Maryland’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides support to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. In addition to providing free individual consultation, the organization hosts comprehensive training programs — for those just thinking about starting a business to executive training — with most classes at low to no cost. February courses will again be held online in webinar format.
Check out the February calendar for our region and take the next opportunity to grow your business!
Ready, Set, Go! Are You Ready To Start A Business?
This seminar is specifically designed for small businesses in the planning phase of building a business. You will learn the “nuts & bolts” of becoming an entrepreneur! Additional information is shared with the participant on the SBDC, its’ services, what one can expect when entering the business world, the business plan, finance management, funding sources, marketing…a guide to beginning a successful future in a business world.
WHEN: February 4, 2021; 10:00-11:30am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16510
Exporting 101- From Your Door To The World
Presented by: Gabe Omar, Business Consultant, Maryland Small Business Development Center
This workshop will highlight the Nuts and Bolts for starting a successful export venture. Secure your future by establishing a strong presence in the global market for your product or service.
WHEN: February 4, 2021, 10:00 am-11:30am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16478
SBA on PPP Round 2.0 and Other Federal Resources
Presented by: Michael Collins, Lender Relations Specialist & District International Trade Officer, Small Business Administration
Join to hear updates from newest federal legislation and SBA guidance on new programs and the guidelines to apply. Any recent changes on existing programs along with information on new options for your business will also be disclosed.
WHEN: February 10 2021 from 9:00am-10:00am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16526
Does Uncle Sam Have A Surprise For You?
Presented by: Bev Stitely, Tax Strategist, Enrolled Agent (EA) Profit First Professional, Owner-Saunders Tax & Accounting
There is no such thing as a good tax surprise. Learn what you can do to be prepared and reduce your tax burdens. You don’t want to miss this session that could lessen the weight on your shoulders when it comes to tax season!
WHEN: February 10, 2021; 1:00-2:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16467
Budget Planning 101
Presented by: John Hickman, Eastern Region Director, Maryland Small Business Development Center
Plan for a successful 2021 by developing a budget for your company. Topics include the process for business budgeting, reviewing cash flow and cash needs, understanding which financial statements to use and how a budget ties in with other planning for your business
WHEN: February 10, 2021, 12:00pm-1:00pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16437
Business Plan Basics
Presented by: Sumathy Chandrashekar, Business Consultant, Maryland Small Business Development Center
Learn the basic elements of a business plan and how to structure writing an effective plan to maximize your loan potential! Whether you need to update an existing plan or are looking to start fresh, we offer tips for organizing your business model.
WHEN: February 10, 2021, 6:30pm-7:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16495
Five Key Elements To Any Marketing Plan
Presented by: Dave Barnhart, CDMC, Digital Marketing Manager/Senior Account Executive, ManningMedia, Marketing Solutions
Understanding the five primary questions any business should ask as it develops its marketing and advertising plan can help drive it towards its goals for success. The questions are simple and they may help a business owner establish focus for the future.
WHEN: February 11, 2021; 10:00-11:15am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16473
QuickBooks Account Clean Up
Presented by: Naddia Clute, Business Consultant, Maryland Small Business Development Center
We will review profit and loss reports, balance sheets, charts of accounts in QuickBooks Online (QBO) to allocate any error or items that might not be coded properly. Learn how to make necessary changes within QBO and the best practices for coding a specific transaction or loan.
WHEN: February 17, 11:30am-12:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16479
Understanding A Commercial Lease
Presented by: Matt Johnston, Esquire
A commercial lease is one of the most common contracts that a small business may enter, but it is often a confusing mix of odd words, complex language, and asymmetric power dynamics. In a world where commercial landlords are competing for business tenants, this session will explain the arcane contract and how to push for more equity in the relationship.
WHEN: February 17, 2021; 1:00-2:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16430
E-Mail Marketing: Nurture Your Prospects To Action
Presented by: Dennis Ottey, President, & Antonio Guerrero, COO, Dott Digital Marketing
Dennis Ottey and Antonio Guerrero from Dott Digital Marketing team up to present this seminar on how to use email marketing to its fullest potential. This course will include the latest concepts in using email to get your prospects to know, like, and Trust your business. Learn how to nurture your prospects to action in this new presentation from two of the best presenters ever!
WHEN: February 18, 2021; 10:00-11:30am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16511
Compliance for your Business Trucks
Presented by: Brenda Tharp, Maryland Motor Truck Association
An overview of compliance requirements for companies either in trucking or those that use trucks in their business. Topics that will be discussed include DOT numbers, CDL drivers, file requirements, vehicle requirements, along with drug and alcohol requirements.
WHEN: February 18, 2021, 10:00am-11:30am
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16525
Cybersecurity’s Human Component
Presented by: Shawn Duffy, President, Duffy Compliance and Brad Hook, Co-founder of Hook Security
As an organization, you need to cover the three elements of security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. These elements, known as the security triad, extend to more than just technical controls. Your staff and employees are also part of your security solution. To be most effective, they require continuous knowledge and awareness against relentless persistent threats. Join Shawn Duffy, president of Duffy Compliance, and Brad Hook, Co-founder of Hook Security, as they discuss what you need to know to protect you and your business!
WHEN: February 18, 2021; 1:00-2:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16512
Copywriting 101 For Small Business Owners
Presented by: Ali Paskun, ABIL Solutions
Join this session to discuss the entire process of getting started with copywriting formulas, tips and tricks. Learn to write copy that gets your leads to take action, and how to create powerful new content for your website, marketing content, or social media promotions. You'll learn how the right SEO techniques to ensure your content is found by Google.
WHEN: February 23, 2021; 1:00-2:00pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16514
Small Business Cybersecurity: The Threats
Presented by: Justin Smith, Owner, Midshore Technology Services LLC
When breaches happen, they can go unnoticed and be catastrophic. Cybersecurity, if done right, can significantly reduce the likelihood and impact while also increasing recovery times. We will cover how to understand and prioritize threats, detection and prevention, along with techniques for hardening your company's cybersecurity posture.
WHEN: February 23, 2021, 1:00pm-2:00pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16502
Share The Love: How To Get Amazing Reviews From Customers
Presented by: Melody Belotte, Marketing Strategist
What is the importance of customer reviews to effective marketing and sales? Join this session to learn how to incorporate key review sites like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Yelp into your digital marketing strategy and then create a continuous incoming stream of amazing reviews.
WHEN: February 24, 2021; 1:00-2:30pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16465
Marketing Your Business With Video!
Presented by: Pieter Bickford
More than ever, video is a crucial tool in your company's marketing toolkit. Join the award-winning team at HighRock to learn some quick, affordable ways to tell your company's story on the big––and not-so-big––screen.
WHEN: February 25, 2021; 1:00-2:15pm
To Register: https://mdsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/16513