The LA SBDC Network offers no-cost virtual business workshops for small businesses in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties.

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July 2025
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 »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
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 »Financial Fitness (Balance Sheet): Why do I need to know what a Balance Sheet is?
Known as the “mother of all financial statements,” the Balance Sheet provides an overview of the company’s assets (what it owns) and liabilities (what it owes). In addition, it can help answer questions such as whether the company has a positive net worth, whether it has enough cash to pay for its financial obligations, and whether it has incurred debt.
Find out more »How Small Businesses Can Use YouTube to Get Found, Get Followers, and Get Sales
Google is the #1 search engine in the world—but guess who’s #2? YouTube. Since it’s owned by Google, your YouTube videos can literally show up on the front page of Google search results when optimized correctly. That’s a game-changer for small businesses looking to get more eyes on their products or services. Even YouTube Shorts are now optimized for discovery—making visibility easier than ever. This free workshop is designed for small business owners and startups who want to stand…
Find out more »WEBINAR Website E-Smarts Series
7/15/2025 – Website 101 How to Plan Your New Website: This workshop is a starter course for business owners looking to build their first website. We will discuss what makes a good website and look at some things to consider before making an investment in one. We will compare and contrast the various options available in the marketplace for building a website, and cover the basics of search engine optimization, analytics and website security. 7/17/2025 – Website 102 Usability Design Basics…
Find out more »Business Profit Projections
Business Projections 101 If you are looking to make a profit in your business this webinar is for you! We know that numbers can be scary but with the right help it can be the new best friend of your business. Join us as we take an honest look at what needs must be met to start, grow and keep you in the green. The only thing that can make you cents is MONEY! Let us help!
Find out more »Webinar – Visual & Voice Search: How to Future-Proof Your Ecommerce SEO
Shopping isn’t just typing anymore — it’s snapping photos and asking Siri. This session breaks down how to prep your store for visual and voice search so you show up when people say, “Where do I buy this?” Easy SEO tweaks, real demos, and a peek at tools like Google Lens. Instructor: Ramin Ramhormozi REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – The Difference Between Local SEO vs Small Business SEO
Are you like many business owners wanting to know how to increase your search engine ranking and visibility, in your local area? If so, here is a helpful and informative webinar, made just for you. Our Digital Marketing Specialist, Darren Elliott, will explain the difference between Local and Small Business SEO, and what it takes to develop a solid search engine presence within your local target area. After attending Darren’s easy-to-follow webinar, you will be able make these improvements yourself. …
Find out more »Webinar – 8 Steps to Improving Your Business’ Local SEO
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has become an essential marketing strategy for those who draw most of their business from a local area or community. Local SEO, when done correctly, can bolster online visibility significantly in a select area. Thus, making it easier to connect local consumers to the local business. Sound like a strategy you want for your business? Then, join our Digital Marketing Specialist, Darren Elliott, as he shares ethical Local SEO methods that will increase search engine visibility, in and around your market area. Best of all, these…
Find out more »WEBINAR Website SEO Revealed-10 Tips to Search Engine Optimization!
How does your website perform when it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? Is your company showing up on search engines? Search Engine Optimization has changed with the addition of AI. Join us to review those changes to improve your results. Did you know that people searching for a product or service online typically buy within 1 day of that search? In fact, they often shop and purchase within hours of that search. Learn how to improve your websites’ performance using…
Find out more »WEBINAR Money Matters: How to Finance Your Business
This workshop will provide an overview of available options for financing your business. Equity and debt options as well as crowd funding and the process for raising capital from friends and family will be discussed. Details on what you need to know to apply for a business loan, as well the required documents and paperwork needed for the application process will be provided. The various types of financial institutions and which institutions are currently loaning money and what you will…
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 »Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps To A Successful Startup
Disciplined Entrepreneurship will change the way you think about starting (or growing) a company. Many believe that entrepreneurship cannot be taught, but great entrepreneurs aren’t born with something special – they simply make great products. Yes, entrepreneurship can be taught, provided that you are coachable.
Find out more »Webinar – Privacy Policies and Terms of Use: The Basics
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will discuss the importance of privacy policies and terms of use in ecommerce; relevant state, federal and international privacy laws; drafting a privacy policy and terms of use; and how privacy policy and terms of use clauses can reduce liability. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »3 Proven Paths to More Revenue in 2025
Uncertainty is in the air, but you are not alone. Are you struggling to see consistent revenue growth in your business? Many business owners face frustration when traditional marketing tactics don’t deliver the expected results or when growth stalls despite hard work. But imagine if there were clear, timely marketing methods that could immediately boost your revenue, no matter your business type. Join seasoned marketing expert DW Ferrell, CEO of Localight, for an engaging and insightful workshop designed specifically to help businesses…
Find out more »WEBINAR Transition from Handyman to Construction Company Owner!
Ready to Level Up Your Career? Join Us for a Free, Informative Presentation! What You’ll Learn: – Transform your skills from handyman to business owner! – Steps to obtain a contractor’s license hassle-free. – Launching your very own Construction business Who Should Attend: – Handymen/Handywomen looking to elevate their careers. – Individuals interested in starting their own Construction company. – People eager to learn the basics of the trade and business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Your Journey…
Find out more »Webinar – QuickBooks Online Introducción (español)
REGISTER NOW Este seminario web está dirigido a personas que no tienen experiencia financiera y desean comprender mejor las características de QuickBooks In línea, junto con los conceptos básicos de conta bilidad. Cubriremos cómo navegar por la herramienta, realizar configuraciones e introducir brevemente las opciones del menú principal. Nuestro objetivo principal será generar confianza y ayudarle a sentirse más seguro al utilizar la herramienta.
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 »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 »WEBINAR HR What Every Employer Needs to Know About Workplace Safety
Every employer in California is required to create and carry out an effective program to meet the requirements of Cal/OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) regulation. What to Expect: The training that we will provide reviews the basics of the IIPP, the newer Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) and Indoor Heat Illness, existing Safety Data Sheets and CA nonemergency COVID-19 Prevention Procedures. We will explore the minimum requirements for all employees and provide resources directly from the State that…
Find out more »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Sales Taxes for your Small Business
This webinar will provide answers to your questions about sales taxes. Do you need to charge sales tax, how much should you be charging your customers, how do you apply for a sellers permit, what is a marketplace facilitator, when and how should you pay the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration your sales tax that is owing, how do you complete a sales tax return?… and more During the webinar, the presenter will show attendees how to prepare…
Find out more »Webinar – Easy AI Product Photos: Create, Edit & Upgrade Your Images Without a Pro
Bad photos kill sales — but pro shoots cost $$$. Learn how to use AI tools to remove cluttered backgrounds, add lifestyle scenes, and even generate new images that wow shoppers. Perfect for side hustlers on a budget. Instructor: Ramin Ramhormozi REGISTER NOW
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