Maricopa SBDC

Building a Compelling Website
2023-02-15 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Follow these steps to build a compelling website for your small business. Attendees will receive a Website Builder Checklist. Use it before you start a website or share with your web developer after filling it out to ensure all the steps are covered. It’s also useful to make a review of an existing website for updates and enhancements.

Topics include:

Where and how to pick a domain name
The top 6 platforms for easy website building
The importance of branding and colors
Linking to social media and social share buttons
Doing keyword research to include in your content
Optimizing for search results
Adding Google Analytics to track website traffic
Including a blog to attract website visitors
Integrating eCommerce for online selling
Using pop-up forms to generate leads
Tips about Call to Action buttons

Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, Marketing Specialist, Business Consultant with Maricopa Small Business Development Center
Please note: After you have complete registration, you will be provided with an additional Zoom registration link. This registration must be completed to obtain your unique access link to attend and access this webinar.
Fee: No Cost
Register Here

Quickbooks Training 1
2023-02-22 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.

"Doing Business with the Don"
2023-02-22 09:00 - 12:00 | Casino Del Sol, 5655 W Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85757, United States
Join the Arizona and American Indian Chamber Education Fund,
Apex Accelerators (formerly known as Procurement Technical
Assistance Centers – PTACs), and the local SBA as they welcome
the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of Small Business
Programs (OSBP) to the Tucson area. During this event, small
businesses will receive information on the following topics:

Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs’ Achievements and Goals
The Don OSBP Mentor-Protégé Program
Preparing for the DON procurement process
Resources and assistance to help small businesses

Register HERE

QuickBooks Training 2
2023-02-23 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.

SBA Loan Clinic
2023-03-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-05 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-05-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Learn about SBA’s lending role and how to prepare a request for capital. Come to this FREE monthly clinic to understand credit requirements, interest rates, collateral terms, and amounts available. Find sources of capital to start or grow your business. Learn how to approach a lender, find bankers interested in your needs, and improve your chances of success.
REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. ONLINE ONLY.
+1 202-765-1264 United States, Washington DC (Toll)
Conference ID: 837 909 022#

Alternatives for Financing Your Early-Stage Venture Part 1
2023-03-08 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.
This webinar is Part 1 in a two-part series. Part two will include additional topics: Competitions, SBIR/STTR, Angel Investors, Strategic Investors, Venture Capital and Corporate Ventures
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.

Opportunities with the USDA
2023-03-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Presented by APEX Accelerators
Join us for this joint virtual workshop! Speakers from the USDA will present
information about various USDA programs for small businesses, farmers,
ranchers, rural communities, and contracting opportunities.
AZAPEX Accelerators (formerly AZPTAC) will share tips and tricks to navigating
SAM.gov to maximize your business’s ability to find the right opportunities!
Register HERE

Alternatives for Financing Your Early-Stage Venture Part 2
2023-03-22 10:00 - 11:00 | 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.
This webinar is Part 2 in a two-part series. Part 1 will be delivered on 3/8/23 and include Self Funding, Grants , Friends & Family, Debt, Crowdfunding, Incubators/Accelerators.
Participants will 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:
• Competitions
• SBIR/STTR
• Angel Investors
• Strategic Investors
• Venture Capital
• Corporate Venture

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.

"Good Neighbors" Understanding How to Export to Canada and Mexico with Arizona SBDC Network Part 1-Canada
2023-03-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join our free, two-part webinar: “Good Neighbors” – Understanding How
to Export to Canada and Mexico
Part 1-Canada
Canada and Mexico are two of the top business partners with the U.S, but how much do you know about them? Doing business and providing services with these two countries can be a lot easier than you might think. If you know your neighbors better, then you can attract new business and growing your existing business. It will automatically bring in more opportunities,
and greater profits.
Working together with the SBDC, you can discover larger
opportunities, and unlock more potential for your business.
Register HERE

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Paradise Valley Community College
2023-03-29 10:30 - 11:45 | Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N 32nd St, Room KSC 1000 A, Phoenix, 85032, United States
Maricopa Entrepreneur Days is presented by the AZSBDC Network and is an opportunity for current or aspiring entrepreneurs, like you, to learn about grant opportunities including scholarships and small business development services. This grant is helping to strengthen the small business community in Arizona. Join us at one of our in-person or virtual events to learn more.
By attending this event you will learn about:

College Scholarships: Learn about scholarships available for students in Entrepreneurial Studies and Small Business Management courses at any of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges. A Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation staff member will be available to help you apply for scholarships ON. THE. SPOT!
Courses & Programs: Hear from Maricopa Community College staff and faculty about Entrepreneurial Studies and Small Business Management courses and programs, outcomes, and opportunities. Apply for admissions and enroll in courses with dedicated staff on-site to help!
Extra-Curricular Involvement: Find out about student clubs, micro-grant opportunities, and “shark tank” style pitch competitions that will enrich your learning and accelerate your small business ideas toward success! All college entrepreneur students are eligible to join and win.
Community Resources & AERO Marketplace: Discover the available community resources to launch, grow, and expand a small business. Gain insight, training, tools, and expert counseling services from successful business owners at the Maricopa SBDC Center. Sign up as an SBDC client at one of our college events to receive assistance with small business lending and connect you to paid project (gig) work through the AERO Marketplace – the SBDC’s online environment created especially to support entrepreneurs. Let them show you how to get involved. RIGHT. NOW!

REGISTER HERE

Franchise Expo West
2023-03-31 10:00 - 16:00, 2023-04-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N 3rd Street, PHOENIX, AZ, 85004, United States
Ready to be your own boss? This is your opportunity!

Attend Franchise Expo West to network and connect with large, medium-size and emerging franchise brands that are expanding in the western United States. Franchise Expo West brings together attendees, exhibitors, expert speakers and sponsors for information sharing, education, business development and fun!
Why are Phoenix and the greater surrounding areas such ideal locations for starting a franchise?
Phoenix is the 5th largest city in the United States behind Houston TX, making Phoenix the largest state capital by population.
Phoenix has the 4th highest economic growth and population growth rate in the United States outpacing that of California.
Phoenix provides access to a variety of major markets as the gateway to the western United States.
Phoenix ​is emerging as a renowned entrepreneur hub with the escalating growth of local business incubators and accelerators.
National attention is focusing on the Phoenix region as a result of several successful businesses who have caused various funding sources to explore the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Register HERE

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Glendale Community College
2023-04-04 11:30 - 13:30 | Glendale Community College, 6000 W Olive Ave, Glendale, AZ, 85302, United States

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Mesa Community College
2023-04-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Mesa Community College/Room LB300 Library Meeting Room, 3rd floor, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, AZ, 85202

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-South Mountain Community College
2023-04-11 10:00 - 14:00 | South Mountain Community College/Student Union Conference Center, 7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ, 85042

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Phoenix College
2023-04-12 10:00 - 14:00 | Phoenix College/Hacienda Conference Room F-121, 1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, United States

Doing Business with the VA
2023-04-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Presented by AZ APEX Accelerator and US Department of Veterans Affairs
Live Webinar & Matchmaking
More info coming soon!
To register, click HERE

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Estrella Mountain Community College
2023-04-20 10:00 - 14:00 | Estralla Mountain Community College/Estrella Conference Center, 3000 N Dysart Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85392

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Scottsdale Community College
2023-04-25 10:00 - 14:00 | Scottsdale Community College/Indigenous Cultural Center ICC-216, 9000 E Chaparral Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85256

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Chandler-Gilbert Community College
2023-04-26 10:00 - 14:00 | Chandler-Gilbert Community College/Room: Cholla 204, 2626 E Pecos Rd, Chandler, AZ, 85225

"Good Neighbors" Understanding How to Export to Canada and Mexico Pt 2-Mexico
2023-04-26 15:00 - 16:15 | Virtual
Canada and Mexico are the state’s top two trading partners for Arizona businesses. Arizona
exports $7.5 billion worth of goods to Canada and $3.3 billion worth to Mexico.
Doing business in Canada and Mexico can be easier than you might think, but it’s important to
understand the regulations, customs, and cultural differences that may affect your business.
Experts from the Maricopa SBDC and US Commercial Services will share resources, guidance, and
support to help you navigate these markets and take advantage of export opportunities.
Our Speakers
Carol Laisure Pool, Business Analyst, Maricopa SBDC
Ruth Soberanes, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service
Tom Fulcher, Business Analyst, Maricopa SBDC
Register HERE

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Gateway College-Venture Cafe
2023-04-27 15:00 - 17:00 | Venture Cafe, 850 N Fifth St/Wexford Bldg, Phoenix, AZ, 85003, United States

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Rio Salado Community College Thomas Campus
2023-05-02 17:30 - 19:30 | Rio Salado Thomas Campus, 3631 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85019, United States

Maricopa Entrepreneur Days-Rio Salado Community College
2023-05-03 12:30 - 14:30 | Rio Salado Conference Center, 2323 W 14th Street, Tempe, AZ, 85281, United States

SBDC Open House with Maricopa Entrepreneur Day Presentation
2023-05-04 09:00 - 11:00 | GateWay Community College, Small Business Development Center, 108 N 40th Street, South Building, PHOENIX, AZ, 85034, United States

SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America's Seed Fund
2023-05-17 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.
Topics include: • The startup capital landscape • SBIR/STTR program goals • Identification of participating agencies • The differences between SBIR’s and STTR’s • Identification of the three-phase process • Arizona Fast Grant Initiatives • Availability of community resources that can assist
Speakers:
Lou Farina, SBDC | Bob Mucci, APEX Accelerators | Kyle Hohmann, Arizona Commerce Authority
Register HERE

How New and Small Businesses Can Compete on the BIG SCREEN
2023-05-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Streaming TV and How Small Businesses Can Now Get in on the BIG Screen Branding Game
The media landscape is shifting unlike ever before. This is most evident when it comes to what consumers are watching on the BIG Screen –we will be discussing this changing landscape and how Small and Hyper Local Businesses can now take advantage of and afford BIG Screen Branding through Performance driven Streaming TV Ads.
The goal of this webinar is to offer insight to small businesses about how Streaming TV ads can be utilized in their service areas and at affordable rates so they can compete with larger brands and stand out from the crowd!
Topics include:

Streaming TV
Commercial Production
Geofencing
Branding
Ad Frequency
Brand Lift

REGISTER HERE

Chat GPT for Small Business
2023-05-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Learn tips and ideas for using Open AI ChatGPT and other AI tools to increase productivity, automate tasks, respond to customer inquiries, and free up time for other business priorities.
By the end of this session, you will understand the positives and limitations of using this tool in your small business. The speakers will demonstrate how to use the ChatGPT and other Open AI tools to improve your work productivity, maximize staff time and resources, and improve customer service. Additionally, you will learn about other tools such as chat bots to facilitate customer inquiries, and others to help with website and graphic design as well as writing blog articles.
Topics include:

What is Open AI and ChatGPT?
How can small business owners use this tool?
Understanding its limitations
Best practices in using ChatGPT
Other AI tools for small business owners and graphic designers

Register HERE
