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
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 »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 – 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 »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 »WEBINAR Biz Basics: What Business Should I Start?
Thinking of starting a business, but not sure what kind? You’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are fueled by passion and the dream of being their own boss—but often lack clarity on the type of business that truly fits their strengths, lifestyle goals, and market realities. In this interactive 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to: Clarify your personal motivations and entrepreneurial strengths Explore and compare different business models Evaluate your business ideas with practical tools Identify the type of business…
Find out more »Grow With Google: Increase Your Sales With Google Tools
Learn how to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google. In this session we’ll show you how to: Highlight products on your Google Business Profile Use Pointy to promote in-store inventory with your point of sale system Use Google Merchant Center to showcase…
Find out more »Webinar – Explore Starting Your Home Based Business
This informational Webinar, will give you a good overview of what it takes to Start Your Own Home-Based Business. Having this knowledge will nurture your dream of being self-employed and doing what you want to do in life. From selecting a business and getting it registered to how to balance your home life with our work life, this introduction will help you move forward towards entrepreneurship! REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Tax Considerations for Home-based Small Businesses
Instructor: Charles Yacoobian Operating a home-based small business and need some tax related tips/guidelines? This webinar covers tax considerations for a sole proprietorship, LLC and S-Corporation. Highlighted topics will include: Special Business Expense Deductions Self-employment Taxes Quarterly Estimated Taxes and More Come ready with your questions. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Double Your Leads, Halve Your Effort: AI Automation for Smart Growth
What if you could grow your business without working longer hours? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to build a powerful, automated marketing system—supercharged with AI—that works for you 24/7. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a growing team, this session will show you how to leverage cutting-edge tools to attract more leads, convert them into loyal customers, and boost your revenue with less stress and more consistency. In this workshop, you’ll discover: How to attract and capture high-quality…
Find out more »WEBINAR Mastering Storytelling for Community Building and Sales: Facebook vs. LinkedIn
Optimize storytelling for community building and sales on two prominent social media platforms: Facebook and LinkedIn. In this user-friendly overview, we’ll explore the unique features of both platforms, compare the benefits of sharing text and image updates, and explore real-life examples of personalities, brands, and companies leveraging these platforms to foster engagement and drive sales. Instructor: Chérmelle Edwards (SBDC Advisor) and writer, photographer, and cultural strategist working across social media platforms. She specializes in creating brand-aligned content for businesses and…
Find out more »WEBINAR Improve Your Personal Credit for Lending Opportunities
The “Improve Your Personal Credit for Lending Opportunities” workshop is designed to help individuals and business owners understand the factors that affect their credit scores and learn strategies to improve them. Whether you are looking to apply for a personal loan, business loan, or credit line, having a strong credit score can significantly increase your chances of approval and favorable terms. During this workshop, participants will learn about the different credit bureaus and how they calculate credit scores, the common…
Find out more »August 2025
Special Event: Top 10 Myths People have about Franchises
Often when people think about franchises, they think of McDonalds, The UPS Store or Subway. Most people are surprised there are over 4000 franchise companies covering over 100 different industries. In this presentation we will discover er more about what a franchise is and what it isn’t. How to choose the right franchise, and what pitfalls to avoid. Also we will discuss the importance of research and hiring the right professionals during the discovery process. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Digital Marketing #1
The three-part series allows participants to learn about Digital Marketing including tips on how to develop a strong, low-to-no-cost marketing plan and Internet strategy. Collaborative marketing strategies that can help develop QUALIFIED social media followers, and funnel traffic to your website will be featured. Do it yourself tips on Content, Web Design, and Search Engine Optimization will be shared. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Commercial Leasing Checklist For Businesses
Commercial Lease checklist will point out provisions to which a prospective small business tenant should pay particular attention. The terms lessor and landlord will be used interchangeably. Commercial leases come in many sizes and shapes, from the three- or four-page mom and pop simple lease to the 40 to 50-page complicated lease with multiple addendum and attachments that are usually attendant to high rises, malls, or popular upscale areas. The small business owner will frequently be presented with a form lease…
Find out more »Webinar – Say What? Product Advertising and Labeling Laws
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will introduce small business owners to the basics of California and federal advertising and labeling law. Attendees will learn the difference between truthful vs. fraudulent and misleading advertising; business “puffery”; lawful product comparisons; requirements when using terms such as “organic” and “fat free”; required disclosures for certain ingredients such as nuts and other allergens; state and federal product label requirements; and liability for violating advertising and labeling laws. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Digital Marketing #2
The three-part series allows participants to learn about Digital Marketing including tips on how to develop a strong, low-to-no-cost marketing plan and Internet strategy. Collaborative marketing strategies that can help develop QUALIFIED social media followers, and funnel traffic to your website will be featured. Do it yourself tips on Content, Web Design, and Search Engine Optimization will be shared. 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 »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 !
Find out more »Webinar – Working with Social Media Influencers: FTC Influencer Guidelines and Other Important Laws
Presenter: Erica Bristol Social media influencers and “brand ambassadors” can be invaluable for marketing and promoting company products on the internet. But federal and state advertising laws and intellectual property (IP) rights lurking in the background may create liability for the small business (and the influencer/brand ambassador). This webinar discusses legal issues affecting the use of influencers and brand ambassadors, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s “Influencer Guidelines,” federal and state advertising laws, required disclosures, and IP laws a small…
Find out more »Webinar – AVTA and SBDC Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Outreach and Training
Come and join the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to learn about resources available to help your business prepare, explore and pursue Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) procurement opportunities. The goal is to help the Small Business Community participate in the local economy where local businesses can provide their services and/or supplies to the AVTA for a contract or other procurement opportunity. Opportunity examples include construction, specialty contractors, manufacturing, digital signage, wholesalers, furniture, architectural services, landscaping…
Find out more »Webinar – Digital Marketing #3
The three-part series allows participants to learn about Digital Marketing including tips on how to develop a strong, low-to-no-cost marketing plan and Internet strategy. Collaborative marketing strategies that can help develop QUALIFIED social media followers, and funnel traffic to your website will be featured. Do it yourself tips on Content, Web Design, and Search Engine Optimization will be shared. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Software License Agreements: The Basics
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will provide small business owners with the basics for creating or entering into software license agreements, such as exclusivity, territory, licensed rights and exclusions, ownership, term and termination, and bankruptcy. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Restaurant 101 Step by Step Overview on Opening a Restaurant
Are you perfecting recipes? Have you been told…you should open a restaurant after friends and family taste your creations? Are you a chef dreaming of opening a restaurant? “Restaurant 101 – Step by Step Overview on opening a restaurant is the opportunity to explore. Starting with the menu, a plan, and profitability you can explore your dream before spending money. Presented by Kevin McVearry, a Business Advisor for the SBDC since 2012, with over 30 years of experience opening…
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