Upcoming Webinars
For the full list of trainings and events offered by the Virginia SBDC click here.
National Small Business Week 2- Day Virtual Summit
National Small Business Week is May 2-3, 2023! The virtual summit is co-hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Mentors.
May 2- 3
May 2 -3 | National Small Business Week Virtual Summit | Times Vary | Register Here
Join us May 2 – May 3, 2023, for the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE.
Attend this free, virtual summit to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts! This 2-day, action-packed event will include educational sessions, online business resources, and expert speakers.
SBA Women's Business Summit - March 28 - 29, 2023
May 2- 3
March 28 - 29| Women's Business Summit | Times Vary | Register Here
To celebrate Women’s History Month – The Office of Women’s Business Ownership, the National Women’s Business Council, and the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center are proud to host the Second Annual Women’s Business Summit March 28 – March 29, 2023.
The Women’s Business Summit is a two-day event convening female entrepreneurs, public officials, and entrepreneurial ecosystem builders from foundations, non-profits, and for-profit organizations- lifting up their accomplishments and sharing critical information for their growth.
USPTO Trademark Series
March 28
March 28 | Overview of common failure-to-function refusals | 2:00 PM EST | Register Here
Are you filing trademark applications involving sound recordings, t-shirts, or books? Would you like to learn more about less-common bars to federal trademark registration? If so, you'll want to register for this free webinar on Tuesday, March 28, from 2-3:30 p.m. ET. We'll provide an in-depth discussion of failure-to-function refusals and how to respond when your mark fails to indicate the source of your goods or services. Specifically, we'll cover:
- Ornamentation
- Titles of single works
- Names of authors and performing artists
- Goods in trade or service for others
- We’ll also cover best practices for selecting appropriate specimens and tips to consider before filing your application.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. You may submit your questions before the event to TMWebinar@uspto.gov.
This webinar will use a high degree of legal terminology and concepts familiar to experienced trademark professionals, but we encourage trademark filers of all experience levels to attend. We'll post a recording of this event here and on the Trademarks Webinar Series page within three weeks of the event. All registrants will receive an email with the video link when it is ready.
Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at National Science Foundation (NSF)
Please choose only one meeting to attend.
March 30
March 30 | Q&A On America's Seed Fund | 2:00 PM EST | Register Here
Join this question-and-answer session to learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by the National Science Foundation. A Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility and what they look for when they review project pitches.
Details will be shared at the beginning of each webinar to view real-time captions. To request other reasonable accommodations for the webinar, please email RArequests@nsf.gov 14 days in advance of the webinar the following information:
1. Event name
2. Event date and time
3. Your contact information (email address preferred)
4. Brief description of the requested accommodation.
Agritourism Series
Penn State Extension is offering four free virtual webinars for farms, farmers markets, agritourism. These webinars are free, but registration is required. You will need to create an account with Penn State Extension to register for these webinars.
March 29
April 3
April 11
March 29 | Marketing Your Farm | Noon - 1:00 PM EST | Register Here
Learn the three essential components of marketing your farm, with a focus on agritourism. Myrna Greenfield is the “Top Egg” at Good Egg Marketing and the author of Marketing Your Farm: A practical guide to attracting loyal customers and increasing sales.
Ellen Parlee is the co-owner of Parlee Farms in Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, which offers pick-your-own fruit and flowers, along with a farmstand, bakery, ice cream stand, animal petting area, and a food trailer for lunch.
Ryan Wilson is the co-owner of DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee, New Hampshire, which offers pick-your-own apples/peaches/blueberries/Xmas trees, hayrides, school tours, special events, Cross Country running, and hiking trails and has a full commercial kitchen. The farm plays host to Torey Roderick Performance Horses and every October, the world-famous Haunted Overload.
Lisa Chase from University of Vermont Extension will moderate the session.
April 3 | Low Infrastructure Agritourism: Picnicking and Walking Trails | Noon - 1:00 PM EST | Register Here
Do your visitors oooh and ahh over the views or the tranquility of your farm? Have you ever considered opening certain areas of your farm to the public to enjoy for greater appreciation of agriculture and nature? Join us for Low Infrastructure Agritourism: Picnicking and Walking Trails to learn more! Continuing our low infrastructure agritourism education series, this webinar will give you information about developing walking trails and offering picnic opportunities on your farm using what you have available. Join our speakers, who will share their experiences with picnicking and walking trails on the farm.
Vera Simon-Nobes is the Coordinator of the Farm-Based Education Network / Vermont Farms Agritourism Project at Shelburne Farms in Vermont. Janis Reinke is the co-owner of Frog Hollow Farmstead, also in Vermont, where she grows heirloom produce and heritage breed animals. Finally, Rick Kralj, Penn State Extension Educator will discuss food safety considerations.
April 11 | Global Agritourism Network (GAN) Launch | 10:00 - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Leading scholars and practitioners of agritourism have joined forces to form the Global Agritourism Network (GAN). This network of agritourism stakeholders (farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers; researchers; educators; community planners; government entities; agricultural service providers; development organizations; tour operators; hospitality operators; event planners; among others,) aims to enhance the capacity of agritourism worldwide.
On April 11, we will officially launch GAN with a Zoom meeting. We’ll begin with an introduction of GAN and then move into breakout groups for GAN committees including: promotion and funds, research, definitions and standards for agritourism, sustainable and regenerative agritourism, policy and advocacy, conferences, webinars, communications, and awards. We welcome you to join this growing network of agritourism professionals!
Marketing Webinars
A series of 2 FREE marketing webinars I am running in April, open to small business owners everywhere. Hosted by Melissa Forziat Events and Marketing
April 12
April 19
April 12 | How to Win at Social Media (even with no budget!) | 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM EST) | Register Here
Are you marketing a business on social media? Do you have a tight budget? Learn how to build a powerful online presence and community for your business. We'll cover organic methods of growing your audience and your brand that are critical for social media marketing success whether you have an advertising budget or not.
This 1-hour session is hosted by Melissa Forziat Events and Marketing.
April 19 | Smart Principles of Marketing Messaging | 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM EST) | Register Here
In this session, we will cover the smart principles of marketing messaging and psychological tactics to help you get and keep your audience's attention. Learn tricks you can use with your brand to make an impact on your target market. This is an example-heavy event, analyzing marketing techniques that different companies use and distilling them into lessons that small businesses can apply.
This 1-hour session is hosted by Melissa Forziat Events and Marketing.
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SBIR/STTR Funding & Training - WEBINARS
April 20
April 20 | DOD SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep | 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM EST | Register Here
Targeting Department of Defense SBIR 23.2 or STTR 23.B solicitations (Topics set to be announced April 19 and close June 14, 2023). This Department of Defense-focused workshop provides detailed instruction on preparing a proposal to meet the requirements of the DOD, including both technical and commercialization plans, and navigating the submission process. Presented by DOD SBIR/STTR expert, Monique Branham, the program will also cover:
- SBIR/STTR program basics and up-to-date information on the DOD program
- An understanding of the differences between DOD components
- Tips on how to identify a topic
- Tips to plan early for the "Fall AFWERX Phase I Open Topic" that will open in Aug. and Close in Sept.
- The importance of talking to Technical Points of Contact during the pre-release period
- How to register and utilize the DOD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal
- Writing to meet the reviewers’ expectations
- DOD SBIR Proposal Development – Guidance on the DOD’s proposal rules, not only of the steps to preparing a DOD proposal, but how to make each section succinct and compelling. Includes many practical tips and advice on pitfalls to avoid.
- Budgeting for a DOD SBIR/STTR
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and more
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Presented by Monique Branham, Principal Consultant at BBCEtc. Monique is a DOD SBIR/STTR expert with over 22 years of experience in the DOD. She joined the United States Air Force in 1999 and has an M.B.A in Aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. While in the Air Force, she served as a Quality Assurance personnel of government contracts and a Resource Management Officer. Monique moved to the Air Force Space and Missile System Center (SMC) and became the SBIR/STTR commercialization expert.
Event Location: WEBINAR
Cost:
- Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: FREE
- Virginia Based University Researchers: FREE
- All Others: $45
SBIR/STTR Funding & Training - LIVE Events
April 25 - LIVE Fairfax
April 26 - LIVE Richmond
May 31 - LIVE Fairfax
June 1 - LIVE Charlottesville
April 25 | NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshops -- LIVE TRAINING | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $230 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.
If you are pursuing a National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR grant, you don’t want to miss this workshop. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, our expert we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.
You’ll learn:
- Program Overview -- goals and eligibility
- How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools
- The importance of Program Managers
- Application components and proposal scoring
- Determining a good fit with NSF SBIR/STTR
- Project Pitch and Project Description Elements
- How to approach each section of the Project Description and how to present your Technical Objectives so reviewers understand your research plan to prove feasibility.
- Learn about the importance of the commercialization plan and how to prepare a compelling Commercial Opportunity
- Submission tips
- How to avoid common pitfalls and more!
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Event Location:
Willow Wood Plaza Building
APEX Accelerator (Formerly PTAC)
10306 Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA 22030
First Floor Training Room
Cost:
- Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- Virginia Based University Researchers: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- All Others: $75 per person (Lunch Provided)
April 26 | NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshops -- LIVE TRAINING | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $230 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.
If you are pursuing a National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR grant, you don’t want to miss this workshop. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, our expert we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.
You’ll learn:
- Program Overview -- goals and eligibility
- How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools
- The importance of Program Managers
- Application components and proposal scoring
- Determining a good fit with NSF SBIR/STTR
- Project Pitch and Project Description Elements
- How to approach each section of the Project Description and how to present your Technical Objectives so reviewers understand your research plan to prove feasibility.
- Learn about the importance of the commercialization plan and how to prepare a compelling Commercial Opportunity
- Submission tips
- How to avoid common pitfalls and more!
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Event Location:
Startup Virginia
1717 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA
5th Floor (Roof Top Meeting Room)
Cost:
- Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- Virginia Based University Researchers: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- All Others: $75 per person (Lunch Provided)
May 31 | NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshops -- LIVE TRAINING | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
For basic research advancing beyond the academic realm into product development, the NIH provides non-dilutive federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The NIH SBIR/STTR programs award over $1.25 billion in R&D funding annually to qualified small businesses developing game-changing technologies.
During this workshop, our expert will provide important information about SBIR/STTR funding and address how to craft a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal that meets the unique requirements of the NIH.
Expect to learn:
- Registration processes necessary for submission
- Overview of the SBIR/STTR program and review of NIH Program Essentials
- Strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations
- How to approach each section of the proposal
- Detailed explanation of each major component of the Research Plan with strategies and review criteria
- Biosketches, Facilities, Budgets, and Grantsmanship
- The importance of your Specific Aims
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and more
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Event Location:
Willow Wood Plaza Building
APEX Accelerator (Formerly PTAC)
10306 Eaton Place, Fairfax, VA 22030
First Floor Training Room
Cost:
- Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- Virginia Based University Researchers: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- All Others: $75 per person (Lunch Provided)
June 1 | NIH SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshops -- LIVE TRAINING | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
For basic research advancing beyond the academic realm into product development, the NIH provides non-dilutive federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The NIH SBIR/STTR programs award over $1.25 billion in R&D funding annually to qualified small businesses developing game-changing technologies.
During this workshop, our expert will provide important information about SBIR/STTR funding and address how to craft a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal that meets the unique requirements of the NIH.
Expect to learn:
- Registration processes necessary for submission
- Overview of the SBIR/STTR program and review of NIH Program Essentials
- Strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations
- How to approach each section of the proposal
- Detailed explanation of each major component of the Research Plan with strategies and review criteria
- Biosketches, Facilities, Budgets, and Grantsmanship
- The importance of your Specific Aims
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them, and more
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration
Event Location:
Small Business Development Center offices
300 Preston Ave., Charlottesville, VA
2nd Floor Training Room
Cost:
- Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- Virginia Based University Researchers: $15 per person (Lunch Provided)
- All Others: $75 per person (Lunch Provided)
Welcome to the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program Webinar
Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Welcome to WOSB webinar series will introduce prospective WOSB firms to the program and the application process. Each date has two sessions. The sessions are identical. Please register for the time tat best fits your schedule.
July 20
August 17
September 21
October 19
November 16
December 21
Time Option 1: July 20 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: July 20 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Time Option 1: August 17 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: August 17 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Time Option 1: September 21 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: September 21 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Time Option 1: October 19 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: October 19 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Time Option 1: November 16 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: November 16 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.
Time Option 1: December 21 | Welcome to WOSB | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST | Register Here
Time Option 2: December 21 | Welcome to WOSB | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST | Register Here
The Women-Owned Small Business Program is excited to announce a new webinar series: Welcome to WOSB! This series is intended as a pre-application primer on the program and application process.
Participants will learn about eligibility standards, how staff reviews packages, common mistakes to look out for, and more.
WOSB staff will present and be on-hand to answer questions and provide clarity on the application process.
Sessions will be held virtually every third Thursday of each month at 10am and 3pm EST.
Tickets are free and offered on a first come, first served basis. To register, please visit our Eventbrite page.