Maricopa SBDC

Grow with Google - Reach More Customers Online
2021-10-26 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
Learn how your business can be found online with Google. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Google My Business, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and more.
In this workshop we’ll discuss best practices for:
● Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices
● Creating a free Google My Business listing
● Advertising your business on Google
Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow with Google
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional GoToWebinar registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via GoToWebinar.
Register Here
Fee: No Cost

Grow with Google -- Sell Online with E-Commerce Tools
2021-11-16 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Learn how to sell your products online. We’ll walk through listing your products for free with Google My Business and Merchant Center. And we’ll show you one way to sell on your website, using an E-Commerce store built with Shopify. Plus, learn about more helpful tools to stand out online, such as Local Opportunity Finder and Grow My Store.
In this workshop, we’ll:
● Discuss the Products tab in Google My Business
● Introduce Google Merchant Center and the basics of creating a free account and a product feed
● Show you set up an E-Commerce website using Shopify
Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow with Google

Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional GoToWebinar registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via GoToWebinar.
Register Here
Fee: No Cost

International Logistics Strategies
2021-11-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
The International Logistics industry has dealt with many challenges and changes since the SARS2-COVID-19 pandemic began. Are you one of the companies facing dramatically increasing prices, equipment unavailability, and unpredictable delivery timelines? Even the companies that have replaced manual labor with technology are still suffering from many problems, such as: lack of effective coordination, poor communication with end-users and customers, and overall logistical volatility. Join our webinar, and we will address the current logistical problems and issues. We will also share tips on how to procure and secure your ocean containers at lower rates.
Speaker(s): Carol Laisure Pool, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst

Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.
Register Here
Fee: No Cost

Cash Flow Management – Managing Your Cash Flow Position Post-Pandemic
2022-01-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Many businesses would realize better near and intermediate term financial outcomes through a more focused cash basis examination of their future operations. Knowing your projected 1 to 3 year cash position and having the “what-if” tools to predict and maximize your cash and reserves is critical. If cash flow implications are not part of your budgeting and operational planning and decision making, you are likely to find out, too late, that there can be a critical shortfall. In this webinar, our SBDC Analyst will overview how you can be more successful in managing profitability and cash reserves.
Speaker(s): Richard Spears, Maricopa SBDC Capital Team Lead Advisor
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.
Register here:
Fee: No Cost

Stress Test Your Business Now!
2022-01-19 08:00 - 08:30, 2022-01-20 07:30 - 08:00 | Virtual
Virtually no business is immune from unforeseen or contemplated economic events, whether positive or negative. The 2020-22 Covid 19 pandemic is indicative of that in the extreme. As would be getting an unexpected large purchase order from a brand new customer. Or deciding to raise or lower your prices or deal with higher costs. Or worrying about working capital over the next 12 months. To assure your business can weather these and other such contingencies, it’s important to quantify and understand the potential financial impact of such occurrences. This “morning coffee” Stress Test briefing will help you consider whether your business would benefit by utilizing our SBDC risk analysis methodology to better prepare for your best future.
Speaker(s): Richard Spears, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.
Register here:
Fee: No Cost

QuickBooks Online Training 1
2022-02-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join us for QuickBooks Online training. Two sessions are offered for users who want to learn from the beginning how to set up a company, pay bills, invoice customers, reconcile their bank accounts and use QuickBooks Online as a tool to help manage their business. We will be reviewing the related accounting concepts associated with the QuickBooks functions to help attendees understand why the functions are done the way they are.
Who will benefit from seminar:
Businesses using or planning to use QuickBooks software for their accounting system. This program will feature only topics related to QuickBooks Online. The concepts from this class will not be applicable to QuickBooks Desktop.

Course Outline:

Introduction

Product overview
Subscription levels

Navigate

Logging in
Setting up a new file
Account & settings
Lists
Navigation bars
Search & recent transactions
Attach documents

Chart of Accounts

Products and services
Product categories
Inventory tracking

Vendors & Expenses

Creating vendors & transactions
Bills & purchase orders

Speaker(s): Tanya Luken, CPA PC
Register here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

QuickBooks Online Training 2
2022-02-17 08:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join us for QuickBooks Online training. Two sessions are offered for users who want to learn from the beginning how to set up a company, pay bills, invoice customers, reconcile their bank accounts and use QuickBooks Online as a tool to help manage their business. We will be reviewing the related accounting concepts associated with the QuickBooks functions to help attendees understand why the functions are done the way they are.
Who will benefit from seminar:
Businesses using or planning to use QuickBooks software for their accounting system. This program will feature only topics related to QuickBooks Online. The concepts from this class will not be applicable to QuickBooks Desktop.

Course Outline:

Customers & Sales

Creating customers & transactions
Invoices & sales orders
Delayed charges
Deposits
Statements
Estimates

Bank & Credit Card Accounts

Bank Feeds
Troubleshooting
Batch actions
Bank rules
Reconciliations

Reporting

Report Center
Customizing
Print, email and export

Time Tracking

Payroll

Setup

Run payroll in QBO

Payroll Reports

Speaker(s): Tanya Luken, CPA PC
Register here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

Intellectual Property 101
2022-03-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Have you invented the next best thing or process? Do you have an idea that could be monetized into valuable intellectual property? If you’re an entrepreneur, you can’t afford to ignore intellectual property (IP). Whether you’re naming your business or product, working with a developer or contractor, or pitching your product concept to an investor, you need to know how to protect your competitive advantages and avoid legal troubles. USPTO Regional Director Wayne Stacy and a representative from the Phoenix Patent and Trademark Resource Center will give you an overview of the different types of IP protection (trademarks, patents, copyrights, trade secrets) and share how you can use them to your advantage.
Speaker(s): Lou Farina, SBDC Business Analyst
Wayne Stacy, USPTO Regional Director & Phoenix Patent and Trademark Resource Center Rep.
Kori Tueller, Assistant Administrator at the State of Arizona Research Library
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.
Register here:
Fee: No Cost

How to Join Arizona's New B2B Marketplace as a Service Provider
2022-03-08 13:30 - 14:30, 2022-03-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Virtual
AERO is Arizona’s B2B marketplace that connects you with local Arizona businesses in need of your expertise. Through paid short-term business projects, you can expand your customer network and grow your business.

Work with local service seekers on projects such as website development, social media, marketing, financial and business planning, and more.
What you’ll get from the AERO platform:

Find new customers and expand your portfolio
Work on off-the-shelf projects and get paid a stipend of up to $1,200
Grow your local business network

Join us in this demonstration and workshop to get you started on AERO!

Speaker(s): Yolanda Facio, Maricopa SDBC Business Analyst
Fee: No Cost
Register Here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

How to Join Arizona's New B2B Marketplace as a Service Seeker
2022-03-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
AERO is Arizona’s B2B marketplace that connects you with local Arizona talent ready to offer their services and expertise to help you reach your business goals.
Work with local service providers on projects such as website development, social media, marketing, financial and business planning, and more, at no cost to you.
What you’ll get from the AERO platform:

Access new resources to support your ideas and the talent to get them done
Source fresh ideas and access the support to implement them quickly
Build a foundation for sustainable growth to help you stay ahead of the game

Join us in this demonstration and workshop to get you started on AERO!

Speaker(s): Yolanda Facio, Maricopa SDBC Business Analyst
Fee: No Cost
Register Here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

What are my options? Alternatives for financing your early-stage venture
2022-03-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
If you are an early-stage company, finding the funding for your venture is one of the most tricky hurdles to overcome. There are a variety of ways you can find funding, and a variety of organizations, people, and resources available to you. What options are right for you? Where should you even start? We designed this webinar to be an insightful overview of the various options available to your venture.
Participants understand the multitude of options for early-stage companies looking obtain funding to start or expand their business. The main aim of this webinar will be to provide a high level overview of the funding landscape while focusing on the pros and cons of each topic.
Topics include:
• Self Funding
• Friends & Family
• Crowdfunding
• Accelerators
• Competitions
• Grants
• SBIR/STTR
• Angel Investors
• Strategic Investors
• Venture Capital
• Corporate Venture
Audience: Early-stage companies who are seeking access to capital
Register here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

How to Join Arizona's New B2B Marketplace as a Service Seeker
2022-03-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Virtual
AERO is Arizona’s business-to-business (B2B) marketplace that connects you with local Arizona talent ready to offer their services and expertise to help you reach your business goals.
Work with local service providers on projects such as website development, social media, marketing, financial and business planning, and more, at no cost to you.
What you’ll get from the AERO platform:

Access new resources to support your ideas and the talent to get them done
Source fresh ideas and access the support to implement them quickly
Build a foundation for sustainable growth to help you stay ahead of the game

Join us in this demonstration and workshop to get you started on AERO!

Speaker(s): Yolanda Facio, Maricopa SDBC Business Analyst
Fee: No Cost
Register Here
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.

Coffee Break Series: Merchant Services
2022-03-30 07:30 - 08:00 | Virtual
Speaker(s): Richard Spears, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst
Please note: prior to the webinar, you will receive an additional Zoom registration link. This registration will need to be completed in order to attend and access the webinar via Zoom.
Register here:
Fee: No Cost

Kompass - A Global B2B Marketing Tool
2022-04-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Good News, Maricopa SBDC got a great Global B2B marketing tool -Kompass for you! During this difficult time, Maricopa SBDC continually consider your needs to grow your international businesses. Now with Kompass, via Maricopa SBDC, you will have A free access to data base for more than 70 countries, 53+ million companies. What a great opportunity for you to expand your exporting businesses! No need shopping around, and no need spend unlimited time to find oversea buyers. Join this webinar, we will show you how to use Kompass find your ideal buyers or suppliers via Kompass.
To find more about Kompass: https://us.solutions.kompass.com/
Topics include:
What Kompass can do for small businesses?
How can businesses owner have a free access to the Kompass database? – Via SBDC How to use Kompass data
Speaker(s): Carol Pool, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst
Rufiya Blank ,Kompass
Register here

Reach Customers Online with Google
2022-04-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Learn how your business can be found online with Google. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Google Business Profile, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Ads, and more.
In this workshop we’ll discuss best practices for:
+ Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices
+ Creating a free Google Business Profile
+ Advertising your business on Google
About the presenter:
Israel is a Grow With Google Professional Speaker and has spent the last 15 years working in various roles within the public and private sector, across various industries – including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Specialty Coffee Association, Constant Contact and other eCommerce Software as a Service (SaaS) companies while serving several multicultural communities along the way.
Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow With Google

Exporting Procedures
2022-04-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Did you know that exporting a product can be a lot easier than you might think? With the right tools and methodology, you can bring in more profit, and discover larger and more beneficial target markets while others are still struggling to increase domestic sales.Both products and services are exportable, and small details can determine whether you can export, or not. Join our free, online exporting series classes, and we will teach you how to export your products and/or services, step-by-step. You will soon become the experts in the exporting business!
Topics include:
a. Can I make more money and higher profits via exporting?
b. Common mistakes that beginners in the exporting field make, and how to avoid them.
c. How Maricopa SBDC can help beginners in the export business.
Speaker(s): Yanxin Laisure-Pool Maricopa SBDC Business Advisor
Tom Fulcher, Maricopa SBDC Business Advisor

Patent Basics
2022-05-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
This module will cover the basic facts about patents. We will explore the different types of patents, including utility, design, and plant. We will define the difference and use of both provisional patent applications and non-provisional patent applications. Further, we will discuss the process of patent prosecution, the role of the U.S. patent examiner and what to expect when working with the USPTO. Information regarding a number of patent prosecution programs and initiatives available to applicants will also be provided.
Objectives (What will participants know and/or be able to do after attending):

Understand the different type of patents
Know the difference between a provisional and non-provisional patent application
Introduction to the process of patent prosecution
Exposure to patent prosecution programs

Topics include:

Types of patents
The parts of a patent application
The examination process
Claims analysis with respect to novelty and obviousness
Office action.

Audience: Business owners who are either contemplating securing intellectual property or already own intellectual property.

Speaker(s): Lou Farina SBDC,, Stephen Koziol, Assistant Director of the Western Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office
Stephen (Steve) Koziol is the Assistant Regional Director of the Western Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Koziol joined the USPTO in 2007 as a patent examiner, and has managed teams of examiners in the computer graphics and digital imaging fields. Prior to his move to the West Coast, Mr. Koziol worked in the Rocky Mountain regional office of the USPTO in Denver, CO, where he led the design and implementation of various intellectual property outreach and education programs. He has also focused on the development of patent-specific programs within the USPTO, including the Post-Grant Outcomes program, AIA First Inventor to File implementation, AIPLA Partnering in Patents, and patent operations cost and fee modeling.

Build a Business That Grows!!!: Start a Business, Get Funds, and Learn About Our B2B Marketplace
2022-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
AERO is Arizona’s B2B marketplace that connects you with local Arizona talent ready to offer their services or businesses in need of your expertise.
Whether you are a local service provider or small business seeking support for your projects such as website development, social media, marketing, financial and business planning, and more, the AERO platform is for you.

What you’ll get from the AERO platform as a service provider:

Find new customers and expand your portfolio
Work on off-the-shelf projects and get paid a stipend of up to $1,200
Grow your local business network

What you’ll get from the AERO platform as a small business seeking support:

Access support for your ideas and the talent to get it done at no cost to you
Source fresh ideas and access the support to implement them quickly
Build a foundation for sustainable growth to help you stay ahead of the game

Join us in this demonstration and workshop to get you started on AERO!

During the event, the AZSBDC team will also provide an overview of our start-up resources so if you are ready to start a business, we can help you kick start the process with No-Cost counseling.
Finally, our AZSBDC Money Team will be sharing information about their No-Cost services to get you prepared and ready for lending, and we’ll have a Lender on hand to talk with you about funding opportunities.
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to get the resources, tools, and support you need to Build a Business That Grows!
Speaker(s): Yolanda A. Facio, Maricopa SDBC Business Analyst
Fee: No Cost
Register Here

Angel Investing: Pandemic Disruption Creates New Opportunities
2022-05-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Have you heard the term Angel Investor? Looking for Investor Capital? Understanding who Angel Investors are and what makes them tick can be the difference between getting your startup funded or not. The current environment caused by the pandemic has provided some unique opportunities and challenges.
Topics include:
• The sequence of equity investing
• Insights into the impact of the Pandemic on early-stage investing
• The difference between Angel and Venture Capital and when they each are applicable.
• Profile Angel Investors and their mindset thus enabling smooth engagements.
• Angel Investor’s ROI and time horizon expectations so that your venture’s “asks” aligns with their expectations.
• How Startups are valued thereby increasing your chances of closing a deal with Angels
• The Angel Group Investment Process
Speaker(s): Lou Farina

Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
2022-05-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google business profile from start to finish.In this session we’ll show you how to:+ Create or claim your Google Business Profile+ Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps+ Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers
Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow With Google

Coffee Break: What Affects Your Credit Score?
2022-05-25 07:30 - 08:00 | Virtual
We’ll examine the key components that drive your personal credit score. Buy now, pay later charges are now being added to your credit history. We’ll review how credit scores can impact the ability of your business to borrow.

Speaker(s): Richard Spears, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst

Employee Retention Tax Credit
2022-05-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
The participants will have a better understanding of what Employee Retention Tax Credit is and to help them figure out if they qualify and the steps to getting their ERTC refund from the IRS.
Topics include: Employee Retention Tax Credit
Audience:
Small Business Owners
Speaker(s): Cheryl Pahl
Jeffrey Mohlman, CTS, CDFA

Build a Business That Grows!!!: Start a Business, Get Funds, and Learn About Our B2B Marketplace
2022-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
AERO is Arizona’s B2B marketplace that connects you with local Arizona talent ready to offer their services or businesses in need of your expertise.
Whether you are a local service provider or small business seeking support for your projects such as website development, social media, marketing, financial and business planning, and more, the AERO platform is for you.

What you’ll get from the AERO platform as a service provider:

Find new customers and expand your portfolio
Work on off-the-shelf projects and get paid a stipend of up to $1,200
Grow your local business network

What you’ll get from the AERO platform as a small business seeking support:

Access support for your ideas and the talent to get it done at no cost to you
Source fresh ideas and access the support to implement them quickly
Build a foundation for sustainable growth to help you stay ahead of the game

Join us in this demonstration and workshop to get you started on AERO!

During the event, the AZSBDC team will also provide an overview of our start-up resources so if you are ready to start a business, we can help you kick start the process with No-Cost counseling.
Finally, our AZSBDC Money Team will be sharing information about their No-Cost services to get you prepared and ready for lending, and we’ll have a Lender on hand to talk with you about funding opportunities.
This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to get the resources, tools, and support you need to Build a Business That Grows!
Speaker(s):
Yolanda A. Facio, Maricopa SDBC Business Analyst
CJ Johnson, AZSBDC Network Funding Outreach Specialist
Fee: No Cost
Register Here

SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund
2022-06-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Fundraising can be extremely challenging in the current pandemic environment. The SBIR program is the nation’s largest source of early-stage/high-risk funding for start-ups and small businesses. The highly competitive SBIR program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and research development (R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. SBIR enables small businesses to explore technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization . Join us and learn how to fund your innovation-based startup using non-dilutive seed capital provided by the federal government
Speaker(s): Lou Farina, SBDC Business Analyst Bob Mucci PTAC, Kyle Hohmann

Make Your Website Work for For You
2022-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Whether you’re launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help you learn how to get the most out of your site. In this presentation, you will discover how to create a search-friendly website that goes beyond just great design. Learn the fundamentals and characteristics of a great website: + Creating a goal oriented website to help with business objectives. + Creating and keeping an organized website that offers a great user experience. + Creating content that captivates customers and keeps them coming back + Understanding how search works and how to optimize your site for higher ranking + And how to measure the success of your website with tools like Google Analytics. About the presenter: Israel is a Grow With Google Professional Speaker and has spent the last 15 years working in various roles within the public and private sector, across various industries – including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Specialty Coffee Association, Constant Contact and other eCommerce Software as a Service (SaaS) companies while serving several multicultural communities along the way. Israel takes pride in having the opportunity to organize and speak at hundreds of industry conferences on topics related to eCommerce, Social Media Marketing, Job Skill Trainings, and Resume Building.

Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow With Google
Register Here

Marketing Your Business - Session 1
2022-06-22 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Topic: Marketing and Sales

Gain an understanding of marketing’s role in your business, the 6 P’s of Marketing, your positioning in the marketplace, and why your customers choose you over the competition. By the end of this session, you will understand how marketing touches all aspects of your business regardless of size, from sole proprietors who wear many hats, to marketing professionals within larger organizations. You will also gain insight about your business positioning and why your customers choose to do business with you. Handouts and worksheets will be provided. Topics include: Definition of marketing Marketing’s role in your business Customer focused positioning Audience: Solo proprietors, business owners and key staff, marketing professionals within larger organizations with more than 10 employees.
Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, SBDC Business Analyst
Fee: No Cost
Register Here!

Marketing Your Business – Session 2
2022-06-29 08:00 - 17:00
Begin creating a marketing plan following a simple 5-step process that links to your organization’s bottom line and overall goals.
By the end of this session, you will have started a marketing plan that ties to your organization’s overall business goals. You will list desired outcomes, set measurable goals, identify external environmental changes that may impact your plan, start a SWOT, and list at least one key strategy to implement in the next 3 months. Handouts and worksheets will be provided.
Topics include:
5-Step Marketing Plan
External Environmental Scan
SWOT
Strategies and Actions
Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, Business Analyst, Maricopa SBDC
Register Here!

Marketing Your Business – Session 3
2022-07-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Gain an understanding of your ideal customer and where to find more like them. Learn how to engage them through digital marketing strategies.
By the end of this session, you will be able to identify key characteristics about your ideal customer and their buying habits. You will some best practices to engage your ideal customers online and through traditional marketing. Handouts and worksheets will be provided.
Topics include:
Target market
Ideal Customer Persona
Customer engagement best practices
Audience:
Solo proprietors, business owners and key staff, marketing professionals within larger organizations with more than 10 employees.
Facilitator/Speakers (if there will be a guest speaker, provide guest speaker email address, social media handles bio, and headshot of the guest speaker):
Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, Business Analyst. Maricopa SBDC
Register here:
