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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March 2025
Small Business Fire Recovery: Information, Updates, and Resources
The L.A. SBDC is here to help small businesses affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires. Please join our team of experts as we guide you through the SBA Disaster Loan eligibility and application process, offer insight on small business insurance, and provide you a platform along with other small business owners the opportunity to answer your questions live. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Protecting Creative Works: Copyright Basics
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will teach small business owners how to protect legal rights in creative materials such as photographs, software, music, videos, website content, educational courses, books, and other publications. Attendees will learn the basics of copyright law; requirements for copyright protection; determining and transferring ownership; the benefits of copyright “registration”; “works made for hire” and important considerations for works created by employees and independent contractors; and how to avoid infringing the copyrights of others. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Rethinking Returns: Strategies for Seamless E-commerce Return Management
In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, a smooth return process can be the difference between a one-time shopper and a loyal customer. Dive deep into the world of e-commerce returns with us, as we explore the challenges and opportunities of managing product returns. Instructor: Ramin Ramhormozi REGISTER NOW
Find out more »April 2025
Webinar – Introduction to Certifications – State of CA, LA County, City of LA and Federal
This webinar will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the importance and benefits of certifications. Participants will gain insights into certification programs and understanding the certification process in order to do business with State of California, LA County, City of LA and the Federal Government. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – “I Filed the Articles, Now What? Next Step for Running a Corporation (Part I)”
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will teach business owners the basics of California corporations, such as what is a “corporation,” special types of corporations, director and officer roles, bylaws, required and optional filings, duties and liability of directors and officers, common mistakes, and best practices. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Legal Corner: Protecting Your New Idea From Day One to the Day the Money Comes
Losing ownership or control of your potential money making idea can start on the very first day. Yes…. Really! On day one. You need a low or no cost system. Learn how to protect what you created or developed with tools and methods that you can use again and again. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience working for SBDCs, Non-profit Entrepreneurship Programs, and Pro Bono service to people wanting…
Find out more »Webinar – Accelerate Business Growth Through LinkedIn – Part 2
How about exploring LinkedIn to help accelerate business growth? Come ready to learn tips and techniques: The six most important things to include in your LinkedIn Profile How to create a company page How to use LinkedIn for networking and to help grow your business Powerful LinkedIn marketing tips REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: How to Estimate Startup Costs & Cash Flow
How much will it cost to start your business? What are the different categories of costs I need to be concerned about? Financial preparation is key so that you can plan ahead in starting your new venture. Topics include: Steps needed to calculate start-up expenses Calculating the first 90 days projected monthly costs Ongoing expenses Conducting a margin analysis and a break-even analysis Initial cash flow projection will be reviewed and presented in this hands-on session. Instructor: Andrew Strachan (SBDC…
Find out more »Webinar – Intro to Certifications and Contracting Opportunities for Veterans, Military and Spouses
The Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification offers several benefits to veterans with disabilities who are looking to establish or grow their businesses, including a 3% set-aside requirement by the State of California. Join us to learn more about how you can take advantage of the DVBE designation and other Veteran designations/certifications. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Fundamentals of Food Businesses
Fundamentals of Food Businesses gives an overview on the various food business models. From Cottage Food Law (which allows preparing approved foods at home) to full-service restaurants and everything in between. This webinar will allow attendees to explore their ideas and think about different business models for their food business dream, and show steps to each with easily explained phases. Presented by Kevin McVearry, Business Advisor with the SBDC since 2012, with over 25 years of experience opening and operating…
Find out more »Webinar – SB(Small Business) Certification
Come ready to learn the steps on how to register and complete the Small Business Certification with the State of California. Why not be eligible in helping the State of California meet the requirement of 25% of contracting dollars being awarded to certified businesses? REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – I Filed the Articles, Now What? Next Step for Running a Corporation (Part II)
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will teach business owners how to prepare basic corporate documents such as statements of information; holding director and shareholder meetings, preparing motions and minutes, voting requirements; and other corporate formalities required by the company’s bylaws, operating agreement or by law. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Veterans, Military and Spouses Series – 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM (including a 15 minute break)
Part 1: How to Start Your Business (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM) Learn to start, run and grow your business. This workshop covers critical topics such as business development, market research, business entities and so much more. Don’t waste another minute, join us in learning how to bring your entrepreneurial idea life. Break 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Part 2: Finding Funding (2:15 PM – 3:15 PM) Explore a variety of funding types for your business. Capital is critical for…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Owners and Managers, Here Are Your Tools! All of them free.
Start today. Decide and start setting up tools you will use to manage your business every day. This includes taking you through the setup of Google tools like: Gmail, Gmail Extensions, Google Calendar, Google Scheduler, Drive, Voice and Google Meet. We’ll test drive a free project & task manager. Plus we’ll work with 2 famous personal effectiveness methods: “Eisenhower Matrix” & “Getting Things Done”. PLEASE NOTE: Access to a computer or laptop is highly suggested for this class. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Insurance Explained for Small Businesses
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. 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 various types apply to your business. Specific Learning Objectives: Why Small Businesses Need Insurance? Exactly What Kinds of Coverage Are Available? What insurance is needed for…
Find out more »Grow With Google: Use Youtube To Grow Your Business
Learn how to use YouTube and the power of video to promote your business or brand. In this workshop we’ll cover: How to create a YouTube channel Adding videos and organize your channel How to promote your business with video ads REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar-LSBE(Local Small Business Enterprise)/SL(Small Local Business) and SLBE(Small Local Business
Participants will receive a step by step guide on how to register with Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles vendor registration systems, as well as understanding how to complete the applications. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR How to Become a Vendor (Contractor)
One way to increase sales for your business is to become a vendor or contractor to public agencies and private organizations. This workshop will provide an overview of how to decide if contracting is right for you, as well as cover the elements you need to know to begin the pursuit of new contracting opportunities. This workshop will be taught by Michael Williams, a Small Business Advisor with the El Camino College SBDC, proudly offering over 30 years of experience…
Find out more »WEBINAR Taking Charge of Your Career through Franchise & Business Ownership
Are you looking to get into business ownership but don’t know where to start? Discover what type of business could leverage your professional acumen and have a team to support you build a successful company. During our webinar learn what type of businesses excelled through Covid and are Recession Resistant. Additional topics we will be covering: Buying into a Franchise & Running your New Business The Surprisingly low upfront cost The different types of Franchise Models Whether franchising is a…
Find out more »Webinar – LA County webVEN Registration
Description: If you are looking to do business with the County of Los Angeles, this webinar will give a step-by-step guide on how to register with the LA County registration portal, WebVen. Register today to learn how you can begin your journey in doing business with the County of Los Angeles. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Doing Business Online: Electronic Contracts, Signatures, and Records
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will provide small business owners with information for negotiating a stock (equity) purchase agreement such as conducting “due diligence,” determining the proper parties; securities law considerations; negotiating the purchase price, using an escrow company; promissory notes and security agreements, standard contract terms to look out for; and post-closing considerations. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Recession Proof Your Business-Marketing Tips to Thrive!
It’s a good idea to safeguard your business with an eye on a potential downturn in the economy. In fact, many companies have grown their businesses using techniques that focus on securing past customers retention and finding growth in a changing environment. Join our webinar to learn these strategies to grow your business in good and challenging times. Attendees Of This Webinar Will Learn: • What to expect about marketing during a recession or industry downturn. • Customer retention marketing tools, tips…
Find out more »May 2025
Webinar- LLC 101
Ready to Launch Your CA LLC? Are you ready to form your California LLC but unsure where to start? Whether you’re lacking resources or confidence, our no-cost LLC Program is here to help! Join Our Free LLC 101 Webinar! In this introductory session, we’ll cover the essentials of forming an LLC, including: · Explore why an LLC might be the right structure for your business; · Understand what it takes to set up your LLC; and · Get insights into…
Find out more »Webinar – DBE(Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Certification
Specialty Certification: This webinar will give you a detailed overview of the DBE application as well as the required documents Department of Transportation(DOT) will request. Be aware of the additional benefit that 25% of all DOT contracts must go to DBE certified companies. Join us and learn how to apply. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Negotiating a Stock (Equity) Purchase Agreement: The Basics
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will provide small business owners with information for negotiating a stock (equity) purchase agreement such as conducting “due diligence,” determining the proper parties; securities law considerations; negotiating the purchase price, using an escrow company; promissory notes and security agreements, standard contract terms to look out for; and post-closing considerations. REGISTER NOW
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