Build a Business That Grows!!!: Start a Business, Get Funds, and Learn About Our B2B Marketplace
2022-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Phoenix) | 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, 2022-07-07 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 | AZ
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:

Canva - a Graphic Design Tool for Anyone
2022-07-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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, Maricopa SBDC Business Analyst

REGISTER HERE

Researching and Selecting Markets
2022-07-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
In order to identify your potential customers overseas, and build a solid foundation for your export businesses, you will need to know how to define your target market.
Utilizing best practices, and the correct tools, to conduct market research can both save you time & energy, and achieve effective results.
Join this free webinar, and we will share some free, fantastic research tools, and teach you how to find your ideal target market, step-by-step.
Format: Webinar
Topics include:
a. How to find the best supplies suitable for your business.
b. Do you have the correct packages and labels?
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
REGISTER HERE

***RESCHEDULED: Marketing Your Business – Session 3
2022-07-21 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
PersonaCustomer engagement best practices

Speaker(s): Jeri Denniston, Business Analyst. Maricopa SBDC

REGISTER HERE

Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 1 – Succession Planning
2022-08-10 10:00 - 11:00 | 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 RepresentativeJeremy Cook, Certified Financial Planner

REGISTER HERE

Simple Steps for Exiting your Business: Part 2 – Retirement Planning
2022-08-17 10:00 - 23:00 | 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 | 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
