforce with cybersecurity awareness and best practices is crucial in safeguarding your small business against cyber threats.
This training is tailored for small business owners seeking to cultivate a cybersecurity-conscious culture and equip their employees with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate cyber risks effectively.
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.
Having financial stability and basic money management skills is essential before starting a business. Join us and learn practical strategies you can use to take control of your finances.
In this webinar, we’ll explore techniques for tracking and managing your expenses, creating a simple but effective budget for unforeseen circumstances, savings strategies for future purchases, and most importantly, achieving financial stability.
Key Topics Include:
- Effective expense management
- Easy-to-understand budgets
- Generate additional income by analyzing every expense.
- Saving for things you think you can’t afford
- Optimizing a comfortable lifestyle
Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.
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.