Maricopa SBDC

Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 2 – Retirement Planning
2022-08-17 10:00 - 23:00 (America/Phoenix) | Virtual
The statistics on businesses surviving through multiple generations are disconcerting. Just making it to the second generation is a milestone event for a business. That may be because few business owners put plans in place to help ensure a seamless transition of their businesses when the time comes. That includes planning for both a voluntary exit, such as retirement, or involuntary exit, such as death or disability. Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 1 – Succession Planning reviews the things you may want to consider when putting a business succession plan in place. Understand your exit options Know the true value of the business* Select and prepare your chosen successor
Speaker(s): Jonathan Mabb, Financial Services Representative Jeremy Cook, Certified Financial Planner
Fee: No Cost
REGISTER HERE

Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 3 – Estate Planning - 8/24/2022
2022-08-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
For many people, estate planning is a collection of documents (Wills, healthcare proxies, powers-of-attorney) that help their loved ones better manage after they are no longer here.For a business owner like yourself, your estate plan must be more because the value of the business – likely your largest asset — is also included in your estate. This can make estate planning a critical component of your exit strategy.Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 3 – Estate Planning helps business owners understand what their estate plan should consider:Estate reductionEstate liquidityEstate equalizationBusiness value
Speaker(s): Jonathan Mabb, Financial Services RepresentativeJeremy Cook, Certified Financial Planner
REGISTER HERE

Trademark Basics - What Every Small Business Should Know Now, Not Later
2022-09-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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.
Objectives:

Difference between trademark, patent, copyright, domain name, and business name.
Key to creating a protectable trademark
Importance of a comprehensive trademark search
Registering your trademark with the USPTO
How to get free and reduced-price legal assistance
Benefits of federal trademark registration

Topics include:

How trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and business name registrations all differ
The benefits of federal trademark registration
Why it is important for any new business to select a trademark that will be both federally registrable and legally protectable
Critical factors to consider when choosing a mark
The importance of doing a complete search and whether an attorney should be used
The USPTO’s role in the federal registration process
How to get free and reduced-price legal help when applying for registration

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

REGISTER HERE

Set Your Business Up for Success
2022-09-19 18:00 - 19:30 | Virtual
How you structure your business from day one will go a long way towards your ultimate success. An unintended mistake could result in unnecessary costs and unproductive use of time when you can least afford it. This workshop covers everything from choosing a business entity, hiring employees to setting up useful financial documents. It will serve as a road map to your grand opening!
Speaker(s): Mike Bull, SBDC Business Analyst
REGISTER HERE

Angel Investors and What Makes Them Tick
2022-09-21 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.
Objectives (What will participants know and/or be able to do after attending):

Understand if they are candidate for potential Angel investment

Highlight the opportunities and challenges of the current environment

Appreciate Angel Investor’s ROI and time horizon

Introduction to the demographics of Angel Investors

Identification of available resources

Exposure to Angel Group Investment Process and engagement model

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, SBDC Business Analyst
REGISTER HERE

Social Media Marketing
2022-10-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Learn tips and tools to use to create and implement your social media marketing strategy.
By the end of this session, you will understand what to include in your social media plan, how to do keyword research, and why and how to develop a content strategy for each platform to grow your followers. You will also learn some key tips to maximize your social profiles in order to show up more frequently in online searches and stimulate engagement. We will cover specific tips for Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Handouts and worksheets will be provided.
Topics include:
Social media marketing plan
Content strategy development
Maximizing social profiles
Tools and tips
Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst

SBIR Overview: How to Leverage America’s Seed Fund
2022-10-12 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.
Identify if your company is a candidate for SBIR/STTR funding
Review of the start capital landscape and how SBIR funding fits in
Understand the basics of the SBIR/STTR programs.
Appreciate the emphasis on commercialization.
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 community resources that can assist
Speaker(s): Lou Farina, SBDC Business Analyst Bob Mucci PTAC, Kyle Hohmann
REGISTER HERE

Tariff Classifications - Understanding Tariffs and Duties
2022-10-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Before you export a product or service, it’s very important to understand your destination country’s tariffs and duties. These costs can have significant impact, and should be an integral part of your pricing strategy. You won’t be able to maximize your profits if you do not fully understand how the tariffs and duties are being assessed!

Join this free webinar, and we will guide through creating a formula to calculate your overall costs, including tariffs and duties, in order to develop a comprehensive pricing strategy for going global.
Topics include:

a. The free public resources available for international trade companies.
b. Formulas for calculating duty.

c. How Maricopa SBDC can help beginners in the export business.

Audience:
Anyone involved in the export of products or services, and any others who may have interest in this topic.
Speaker(s): Yanxin Laisure-Pool Maricopa SBDC Business Advisor
Tom Fulcher, Maricopa SBDC Business Advisor
REGISTER HERE

International Finance - Payments and Terms
2022-11-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
When you are exporting a product or service, getting paid is of primary importance! Therefore, knowing how to protect yourself against non-payments and delinquency becomes critical.
Questions to ask are: Are there any ways for you to avoid these potential risks? What is the safest method for collecting payment? Is there insurance available for non-payment?
Join this free webinar, and you will get answers to these questions. Our experts will share our knowledge regarding how to get paid on time from your foreign buyers.
Topics include:

a. Determining what the best payment terms are for your business.
b. Non-payment insurance, and how to use it.

Speaker(s): Yanxin Laisure-Pool, Business Analyst
Tom Fulcher, Business Analyst

Register here!

SBA Loan Clinic
2023-01-04 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-02-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-03-01 09:00 - 11:00, 2023-04-05 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#

Business Planning for a Strong 2023
2023-01-17 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
ACA Small Business Bootcamp Session 258
With the increase in fuel prices, inventory delays and workforce issues, it’s vital to create sustainable scenarios of what to expect in 2023. The presenters discuss the importance of putting together a business plan and provide helpful information on how to complete each section of your business plan.

How to Project 2023 Economic Stress on Your Business Performance and Cash Availability
2023-01-25 08:00 - 09:00 | Virtual
Understand the impact of unforeseen changes in revenues and expenses and cash flow challenges that result.
Speaker(s): Richard Spears, Capital Wealth Advisor, Maricopa SBDC
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

20 Worst Mistakes to Make in Government Contracting
2023-01-30 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual
AZ APEX ACCELERATOR presents
20 Worst Mistakes to Make in Government Contracting
January 30 @ 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Virtual
NO COST

Join us for this live webinar where Procurement Specialist Robert Mucci shares some of the worst mistakes to make in government contracting.
Register HERE

Building a Compelling Website
2023-02-15 10:00 - 11:30 | 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.

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
