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
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 »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 »BOIR Lab
BOIR Requirement is Back On. On February 18, 2025, the U.S. District Court reinstated the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) requirement, lifting all temporary holds on filing deadlines. In response to this, FinCEN has extended the deadline by 30 calendar days from February 19, 2025. For most companies, this means the new deadline to file an initial, updated, and/or corrected BOIR is March 21, 2025. While FinCEN has indicated that there may be further updates to this deadline, especially for small businesses,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Creating a Media List and Contacting the Media
A customized media list is a must-have resource for successful business owners. In any given year, there are typically several opportunities to contact the media with the goal of getting positive coverage for your product or service. Compiling your own media list requires an investment in time and effort–but the results are well worth the hard work. There are also paid services, and in this workshop, participants will learn where to find them and how to determine which best suits your…
Find out more »Financial Fitness: Smart Credit Strategies for Entrepreneurs
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 »NEW: Unleashing the Power of AI for Enhanced Online Branding& Marketing
Drowning in endless to-do lists? Spending a fortune on freelancers? Watching your competitors zoom ahead with AI while you’re stuck figuring out where to start? Stop struggling. Start thriving with AI. AI Made Simple: Your 2-Hour Guide to Working Smarter, Not Harder; In this hands-on workshop, you’ll discover how artificial intelligence can become your secret weapon in business. No technical jargon, no complex coding, just practical solutions you can implement immediately. What You’ll Learn: ? The fascinating journey of AI…
Find out more »Webinar – Podcasting Mastery for Small Business Owners – Part 1: Setting Up Your Show – From Idea to Execution
Want to start a podcast but don’t know where to begin? In this session, we’ll cover everything you need to launch a successful podcast—from defining your niche and choosing the right format to selecting the best recording equipment and software. We’ll also explore the latest industry stats, trends, and why podcasting is an incredible tool for small business growth. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to get your podcast off the ground with confidence. What You’ll Learn: The…
Find out more »Webinar – “Enhancing Your Digital Footprint Webinar Series”
Come and join the SBDC and City of Santa Clarita for the “Enhancing Your Digital Footprint Webinar Series” on (3/5, 3/19, 3/26) and (5/7,5/14, 5/21) and (9/10, 9/17, 9/24) and (11/12, 11/19, 11/26) from 12:00-1:00 pm. Are you in business, with a local presence and interested in finding out more about how to increase and attract potential new customers? Are you a newly launched business building brand recognition with some online presence? Attend one or more sessions to learn tips…
Find out more »WEBINAR Navigating SBIR/STTR (Research & Technology) Grants
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide an opportunity for small businesses to tap into federal funding to conduct research and development on promising new innovations and technologies. With $4 billion available annually, the programs are a source of seed capital for early stage companies. SBIR/STTR funding can also serve as a pathway to equity financing by allowing businesses to demonstrate feasibility of new technologies and move toward commercialization. This webinar will cover…
Find out more »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 – Commercial Leases: The Basics
Presenter: Erica Bristol This webinar will introduce small business owners to the basics of commercial leases. Attendees will learn the differences among “gross,” “net” and “triple net” leases; conducting property inspections; rent, abatement, and “common area maintenance” (CAM) charges; use and signage restrictions; personal guarantees; build-out terms and obligations; determining who is responsible for maintenance and repairs; subleasing; and other information business owners should know before signing the lease, including when to “walk away.” REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Proof of Concept
After months of searching, you have finally come up with a great new business idea. You are confident that your idea will be a game changer. You just know that this idea will provide the financial freedom that you have always dreamed of. However, BEFORE you take YOUR leap of faith, SLOW DOWN! Take a deep breath and ask yourself this one BIG question, ‘What research do I need BEFORE I start my business that will give me a clear…
Find out more »Restaurant Academy: Creating a Successful Restaurant Business Plan
In this webinar, you will discover the essential components of a restaurant business plan to help increase your chances of success and present your plan to investors and financial institutions. Topics will cover concept creation, organizational structure, marketing plan and SWOT analysis, necessary operational considerations, and an overview of financial projections. Participants will receive a business and financial plan template. plan template and can schedule one-on-one advisement sessions with one of our restaurant experts. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Restaurant Academy: Creating a Successful Restaurant Business Plan
In this webinar, you will discover the essential components of a restaurant business plan to help increase your chances of success and present your plan to investors and financial institutions. Topics will cover concept creation, organizational structure, marketing plan and SWOT analysis, necessary operational considerations, and an overview of financial projections. Participants will receive a business and financial plan template. plan template and can schedule one-on-one advisement sessions with one of our restaurant experts. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Leases and Landlords. Avoid the overkill
Learn tools & tips on leasing a business space. Avoid being overwhelmed by the lease itself, the landlord who wants you to sign it, and the legalese lawyers put into the lease. There are both great and terrible landlords out there.Your challenges are that landlords are using the same basic “tools” in leases written by their lawyers to favor the landlord…… Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience…
Find out more »Financial Fitness: Balance Sheet
The Balance Sheet is known as the “mother of all financial statements”. It provides a summary of the company’s position during a specific timeframe. It is broken down into three major categories and tracks what is known as the company’s assets, liabilities and owners’ equities. REGISTER NOW
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 »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 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 »Webinar – Podcasting Mastery for Small Business Owners – Part 2: Editing & Distributing Your Podcast
Podcasting Mastery for Small Business Owners – Part 2: Editing & Distributing Your Podcast Now that you’ve recorded your podcast, it’s time to make it shine! This session covers the essentials of podcast editing, from cleaning up audio to leveraging AI tools for a faster workflow. We’ll also walk through video podcasting, hosting platforms, and how to get your podcast published on Apple, Spotify, and beyond. Whether you’re a DIY editor or looking for automation, this webinar will equip you…
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! REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Webinar – Exporting … A New Customer Base to Consider
Come and learn about exporting, as a new customer base to consider for your business. It may be the perceived complexity of exporting, time intensity, language barriers or just not being ready to think about it. Featured Speaker, Jeff Henderson, who was awarded The Export Achievement Certificate and The Certificate of Congressional Recognition with many years of industry experience. He will provide tips on how to get past the perceived challenges and explore an exporting strategy as a tool. Why…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: How to Start Your Business Financials in Excel
Overcome your fear of starting with an empty Excel spreadsheet and become proficient to create your own Profit and Loss statement for your business. This workshop will cover the basic Excel functions necessary to develop your financials and then build a basic Profit and Loss statement. We will also see how you can download your bank activity and use filters to analyze the data, a powerful tool. Basic computer knowledge is required for this class. Instructor: Andrew Strachan (SBDC Advisor) has…
Find out more »Special Event: Mistakes to Avoid When Starting your Own Business or Franchise
Have you ever wondered why some people have very successful businesses, while others fail? This workshop will give you some of the most common mistakes people make when starting their own business. It will cover mistakes made in what type of business to start. Common misperceptions about what it takes financially to get a business going. Most importantly we will cover traps entrepreneurs run into while they are running their business. REGISTER NOW
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