The LA SBDC Network offers no-cost virtual business workshops for small businesses in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.
November 2024
Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Simplify The Content Creation Process To Convert More Sales With The Power Of AI
Are you a small business owner feeling overwhelmed by social media? Do you struggle with what to post, how to post, and how to create engaging content? Here’s the good news: There are AI tools to help you revolutionize your content game! These tools will help you will save time and energy. They will stop you from being frustrated when you feel you don’t have the creative bandwidth and time to post effectively. Attend this content-filled Webinar and discover the…
Find out more »December 2024
Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 1 of 3)
How to handle the accounting and financial record keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: Should we use QuickBooks online, QuickBooks desktop or some other program? What records do we need to keep for tax reporting? Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping? What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA? How do we know we are hiring the right person? Unfortunately, too many small business owners do…
Find out more »Learn The Basics of Google Ads
In this workshop you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads. In this session we’ll talk about: How to create an account and set up an ad campaign How to write great ads, refine keywords, and include ad extensions How to measure success REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 2 of 3)
A simple Excel financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use Excel models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover cost, and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Social Media For Your Business
Are you overwhelmed by Social Media marketing? Are you posting but not seeing likes convert to sales? Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Social Media Q&A, addressing questions on how to effectively use social media to grow your business. SBDC Marketing and Social Media advisor Deborah Deras will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of social media topics including how to clarify social media marketing goals, how to structure your…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »What You Need To Know About Insurance For Your Small Business
Every business has certain risks related to its operation. To protect your business and personal assets, insurance coverage is critical. In this workshop, you will learn about the myriad types of insurance, the rationale for procuring the various insurance types, and come away with an understanding of how they can apply to your business. Specific Learning Objectives: Why do small businesses need insurance? Exactly what kinds of coverage are available? What insurance is needed for employees? What insurance is right for my…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 3 of 3)
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. Are we selling at the right price? Are we making money? Can we afford to hire someone? Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Performance Measurements are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to monitor sales,…
Find out more »What Is The Best Legal Structure For My Company? What Are The Tax Advantages?
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S-Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of the various tax structures. The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings. The requirement for…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »January 2025
Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 1 of 3)
How to handle the accounting and financial record keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: Should we use QuickBooks online, QuickBooks desktop or some other program? What records do we need to keep for tax reporting? Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping? What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA? How do we know we are hiring the right person? Unfortunately, too many small business owners do…
Find out more »How To Set Up & Register Your Business
This in-depth webinar addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions you will need to make as a business owner. One of the first decisions will include how the company will be structured. Because of this, we will cover the basics of regulatory filings that permit new owners to properly set up entities in California. Our discussion will cover legal formation for startups, including: • LLC’s, S-Corporations, C-Corporations • DBA’s • Business permits • Resale…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 2 of 3)
A simple Excel financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use Excel models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover cost, and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series (Session 3 of 3)
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. Are we selling at the right price? Are we making money? Can we afford to hire someone? Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Performance Measurements are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to monitor sales,…
Find out more »How To Create Your Social Media Content Calendar for 2025
What You’ll Learn: How to use AI to brainstorm on-brand ideas for every month, week, and day of 2025. Techniques to customize AI outputs to match your tone, values, and voice —whether it’s bold and daring or warm and welcoming. A step-by-step guide to building a year-long strategy that feels authentic, effortless, and 100% YOU. Time-saving hacks for scheduling and automating your posts while staying flexible for trends and real-time updates. Perfect For: Entrepreneurs and small business owners who are ready to show…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Digital Marketing Strategies For Measurable Results
A comprehensive marketing strategy leverages Social Media to make information more accessible by combining together technology, content, and social interaction across many platforms including websites, blogs, video-sharing, review sites, email marketing, and event promotion. This session provides an overview of the 9 key areas of social media as defined by David Mitroff, Ph.D. with examples from his work. In this program, discover: How effective are your current social media efforts? Are you continually researching new market segments? Learn to align…
Find out more »Trademark & Copyright Explained
Confusion often abounds regarding trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. These are all intangible creations of the human intellect, usually referred to as “Intellectual Property.” Regardless of the focus of your business, it is likely that Intellectual Property (“IP”) is one of the most valuable assets of your business. This webinar will help you understand the differences among the various types of IP and what it is that IP can protect. Finally, you’ll understand how you can invoke that protection, either through federal protection, or otherwise.…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »February 2025
What You Need To Know About Insurance For Your Small Business
Every business has certain risks related to its operation. To protect your business and personal assets, insurance coverage is critical. In this workshop, you will learn about the myriad types of insurance, the rationale for procuring the various insurance types, and come away with an understanding of how they can apply to your business. Specific Learning Objectives: Why do small businesses need insurance? Exactly what kinds of coverage are available? What insurance is needed for employees? What insurance is right for my…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 1 of 3] What You Need To Know About Accounting And Financial Record Keeping
How to handle the accounting and financial record keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: Should we use QuickBooks online, QuickBooks desktop or some other program? What records do we need to keep for tax reporting? Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping? What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA? How do we know we are hiring the right person? Unfortunately, too many small business owners do…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 2 of 3] Using an Excel Document for Financial Modeling and Forecasting
A simple Excel financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use Excel models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover cost, and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This…
Find out more »Create Content That Converts – Mastering ChatGPT & Canva For Sales Success
Are you ready to take your content creation to the next level and start driving real sales? In this dynamic and interactive webinar, you’ll discover how to seamlessly integrate ChatGPT and Canva to create scroll-stopping, sales-generating content with ease and efficiency. What you’ll learn: Streamline Your Content Strategy: Learn how to use ChatGPT to brainstorm, draft, and refine compelling content tailored to your ideal customer. Design Like a Pro: Discover Canva’s powerful features and create visually stunning graphics that align…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 3 of 3] How to Analyze your Company’s Financials for Better Decision Making
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. Are we selling at the right price? Are we making money? Can we afford to hire someone? Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Performance Measurements are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to monitor sales,…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Trademark & Copyright Explained
Confusion often abounds regarding trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. These are all intangible creations of the human intellect, usually referred to as “Intellectual Property.” Regardless of the focus of your business, it is likely that Intellectual Property (“IP”) is one of the most valuable assets of your business. This webinar will help you understand the differences among the various types of IP and what it is that IP can protect. Finally, you’ll understand how you can invoke that protection, either through federal protection, or otherwise.…
Find out more »May 2025
Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 1 of 3] What You Need To Know About Accounting And Financial Record Keeping
How to handle the accounting and financial record keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: Should we use QuickBooks online, QuickBooks desktop or some other program? What records do we need to keep for tax reporting? Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping? What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA? How do we know we are hiring the right person? Unfortunately, too many small business owners do…
Find out more »A Practical Guide To Smarter Business Choices Part 1: Foundations Of Effective Business Decision-Making
Overview of the Series This two-part interactive workshop series is designed for business owners and decision-makers eager to sharpen their strategic thinking and master proven frameworks for making high-impact business decisions. Led by Michael DeDonato, J.D., M.B.A., an experienced business advisor, participants will gain hands-on skills to confidently address real-world business challenges using structured, actionable methodologies. Summary: Explore the essential steps and resources that drive effective business decisions. Through practical examples and group activities, learn to clarify business goals, leverage…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 2 of 3] Using an Excel Document for Financial Modeling and Forecasting
A simple Excel financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use Excel models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover cost, and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 3 of 3] How to Analyze your Company’s Financials for Better Decision Making
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. Are we selling at the right price? Are we making money? Can we afford to hire someone? Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Performance Measurements are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to monitor sales,…
Find out more »A Practical Guide To Smarter Business Choices Part 2: Applying Decision Frameworks To Real Business Challenges
Overview This is Part 2 of the interactive workshop series designed for business owners and decision-makers eager to sharpen their strategic thinking and master proven frameworks for making high-impact business decisions. Summary: Dive deeper into practical decision-making methodologies. Participants will apply tools such as Pro/Con analysis, Risk/Reward matrices, Decision Trees, and Economic Analysis to real or hypothetical business scenarios. The session emphasizes hands-on exercises, peer discussion, and actionable takeaways for immediate implementation. Key Topics: Pro/Con and Risk/Reward analysis for evaluating…
Find out more »Social Media Marketing 101: From Likes To Sales With Deborah Deras’s 5C System
Are you posting on social media but not seeing the results in your bank account? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong, you just need a strategy that connects the dots from visibility to profitability. In this engaging, no-fluff workshop, international speaker, digital marketing strategist, and AI educator Deborah Deras shares her signature 5C System to help you turn likes into leads and content into conversions. You’ll learn: How to position your brand for maximum online visibility (without doing all…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp, — Which One And Why?
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »June 2025
Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Simplify Your Content Creation With AI
Are you ready to finally show up online with consistency, clarity, and confidence in 2025? Creating social media content doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming—especially with AI tools at your fingertips. Join us for this hands-on webinar led by Deborah Deras, AI trainer to Fortune 100 brands like Netflix, Google, and Verizon. She’ll walk you step-by-step through creating your 2025 Social Media Content Calendar using AI tools that sound like YOU and sell for YOU. What You’ll Learn: How to use…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 1 of 3] What You Need To Know About Accounting And Financial Record Keeping
How to handle the accounting and financial record keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: Should we use QuickBooks online, QuickBooks desktop or some other program? What records do we need to keep for tax reporting? Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping? What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA? How do we know we are hiring the right person? Unfortunately, too many small business owners do…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 2 of 3] Using an Excel Document for Financial Modeling and Forecasting
A simple Excel financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use Excel models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover cost, and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This…
Find out more »How To Use LinkedIn To Grow Your Brand Or Get Invited On Private Yachts
LinkedIn and other online professional and social media sites are powerful tools if used correctly. What if you could leverage the power of these platforms to create new opportunities for both business and personal growth. Learning Points: Make your online profiles and presence stand out! Becoming a REAL influencer Hacks to be invited to exclusive events Systematic approach to growing your network of contacts Create a competitive advantage through social marketing Generate new leads and create opportunities for “luck” REGISTER…
Find out more »Business Finance Literacy Series [Session 3 of 3] How to Analyze your Company’s Financials for Better Decision Making
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. Are we selling at the right price? Are we making money? Can we afford to hire someone? Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Performance Measurements are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to monitor sales,…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp, — Which One And Why?
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »Should You Be Charging Your Customers Sales Tax? What You Need To Know.
Should you charge sales tax? What if you are selling out of state or on an online platform? These are the type of questions that many business owners are asking. Addressing sales tax requirements has been even more confusing. On June 21, 2018, The United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in South Dakota v. Wayfair that states can mandate that businesses without a physical presence in a state with more than 200 transactions or $100,000 in-state sales collect and remit…
Find out more »July 2025
Accounting, Financial Management, and Tax Overview
How to handle accounting and financial record-keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: “Should we use Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop or some other program?” “What records do we need to keep for tax reporting?” “Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping?” “What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA?” “How do we know we are hiring the right person?” Unfortunately, too many small business owners do not properly…
Find out more »Marketing Essentials for Business Growth: Build Your Visibility & Drive Results
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur ready to take control of your marketing but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop is designed to help you understand and implement the core marketing strategies every business needs to grow. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials and help you build a solid foundation to boost your visibility, attract customers, and stay consistent with your outreach. Whether you’re just getting started or need to tighten up your marketing game, this workshop…
Find out more »Trademark & Copyright Explained
Confusion often abounds regarding trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. These are all intangible creations of the human intellect, usually referred to as “Intellectual Property.” Regardless of the focus of your business, it is likely that Intellectual Property (“IP”) is one of the most valuable assets of your business. This webinar will help you understand the differences among the various types of IP and what it is that IP can protect. Finally, you’ll understand how you can invoke that protection, either…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 1
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 2
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. “Are we selling at the right price?” “Are we making money?” “Can we afford to hire someone?” Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Financial Models can be used to monitor sales, overhead and profitability. They can…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp – Which One and Why
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »August 2025
Accounting, Financial Management and Tax Overview
How to handle accounting and financial record-keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: “Should we use Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop or some other program?” “What records do we need to keep for tax reporting?” “Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping?” “What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA?” “How do we know we are hiring the right person?” Unfortunately, too many small business owners do not properly…
Find out more »How To Set Up & Register Your Business
This in-depth webinar addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions you will need to make as a business owner. One of the first decisions will include how the company will be structured. Because of this, we will cover the basics of regulatory filings that permit new owners to properly set up entities in California. Our discussion will cover legal formation for startups, including: • LLC’s, S-Corporations, C-Corporations • DBA’s • Business permits • Resale…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 1
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »Marketing Essentials for Business Growth: Build Your Visibility & Drive Results
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur ready to take control of your marketing but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop is designed to help you understand and implement the core marketing strategies every business needs to grow. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials and help you build a solid foundation to boost your visibility, attract customers, and stay consistent with your outreach. Whether you’re just getting started or need to tighten up your marketing game, this workshop…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 2
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. “Are we selling at the right price?” “Are we making money?” “Can we afford to hire someone?” Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Financial Models can be used to monitor sales, overhead and profitability. They can…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp, — Which One And Why…
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Cash Flow Model: Instruction and Template Provided
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »Should You Be Charging Your Customers Sales Tax? What You Need To Know.
Should you charge sales tax? What if you are selling out of state or on an online platform? These are the type of questions that many business owners are asking. Addressing sales tax requirements has been even more confusing. On June 21, 2018, The United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in South Dakota v. Wayfair that states can mandate that businesses without a physical presence in a state with more than 200 transactions or $100,000 in-state sales collect and remit…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »September 2025
Accounting, Financial Management and Tax Overview
How to handle accounting and financial record-keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: “Should we use Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop or some other program?” “What records do we need to keep for tax reporting?” “Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping?” “What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA?” “How do we know we are hiring the right person?” Unfortunately, too many small business owners do not properly…
Find out more »Trademark & Copyright Explained
Confusion often abounds regarding trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. These are all intangible creations of the human intellect, usually referred to as “Intellectual Property.” Regardless of the focus of your business, it is likely that Intellectual Property (“IP”) is one of the most valuable assets of your business. This webinar will help you understand the differences among the various types of IP and what it is that IP can protect. Finally, you’ll understand how you can invoke that protection, either…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 1
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 2
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. “Are we selling at the right price?” “Are we making money?” “Can we afford to hire someone?” Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Financial Models can be used to monitor sales, overhead and profitability. They can…
Find out more »Marketing Essentials for Business Growth: Build Your Visibility & Drive Results
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur ready to take control of your marketing but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop is designed to help you understand and implement the core marketing strategies every business needs to grow. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials and help you build a solid foundation to boost your visibility, attract customers, and stay consistent with your outreach. Whether you’re just getting started or need to tighten up your marketing game, this workshop…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »How To Sell When You’re Not A Salesperson
Business owners and entrepreneurs must promote their business or products to investors, customers or clients. Often, this is something they have never done before, and they lack training to approach the challenge. To address this situation, this workshop has been built to help you learn much of what you need to know. Topics covered include: • The psychological barriers that could be holding you back and the tools required to overcome them. • Understanding the components of an effective sales…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp, — Which One And Why…
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Cash Flow Model: Instruction and Template Provided
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »The Basics of Leasing
Join us to learn from SBDC business advisor, Karie Armstrong, about the ins and outs of leasing for brick and mortar. Karie will cover the leasing process, how to use a broker, and site selection. During the webinar, we will discuss the different types of leases, timelines and expectations, letter of intent, in addition to the build-out of the space and funding evaluation. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Should You Be Charging Your Customers Sales Tax? What You Need To Know.
Should you charge sales tax? What if you are selling out of state or on an online platform? These are the type of questions that many business owners are asking. Addressing sales tax requirements has been even more confusing. On June 21, 2018, The United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in South Dakota v. Wayfair that states can mandate that businesses without a physical presence in a state with more than 200 transactions or $100,000 in-state sales collect and remit…
Find out more »AI for Efficiency: Work Smarter, Save Time, Reduce Stress With Chat GPT 5.0
This interactive webinar is designed for all comfort levels — from AI beginners to the AI-curious — and is always delivered in a friendly, non-technical way that makes learning engaging and fun. Attendees will: Learn what AI is (and isn’t) in plain, practical language Discover how to use AI to automate repetitive tasks See live demonstrations of AI tools for writing, research, and organization Walk away with a downloadable checklist of “10 Everyday Ways to Use AI for Efficiency” they…
Find out more »October 2025
Marketing Essentials for Business Growth: Build Your Visibility & Drive Results
Are you a business owner or entrepreneur ready to take control of your marketing but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop is designed to help you understand and implement the core marketing strategies every business needs to grow. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials and help you build a solid foundation to boost your visibility, attract customers, and stay consistent with your outreach. Whether you’re just getting started or need to tighten up your marketing game, this workshop…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Decisions, Decisions! How To Approach Business Decisions With Confidence & Clarity
Why Attend? Every business owner faces tough decisions—whether it’s investing in new equipment, expanding services, or launching a marketing campaign. Make the right call every time! Join us for a dynamic, 90-minute webinar where you’ll learn practical frameworks and tools to approach business decisions with confidence, clarity, and strategy. This webinar is perfect for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and managers who want to: Frame problems effectively and identify the real challenges holding your business back. Leverage proven methodologies like OKRs,…
Find out more »Accounting, Financial Management and Tax Overview
How to handle accounting and financial record-keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: “Should we use Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop or some other program?” “What records do we need to keep for tax reporting?” “Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping?” “What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA?” “How do we know we are hiring the right person?” Unfortunately, too many small business owners do not properly…
Find out more »Developing An Actionable Business Plan
You can’t get there if you don’t know what or where “there” is. This class is intended to assist both startups and expanding or scaling businesses in developing an actionable and measurable plan for the next steps in growing a profitable business. In this class we will actively work on: • Defining your business model • Identifying your place in the market • Identifying your customers and revenue channels • Identifying expansion opportunities • Costing and pricing • Revenue and…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 1
A simple financial model can be created using your company’s financial data (historical and/or forecasted). CFOs and financial analysts use financial models to determine if/when a company will be profitable, what is the correct selling price, how many “widgets” need to be sold to be cover costs and how much money is available to pay expenses. Financial models are used for start-ups and for on-going analysis to make sure the company is operating at an optimal financial performance. This process…
Find out more »AI for Efficiency: Work Smarter, Save Time, Reduce Stress with Chat GPT 5.0
This interactive webinar is designed for all comfort levels — from AI beginners to the AI-curious — and is always delivered in a friendly, non-technical way that makes learning engaging and fun. Attendees will: Learn what AI is (and isn’t) in plain, practical language Discover how to use AI to automate repetitive tasks See live demonstrations of AI tools for writing, research, and organization Walk away with a downloadable checklist of “10 Everyday Ways to Use AI for Efficiency” they…
Find out more »Live Q&A: All About Marketing Your Small Business
Join the Long Beach SBDC for our Live Marketing Q&A addressing questions on how to effectively market and grow your business. SBDC advisor and Business Growth Strategist David Mitroff Ph.D. and Brad Pollak, Director of the Long Beach SBDC, will interact live with the audience via Zoom and answer questions covering a broad range of marketing topics including cutting-edge marketing ideas, business development strategies, how to leverage online platforms to grow your brand, mind-set, and professional growth, ways to develop…
Find out more »Learn CFO Skills: Financial Modeling Part 2
Business owners struggle with business decisions that affect the financial health of the company. “Are we selling at the right price?” “Are we making money?” “Can we afford to hire someone?” Many times, these decisions are made without a thorough understanding of the financial implications. This does not need to be the case. There are simple mathematical calculations that can be used to answer key business questions. Financial Models can be used to monitor sales, overhead and profitability. They can…
Find out more »Sole Prop, LLC, S Corp, — Which One And Why…
Many entrepreneurs do not fully understand the differences between a Sole Proprietorship, LLC and S Corporation. This causes many to form a corporation when they may be better operating as a sole prop. Additionally, they are confused about the tax differences for each structure. They often choose a legal structure based on a perceived tax advantage that is incorrect. This webinar provides an overview of: The various tax structures The required documentation for the original filing and annual filings The…
Find out more »November 2025
Should You Be Charging Your Customers Sales Tax? What You Need To Know.
Should you charge sales tax? What if you are selling out of state or on an online platform? These are the type of questions that many business owners are asking. Addressing sales tax requirements has been even more confusing. On June 21, 2018, The United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in South Dakota v. Wayfair that states can mandate that businesses without a physical presence in a state with more than 200 transactions or $100,000 in-state sales collect and remit…
Find out more »Accounting, Financial Management and Tax Overview
How to handle accounting and financial record-keeping is one of the most difficult decisions company owners make. They ask questions such as: “Should we use Quickbooks Online, Quickbooks Desktop or some other program?” “What records do we need to keep for tax reporting?” “Should we hire someone to do our bookkeeping?” “What is the difference between a bookkeeper, accountant and CPA?” “How do we know we are hiring the right person?” Unfortunately, too many small business owners do not properly…
Find out more »Turning Your Dream Into A Business
This class will help you take the first steps to become a new business owner or legitimize a side hustle or hobby. In this class we will help you: • Figure out what you don’t know • Define your basic business model • Outline the basic steps of setting up your entity and bank account • Figure out the appropriate licenses, permits and insurances • Understand available funding strategies • Begin to form your basic business plan REGISTER NOW
Find out more »
