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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April 2025
SmallBiz Talk: Solutions for Your Small Business
This is SmallBiz Talk with small business expert and LA SBDC business advisor Lori Williams. Join her as she covers key business topics through instructional information, real life situations, guest speakers and interviews. At the end of the show, participants can engage in a Live Q&A with questions pertaining to their specific business situation. Join us live every Wednesday at 10 a.m. or check out our YouTube Playlist to see previous shows and to gain information/ helpful insights for your…
Find out more »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 »WEBINAR- 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 Human Resources: Basics and Preparing your Business for Employees
This critical HR training will guide you through the basics of what HR is and how to prepare your business for employees before you hire them. Learning these steps will help protect your business from unintended risks and provide you valuable California based HR knowledge and best practices. Instructor: Sara Nicholson (SBDC Advisor) brings over 25 years of HR experience, helping small business owners find solutions to their human resources needs. She has worked across Southern California and Mexico, guiding business…
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- 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 Money Matters: Angel Investment 101 for Start-Ups
Funding and financing your business are extremely important. One of the options that comes up is angel investment. What does angel investment mean? How often does it happen? Is your business a candidate? What steps to take? What do you need? Webinar presenter Tim Berry has been on both sides of this table. He successfully raised investment for his business. And he has been an angel investor for more than a decade. In this webinar, Tim answers key questions…
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 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 »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 »NEW: Certifications as a Growth Strategy
Certifications as a Growth Strategy is a must-attend workshop for businesses looking to secure government contracts. Whether you’re contract-ready or preparing for opportunities, this session will provide valuable insights and resources to help you succeed. Government certifications can enhance your credibility and give you a competitive edge. Additionally, a representative from the Small Business Administration will join us and share expert knowledge on federal contracting. Don’t miss out ! REGISTER NOW
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 – 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 – 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: How to Start Your Business
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. 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 – Veterans, Military and Spouses Series: Finding Funding
Explore a variety of funding types for your business. Capital is critical for all businesses. The type of business, your capital needs, and additional factors may influence what you explore. There are many types of capital including owner investment, profit reinvestment, loans from a bank, loans from an alternative financial resources(non-banks), equipment financing, tax credits, supplier credit, credit lines, equity lines, Angel Investors, Venture Capital Investors, money invested by family & friends, Crowd Funding, etc. REGISTER NOW
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 »Restaurant Academy: Permits and Licenses for your Start Up Food Business
Not sure of the legal process to start your food service business? We’ve got you covered! We will provide a step-by-step process to complete the state and local business registration steps. This will include incorporation, Fictitious Business Statement, Business License, Seller’s Permit, how to quickly and cost effectively obtain your health permit for operation. Bring your questions, we’ve got answers. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84656469733?pwd=trvTbXFVbnRLB3bx7YcAXEocsZzK0V.1 REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR The Basics of Starting a Business
Learn the fundamentals of what it takes to get your business started. We will discuss what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and the important steps that need to be taken to begin your business. Topics of discussion will include: -What it takes to be an entrepreneur -Legal requirements and different legal types including sole proprietorship (DBA), and LLC and S-Corp, -Building your team of experts, including CPA’s, Atty, Bank, Web and marketing experts and industry mentor -Office…
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 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…
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