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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January 2025
LA Fire Resources Update
The LA 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 and other small business owners the opportunity to get your questions answered live. Scheduled dates: Jan 14, 2025 11:00 AM Jan 16, 2025 11:00 AM Jan 17, 2025 11:00 AM REGISTER NOW
Find out more »LA Fire Resources Update
The LA SBDC is here to help small businesses affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires. Please join us as we guide you through the SBA Disaster Loan eligibility and application process, offer insight on small business insurance, and provide you and other small business owners the opportunity to get your questions answered live. Scheduled dates: Jan 14, 2025 11:00 AM Jan 16, 2025 11:00 AM Jan 17, 2025 11:00 AM REGISTER NOW
Find out more »February 2025
IN PERSON EVENT- 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 Writing a Winning Press Release to Publicize Your Business
You’ve got a hot new product or service that you would like your prospective customers to know about. Or maybe, there has been a problem at your business that is attracting media attention. Whatever, the circumstance, knowing how to prepare a professional press release is a valuable skill for any business owner. In this webinar, we will examine what the media is looking for in a good press release. This a a hands-on workshop where participants will learn the parts of a press release and how to attract the attention of media…
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 »IN PERSON EVENT Network & Learn 10 Constant Contact Digital Marketing Tools Revealed
Come network and learn at the Southbay SBDC in Hawthorne and Constant Contact. Are you time challenged to use digital media effectively? Learn the 10 digital tools you can start using and how they work together to help you grow your business. Get to know other local business owners while we show you how to use these cost effective tools for your business and answer your questions to apply the tools to your challenge. Seating is limited as this is…
Find out more »Webinar – WBE(Women Business Enterprise)/MBE(Minority Business Enterprise) Certifications
Specialty Certification: For those interested in expanding their private sector revenues, the WBE and MBE certifications will allow you to do business with major companies under their supplier diversity programs. A step by step guide on what to expect in completing the application, as well as which documents will be required to submit. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: 2025 Resolutions & Smart Business Moves
Like getting paid? Do you want less liability risks? Want to be prepared for 2025’s challenges or threats? Are you determined to make your 2025 goals happen? If this sounds kind of OK to you, join us. Learn contract terms that protect you, get you paid, reduce losses, avoid court, and strengthen your cash flow. Also, covered are steps and tools to make your goals a reality. Smart moves. All are No Cost or Low Cost. Don’t attend this webinar if you rather: Work harder, not…
Find out more »Financial Fitness: Income Statement
An income statement is a financial statement that shows the company’s income and expenditures. It also shows whether a company is making profit or loss for a given period. The income statement, along with balance sheet and cash flow statement, helps you understand the financial health of your business. If you need help with your income statement and where to start, this webinar is for you! REGISTER NOW
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 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 »Financial Fitness: Cash Flow
Cash Flow vs Profit. What’s more important? Learn how to analyze your Cash Flow and be able to better manage your business. Cash Flow illustrates if the operations of the business are generating enough funds to pay for its financial obligations like bills, taxes, or operating expenses. Along the same lines, it can indicate if a small business needs to take on a loan or if the small business can service a loan. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Increasing Your Profits: Sell More Spend Less
Unlock the secrets to maximizing your business’s profitability with a dynamic strategy that combines savvy spending with strategic selling. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to take control of your expenses by identifying areas where you can cut costs without compromising quality. But that’s just the beginning! Discover how to increase your revenue by tapping into your existing customer base, driving sales without the constant chase for new clients. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: Accounting: The Basics of the Language of Business
Accounting is the system of tracking the income, expenses, assets and liabilities of business. Owners, managers, bankers, investors – use accounting terms and concepts to describe the events that make up the “story”. This workshop will explain the basics of how to make journal entries including debits and credits, the structure of financial statements, important financial ratios, and, more importantly, how to “account” for the transactions in your business. Instructor: Andrew Strachan (SBDC Advisor) REGISTER NOW
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 »IN PERSON EVENT CROWDFUNDING SERIES: The Newest Way For Startups and Entrepreneurs to Raise Capital
In the past, when someone wanted to fund something — be it a project, a company, or anything that required capital to start — there were a few ways to raise money. They could take on debt from a loan. They could raise money from friends, family members, and angel or VC investors. They could even take the “bootstrapping” route and scrounge up as much money as possible to fund the project themselves. In the late 2000s, a fourth option…
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 – 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- Fast Track Start-Up Crash Course 3-day Series
Take our 3-day Fast Track “bootcamp” program. This course was developed by industry professionals to provide you the basic tools you need to start your business. This is ideal for prospective businesses with little to no time but a willingness and desire to learn the language of business, determine whether starting a business makes sense and if so, specific steps to start the business. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview only. If you need additional detail or class instruction,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Business Plan Overview
Building a successful business requires vision, and the coordination of efforts in several areas. The process of starting and running a business can be overwhelming without a good plan. A good solution to understanding all of the moving parts of your business is to write a business plan. In this webinar we will discuss: -The internal and external purposes of a business plan -A review of the types of plans: Traditional, one page, Canvas, Pitch Deck -Writing strategies and tips,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Wave Accounting for Startups and Service Businesses
Keeping track of your business income and expenses is crucial to the financial health of your company. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated! This webinar will cover how to use Wave, a free online accounting software program to help keep you on track. Wave is designed for small business owners. No jargon, just an easy accounting software for small business that makes sense. This webinar is not for companies with inventory. Instructor: Maureen Thielen (SBDC Advisor) 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 a 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 HR 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 REGISTER NOW
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 »Financial Fitness: Ratios
Financial Ratios: Stand Alone Metrics are Meaningless. Learn which Ratios may be applicable to your business. Financial ratios paint a picture of your business’s liquidity, cash flow, debt, and profitability. The key is to know which ratios are relevant to your business and where to pull the information from. While these figures allow owners to better manage their business, creditors also use them to determine financial stability and access to capital. REGISTER NOW
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