Maricopa SBDC

Use YouTube to Grow Your Business (Grow with Google Series)
2021-06-15 09:00 - 10:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
Topic: Marketing and Sales

Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.
In this workshop we’ll discuss best practices for:
● Understanding different video formats
● How to set up a YouTube channel
● Making good creative videos, and how to target and measure the results
Speaker(s): Israel Serna
Register Here:
Fee: No Cost

SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund During COVID
2021-06-17 09:00 - 10:30
Topic: Business Basics

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
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

Business Income and How it is Taxed
2021-06-30 09:00 - 11:00
Topic: Business Taxes

Business taxes can be confusing and complex. In our next tax webinar, Tanya Luken, Luken CPA, will help to demystify business taxes and help you increase your understanding of how business income is taxed based on your legal entity type. She will also share related tax forms, an overview of where, when and how to pay your business taxes, provide tips on avoiding tax penalties, and other important topics to know as a small business owner.
Speaker(s): Tanya Luken, CPA
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

Social Media Success for Small Business - 2021 Guide to Winning with Social Media
2021-07-13 09:00 - 10:00
Topic: Social Media

Everyone knows that social media can make or break a business, but sometimes social media seems more like a “nice-to-have” and not a priority. Join our webinar to learn practical advice on how to use social media to grow your business. With a focus on Facebook and Instagram, you will walk away with the knowledge necessary to get started as soon as the webinar is over. You will also learn how Maricopa SBDC, a no-fee counseling resource, can help your business navigate out of COVID and set a stronger foundation for future growth.
Speaker(s): Samantha Soffici, Thryv Enterprise Business Consultant
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

Buying a Business - What You Need to Know Before You Buy
2021-07-15 10:00 - 11:00
Topic: Managing a Business

With the changing economy, opportunities to buy businesses are on the increase. Whether you are considering the path of new business ownership, or perhaps looking to expand your existing business through an acquisition, it is important to make an informed decision. In this webinar, we overview buying a business process essentials that include knowing the pros and cons and what you can afford, how to research and vet options, funding strategies, experts to involve throughout the deal, and tips for a smooth transition from buyer to owner.

Topics will include:

How to determine whether a business is right for you, exploring the pros and cons, and how much you can afford
Overview of how to research and vet the options
The acquisition process from start to finish
Funding strategies and requirements to qualify for a loan
Professional experts to involve during the purchase
How to make a smooth transition from buyer to owner

Speaker(s): Nancy Hon, 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

Grow with Google -- Learn the Basics of Google Ads
2021-07-20 09:00 - 10:00
Topic: Marketing and Sales

In this workshop, you will learn how to reach more customers and grow your business with Google Ads.
In this session we’ll talk about:
● How to create an account and set up an ad campaign
● How to write great ads, refine keywords, and include ad extensions
● How to measure success

Speaker(s): Israel Serna, Grow with Google
Register Here:
Fee: No Cost

Employee Retention Tax Credit
2021-07-27 09:00 - 10:30
Topic: Tax Planning
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) program launched with the CARES Act in March 2020 and was then modified and extended as part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act in December 2020.
The Employee Retention Credit is a fully refundable payroll tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent (or 70 percent) of qualified wages (up to a $10,000 cap) that Eligible Employers pay their employees.
Our expert speaker will take you through the program basics to help you understand its potential value to you and prepare you to pursue it.
Topics include:

The history of the program
Qualified wages and calculations
Interaction with other disaster relief programs
Steps in the evaluation process
Process and steps to apply

Speaker(s): CariAnn J. Todd, CPA
Accounting & Assurance Senior Manager
Beach Fleischman®
Tom Fulcher, 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

Reviews Matter- How to Manage and Optimize your Reputation
2021-08-05 10:00 - 11:00
Like it or not, reviews matter! In fact, 84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation. So how do you get more ratings and reviews, and how can you boost your online reputation to do more business? Join our webinar to learn practical tips and tricks about managing your online reputation. You will also learn how Maricopa SBDC, a no-fee counseling resource, can help your business navigate out of COVID and set a stronger foundation for future growth.
Speaker(s): Samantha Soffici, Thryv Partnership and Business Development Lead
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

Grow with Google -- Get Your Local Business on Google Search
2021-08-17 09:00 - 10:00
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 Business Profile on Google
● Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
● Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers

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

Manage Your Customers Effectively and Efficiently
2021-09-08 10:00 - 11:00
The most powerful tool for a business is its contacts. If you use your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool to its fullest capabilities, it can make your marketing, sales, and client success efforts a breeze. Join our webinar to learn how to optimize a tool you are already using to help you grow your business.
Speaker(s): Samantha Soffici, Thryv Partnership and Business Development Lead
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

Trademark Basics - What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later
2021-09-09 09:00 - 10:30
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur interested in learning about trademarks and how to apply for a federal registration? Join USPTO trademark advising attorney Jason Lott for a discussion about what all entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups should know about trademarks.

Speaker(s): Lou Farina, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst
Jason Lott, Attorney Advisor for Trademark Educational Outreach, United States Patent and Trademark Office

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

Smart Credit Strategies for Small Business Owners
2021-09-14 10:00 - 11:00
When you’re a business owner, strong personal credit scores can be an asset by helping you qualify for a business credit card, an SBA loan, or other types of funding that take the owner’s personal credit into account. But if you’re not careful, your business can hurt your credit scores. Nav’s Credit and Small Business Expert Gerri Detweiler has been answering credit questions for more than twenty years and has answered over 10,000 credit questions online. You’ll learn:

The big credit score mistake many small business owners make
How to protect your credit from your business
How small business lenders view personal credit scores
And much more!

This webinar will focus on personal credit scores. You’ll receive a checklist you can use to create your own strategy for implementing the strategies in this workshop.
Speaker(s): Gerri Detweiler, Nav Education Director
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

Grow with Google -- Make Your Website Work for You
2021-09-28 09:00 - 10:00
In this presentation, learners will discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will help.
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

Build Small Business Value - Strategies for a Successful Sale or Succession of Your Small Business
2021-09-30 09:00 - 10:00
In the ever-changing business landscape, small business owners have had to consider the long-term goals for their business and possible exit strategies. Waiting for a sudden change in a business situation is not the ideal time to begin planning your business exit. As a business owner, you need to know what value your business will have to a prospective buyer or successor, and the elements that add value to your business. In this webinar, we will overview the basics of planning your exit strategy and help you begin to identify potential gaps and opportunities that you can use to begin to put a plan in place.
Topics:

Exit strategy options
Factors that impact the value of your business
When and how to plan for your exit
Assess your gaps and opportunities
Resources to assist

Speaker(s): Nancy Hon, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst
Register Here
Fee: No Cost

SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund During COVID
2021-10-07 10:00 - 11:30
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
Robert Mucci, PTAC Procurement Specialist

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

Small Business Payroll
2021-10-13 09:00 - 11:00
Overwhelmed by setting up payroll for your small business? In our Small Business Payroll webinar, our guest speaker, Tanya Luken, CPA, will simplify and explain the tasks related to new hires including the required paperwork, record keeping, eVerify, and exempt vs. non-exempt employees. She will also discuss payroll taxes, workers compensation, and suggestions for how to work with a payroll company.
Speaker(s): Tanya Luken, Luken CPA
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

Angel Investing: Disruption Creates New Opportunities
2021-10-14 09:00 - 10:30
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” align 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, 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

Grow with Google - Reach More Customers Online
2021-10-26 09:00 - 10:00
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
