Events/Workshops

Which social media strategies and tools are best suited for your business in the digital age? In this 4-part series, you'll learn techniques for gaining a larger clientele by selecting and using the appropriate social media platforms for your business. Meeting Dates & Times: Tuesdays, Sept 7, 14, 21 and Wednesday, Sept 29. We'll meet from 12:00-1:15, but you may arrive early to enjoy lunch and informal discussion. Using a combination of discussion, application, and homework, William Roy of Immerge Technologies will help you build new social media marketing strategies for your business. What you will take away from this course: •Clearly defined objectives that are relevant to your business •Tools and techniques that fit your business and customer needs •Tips on how you can keep up with the rapid evolution of social media •Specific strategies for your business' social marketing plan.

Speaker: William Roy of Immerge Technologies, a division of The McClung Companies, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sharing his knowledge to this workshop series. Under William's guidance, you will learn, discuss, create, and implement strategies for your individual business.

Start Smart seminar will review six factors to consider before starting a business, including legal structures, financing structures, business planning, market research, and methods for deciding if a small business venture is right for you. Call 434-582-6170 to register or to find out more information. Pre-registration is required.

Speaker: Paul Morrison

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Ruth Cope, a small business specialist, will lead participants through the essential steps for successfully starting a small business. Kelly Keyser Thompson, an insurance specialist, will discuss the types of insurance needed for small businesses. Highlights of the seminar will include: • Taxes and licensing • Business plan development • Sources of financing • Marketing • Insurance

Speaker: Ruth Cope, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center Kelly Keyser Thompson, Owner Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc.

Accessing the "links" to download forms and resources can be invaluable. This two hour seminar will lead you step by step through the process of legal entity registration, federal and state tax registration. Handouts, with web links will be provided. Cancellation / Refund Policy: Participants whose checks are returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee. The class is non refundable and non transferable. Please contact us if you have any questions. If you need directions, please visit our Website http://www.cbponline.org. Please contact us if you have any questions

Learn the basics on how to start a business, including how to decide if you are an entrepreneur, how to evaluate your business idea, how to develop a plan for your business and the nuts and bolts of getting started. Discussion topics will include financing the business and government programs for business owners. Both aspiring entrepreneurs and those who have just started their business within the last six months will benefit from this session.

Speaker: Nora P. Gillespie, Director, Central Virginia SBDC

This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods, research sources, the legal forms of business, record keeping, laws, regulations and policies, and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analysis. Pre-registration by September 9, 2010.

Speaker: Susan Ball

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Do you have what it takes to start a small business? You have a great idea or you want to change your lifestyle, or it's time to be your own boss. Do you know what you will need to get started? Have you considered where your business will be; what product/service you will provide? Do you know if or how many employees you'll need? Do you know where to find the resources you'll need ? This seminar will help you organize your thoughts, think realistically about your goals, and consider questions you hadn't thought to ask. NOTE: A discount of $10 for this seminar is available if paid five days prior to session date. Online registration can be made at http://www.virginiasbdc.org/workshop.aspx You will need to call the office to give us your credit card information or send us a check to arrive 5 days prior to start of session.

Speaker: David Reardon

NOTICE: MOVED TO WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH This class is an introduction to owning your own business. Topics that will be covered include deciding on a legal entity, basic accounting and tax issues, steps you need to take for permits and licensing, steps to writing a business plan and basics of marketing and market research. The class is only two hours long so these topics will only be briefly covered. Upon completing the class you will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of the professional business counselors in our office. Payment may be made by sending in a check made out to the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center to 210 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke VA 24011. Be sure to list what event and date the payment is for. If you wish to pay by credit card, please call Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. Cash payment can be made in person, or paid the night of the event.

Speaker: Tom Tanner

If you have a great idea, or you want to change your lifestyle, or it's time to beyour own boss, attend this session. This seminar will help you organize your thoughts, think realistically about your goals and consider questions you hadn't thought to ask. Is going into business for me? Online registrations must call SBDC office to pay by credit card. Pre-paid registration is required.

Speaker: Bill Sirbaugh

Rabiya Jilani, a small business specialist, will lead participants through the essential steps for successfully starting a small business. Arthur Thompson, an insurance specialist, will discuss the types of insurance needed for small businesses. Highlights of the seminar will include: • Taxes and licensing • Business plan development • Sources of financing • Marketing • Insurance

Speaker: Rabiya Jilani, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center Arthur Thompson, Principal Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc.

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Becoming a franchise owner -Learn how to determine if franchise ownership is right for you. -Learn how to quantify and maximize your financial returns in a franchise business. -Learn how to research and select franchise opportunities that will thrive in the current economy. -Learn how to recognize and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to failure in franchise ownership. -Learn how to consider the various financing options available. -Learn how the SBDC can help. -Learn about the laws and regulations about franchising.

If you are considering owning a franchised business or starting a franchise system, inform your decision! Mark Kirsch has practiced in the field of franchise law for over 24 years. At Plave Koch PLC, he represents a broad range of clients in domestic and international franchising, licensing and distribution matters. He has been listed in "The Best Lawyers in America" and recognized as a "Virginia Super Lawyer" and as a “Legal Eagle” by Franchise Times. Mr. Kirsch will address: • What is franchising? Is it right for you? • Advantages & disadvantages of franchising • How do you select the right franchise for you? • When is an existing business ready to franchise? • Trademark and intellectual property protection • Other financial, legal and business considerations related to franchises

Speaker: Mark Kirsch, Partner – Plave Koch PLC

This seminar covers Writing a Business Proposal and Financials for the Business Proposal. This session is offered only at Vint Hill and Daniel Tech Center. You may register on-line, please call the SBDC to pay by credit card.

Speaker: David Reardon

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

Business Plan Workshop will cover the development of the narrative and financial forecasting portions of a business plan. Topics include research techniques, format, writing methods and supporting documents, the balance sheet, the income statement, the resource requirement list, the tools, techniques and methodologies needed for efficiently and accurately forecasting business financial results and a cash flow analysis. Includes lunch. Deadline for registration is September 23, 2010.

Speaker: Mary Parnell

Each level of government reserves the right to regulate and/or tax your small business. So, depending on your geography and the product or service you offer, you may have to work with local, state, and federal authorities for both proper licensure and the payment of appropriate taxes and fees. This seminar will help you navigate this otherwise confusing maze of regulations and give you the contacts and resources that can affect your business. Online registration must call the SBDC office at 540-868-7093, to arrange payment. Pre-paid registration is required.

Speaker: George Turner, CPA

This seminar will give details on how to apply for a microloan from CBP’s Business Finance Center. Walk you through the application process for SBA’s Small Office Home Office (SOHO) loan program, and cover what is required for a traditional bank loan and business line of credit. 2:30-4p. Please arrive on time. Cost $5, Cancellation / Refund Policy: Participants whose checks are returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee. The class is non refundable and non transferable. If you need directions, please visit our Website http://www.cbponline.org.

Workshop will provide information on federal small business innovation & technology transfer grants, venture capital, private & angel investments. This is a free workshop, but advance online registration is requested due to space constraints. Registration and more information at www.cit.org/events. Please call the Region 2000 SBDC at 434-582-6170 if you have any questions.

Speaker: Robert Brooke, CIT's Director of Federal Funding Programs

Understanding the difference between patents, trademarks and trade secrets Do you have a product that you need to protect and safeguard as yours? A very informative Patent Attorney will help you understand the difference between patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. Lean how to use intellectual property to compete in the market. Bonus: Attorney will provide a free consultation by appointment. The class will take place on 9/13 from 6-9p. The early bird cost is $40. The rate increases to $65 seven calendar days prior to the class date. Please arrive on time. Cancellation Policy: Participants whose checks are returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee. Participants who have paid for a class and do not cancel at least 24 hours in advance, will forfeit their entire payment. Participants who have paid for a class, and cancel in a timely manner, may apply their funds to a future class within 90 days of the original class date. After ninety days, all funds are forfeited. Participants wishing to receive a refund will be charged a 10% administrative fee. All events are held at our center at our Springfield location - unless noted otherwise. If you need directions, please visit our Website http://www.cbponline.org. Please contact us if you have any questions.

The NxLeveL Entrepreneurial Training Programs were developed and designed to train both potential and existing entrepreneurs by offering a practical, condensed series of entrepreneurial training sessions. The NxLeveL Entrepreneurs course is a 12-session intensive training program being offered Thursday evenings starting on September 16 designed for entrepreneurs who want to expand an existing business and need the skills to make it grow. It's been proven that the entrepreneur who plans is the entrepreneur who succeeds. For this reason, participants develop a comprehensive business plan during the course to act as the road map for future growth.

Speaker: Sheila Guillette-Moore

Join the fun as we review and discuss one of the best selling customer service videos of all time. Giving pickles is all about doing that little extra to make customers happy or putting your personal stamp on customer service. Just in time for the holiday season, we'll learn together how simple it is to go the extra step to better serve our customers.

This class is part one of a four part class on using QuickBooks. The class will take place at the ITT Technical Institute in Salem Virginia. The class will meet on September 8,15, 22 & 29 and run from 9:00 AM until Noon. You can take one class or all four classes. Individual classes are $30 each. If you sign up for all four classes cost will be $99 total (this is a super bargain). Please copy and paste this link into your browser for the complete course description and outline for each class. https://www.virginiasbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1165 You can register here and someone will call you to make payment arrangements. If you have questions please contact Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. There is limited seating.

Speaker: Bryan Keele

Basic functions, chart of accounts, recording and matching revenues & expenses, receipts & disbursements, end-of-period closings, and financial reports. This seminar is not software-specific and will apply to any manual or computerized accounting system.

Speaker: Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors: Susan Steele-Ward, CPA, PBGH, LLP and Henry Reeves, CPA, Director Small Business Development Center

This class is part two of a four part class on using QuickBooks. The class will take place at the ITT Technical Institute in Salem Virginia. The class will meet on September 8,15, 22 & 29 and run from 9:00 AM until Noon. You can take one class or all four classes. Individual classes are $30 each. If you sign up for all four classes cost will be $99 total (this is a super bargain). Please copy and paste this link into your browser for the complete course description and outline for each class. https://www.virginiasbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1165 You can register here and someone will call you to make payment arrangements. If you have questions please contact Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. There is limited seating.

Speaker: Bryan Keele

This class is part three of a four part class on using QuickBooks. The class will take place at the ITT Technical Institute in Salem Virginia. The class will meet on September 8,15, 22 & 29 and run from 9:00 AM until Noon. You can take one class or all four classes. Individual classes are $30 each. If you sign up for all four classes cost will be $99 total (this is a super bargain). Please copy and paste this link into your browser for the complete course description and outline for each class. https://www.virginiasbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1165 You can register here and someone will call you to make payment arrangements. If you have questions please contact Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. There is limited seating.

Speaker: Bryan Keele

If you want to know how to set up books and meet tax obligations for your small business, you’ll welcome an opportunity to learn from an experienced CPA with an engaging style of presentation. Brian Kling has worked at Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C. for over 10 years and is currently a tax manager at its Leesburg office. He will inform you on: • Set-up of accounting records including software, fixed asset schedule, etc. • Monthly and quarterly filings and bookkeeping responsibilities • The four most common tax returns for companies • Important areas of corporate accounting

Speaker: Brian Kling, CPA – Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C.

Learn to set up QuickBooks; work with customer and vendor lists, forms, registers, and bank and credit card accounts; enter sales and payments; enter and pay bills; report and analyze financial data. This course is taught assuming participants have a basic understanding of bookkeeping terms and practices.

Speaker: Henry Reeves, CPA - Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor

This class is part four of a four part class on using QuickBooks. The class will take place at the ITT Technical Institute in Salem Virginia. The class will meet on September 8,15, 22 & 29 and run from 9:00 AM until Noon. You can take one class or all four classes. Individual classes are $30 each. If you sign up for all four classes cost will be $99 total (this is a super bargain). Please copy and paste this link into your browser for the complete course description and outline for each class. https://www.virginiasbdc.org/DocumentMaster.aspx?doc=1165 You can register here and someone will call you to make payment arrangements. If you have questions please contact Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. There is limited seating.

Speaker: Bryan Keele

Senator Warner is hosting a conference focused on expanding export opportunities for Virginia businesses. The conference will feature a networking hour as well as panels covering specific issues.

Learn more about selling your products or services to state and local agencies. Who should come? Small business owners or managers who: - are interested in selling to the Commonwealth and to local governmental agencies. - would like to become SWAM and eVA certified - prerequisites to doing business with the Commonwealth and local governments. - are currently selling to the Commonwealth and are looking to increase their Commonwealth sales. David Fuller of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will be here to meet with you and guide you through eVA and SWAM procedures. We'll be setting appointments throughout the day; call 540-568-3227 to set your meeting time.