Events/Workshops

Excellent and valuable presentation on business planning from a proven business leader. Business plan outline and materials distributed. The program is FREE. Seminar will be held at the Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce, 1005 E Strawbridge Ave., Melbourne, Fl 32901 Reservations are required. Call the FSBDC at 433-5570 or 433-5572.

Speaker: Bill Cunningham

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan.

Speaker: Alejandro Rodriguez

This workshop will review business planning areas such as financing, selecting a business legal structure, identifying your market, recordkeeping and identifying risks that can challenge success.

Speaker: Sharon Triplett

This workshop will give an overview of the seven basic requirements for business startup.

"Are you prepared to start a business?" If the answer is "yes", learn the essentials of business start-up."

Speaker: Adrienne Darby

Start-Up Basics This seminar will help business owners learn the essentials for getting started in business, including: an introduction to business plans and the importance of preparing one; explore the legal forms of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability corporation) and which one is right for you; and determine the local, state, or federal licensing requirements for the business. This session is guaranteed to take the mystery out of starting a business and help you to be the entrepreneur you always dreamed about.

Speaker: Susan Carey

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan. (Taught in Spanish) (Comience su Negocio) (Sessión en Español. Este seminario incluye varios temas para comenzar un pequeño negocio, tales como la prueba preliminaria, licencias y permisos, plan de negocio, formas legales de organización, y financiamiento. Precio: $35 (Incluye libro de texto). Para Registrase o para más información, llame 813-905-5810.)

Speaker: Alejandro Rodriguez

Thinking of starting a new business? This seminar is the place to learn how to properly and effectively get started. Items covered are: chronological steps to legally start a business, overview of a "business plan", the legal forms of business (partnership, corporation, LLC, etc.), licensing requirements, and more. Its concise, accurate and free! Please feel free to bring your own food or snacks during the seminars held during lunch time.

Speaker: Gene Romagna

Ideal for: retirees, soon-to-be retirees, displaced workers, the unretired and those who always dreamed of owning their own business. Baby Boomers who are looking for life on their own terms after years in corporate America or as a way to make money and enjoy their retirement years, will benefit through their participation in the BoomerPreneurs Workshop by answering these key questions: ? What factors should those over the age of 50 consider when starting their own businesses? ? How do you come up with an idea for a business or, if you have one, know that it fits you and the marketplace? ? How do you evaluate the feasibility and viability of your business idea? ? What steps do you take to start your business?

In many wasy, there has never been a better time to start a business. Learn how to properly launch your business to ensure success. Understand the critical pieces of the puzzle and how they all fit together. We will discuss the various legal forms of ownership, licensing and tax requirements, capital and labor, rent versus purchase, insurance and viarious other business startup issues.

Speaker: Robert J. Goetz, SBDC at Seminole State College

2-day workshop will give attendees a franchise overview including how to evaluate choosing the right franchise, the top low-cost franchises and questions you should ask or answer before buying.

Speaker: Dan Cavanaugh, Manager, SBDC at UWF

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan.

Speaker: Alejandro Rodriguez

Is Starting a Business Right for You? The SCORE QuickSTART Series Workshops can help you make a smart start. The SCORE QuickSTARTTM Series Workshops will help you: Define and evaluate your ideas. Develop a marketing strategy. Identify the best ways to fund your startup. Turn your idea into action with tools and templates. Get useful and helpful mentoring sessions. Connect with other entrepreneurs. Capitalize on your business idea with the the SCORE QuickSTART Series. Successful and experienced executives will help you reach a “go or no-go” decision for starting a business. Make a smart start. Attend the SCORE QuickSTARTTM Series Workshops and begin your journey for small business success. SCORE has partnered with the SBDC at Indian River State College (IRSC) to offer this new series. When: August 17th, August 24th, August 31st, September 7th, and September 14th Where: IRSC Fort Pierce Campus Bldg. E Room E109 3209 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Time: 6:00 to 9:00 PM Cost: $125.00 - Full Five Session Series* Sign up Now for the Full Series - $125.00* Or Sign up for this Free Session and then Decide Whether It's For You!

Your first step in getting started. Topics include discussion on organizational requirements and licensing for a small business in Florida, personal financial assessments, credit checks, defining your customer, location considerations, and employee requirements.

Speaker: Valerie Simmons, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network SBDC at GCCC

Come learn the basics of starting a business. The workshop provides an awareness of areas such as: evaluating a business idea, licensing, legal organizations, and methods of starting. It also introduces the participant to marketing, business plans, and financial issues.

Speaker: Jerrod Holton

This workshop teaches how to forcast your expected financial results for the next three years. It demonstrates how to estimate sales and provides answers to the question "Can I make enough money in this business?" The information can also be used to complete the financial projections required for a business plan. Worshop formarly called "Developing Financial Projections."

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA MBA

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan.

Speaker: Alejandro Rodriguez

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan.

Speaker: Michelle Brown

Learn the types of business entities and insurance, etc.

Speaker: Jim Rose, local attorney and Steve Hall, local insurance company owner

Attendees will learn about legal forms of business, taxation, financing and insurance

Speaker: Thawanna Price, Manager UWF SBDC

"Are you prepared to start a business?" If the answer is "yes", learn the essentials of business start-up."

Speaker: Antonio Guijarro

Your first step in getting started. Topics include discussion on organizational requirements and licensing for a small business in Florida, personal financial assessments, credit checks, defining your customer, location considerations, and employee requirements.

Speaker: Valerie Simmons, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network SBDC at GCCC

Learn how to fill out the State of Florida Certification application and discover opportunities available for women, minority, and service-disabled veteran owned firms in both the government and private sectors.

Speaker: Maria Yepes

Workshop explains the format and content of a business plan.

Speaker: Jerrod Holton, Business Analyst

Small business plays a big role internationally and this seminar will help your firm establish a foundation, find a starting point and identify the fundamentals. By providing a broad overview of the trade arena, with a special emphasis on importing, you will be able to formulate a strategy, understand how to develop a viable trade plan and support your effort through readily accessible resources.

Speaker: Maria Yepes

"It's often easier to open the doors than to keep the business profitable, but a well developed business plan can help pave the way for a successful venture. In this seminar, you will learn the research techniques behind identifying target markets and you will start assembling a marketing plan."

Speaker: Adrienne Darby

If you have decided to start a new business then you need a good Business Plan. This seminar covers how to better identify your "target market", consider financial projections, keep focus upon how to grow the business you want, and the free resources available to help you creat your plan and achieve your goals. And yes, its free. Feel free to bring a snack or lunch for the event.

Speaker: Gene Romagna

Workshop explains the format and content of a business plan.

Speaker: Jerrod Holton, Business Analyst

The IRSC Business & Technology Incubator in partnership with the Entrepreneur Development & Corporate & Community Training Institutes @IRSC, the Economic Council of Martin County, Small Business Development Center @ IRSC and Business Development Board of Martin County cordially invite you to a FREE seminar: Business Insurance - What You Need & What You Don't In this seminar you'll learn how to verify before you buy insurance and why it is important to fully understand coverage and its limitations. Discover tips learned from complaints reported by other business owners that may have encountered problems with their business insurance coverage. Workers compensation insurance and exemptions will be reviewed. Free financial workbooks for business owners to develop their own disaster recovery plan will be distributed. Target Audience: Everyone in Business. The Florida Department of Financial Services will provide each attendee with a free copy of its comprehensive consumer protection guide to Small Business Owners Insurance, which covers all aspects of insurance concerns for business owners.

Speaker: Victoria Peet Williams, Consumer Outreach Coordinator Representing Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Florida Department of Financial Services

Learn how to fill out the State of Florida Certification application and discover opportunities available for women, minority, and service-disabled veteran owned firms in both the government and private sectors.

Speaker: Maria Yepes

"In Part I we learned to conduct research for our business plan, now we will use the data and focus on building the plan using "Ultimate Business Planner" (software included in course so that you, and any investor or lenders, will understand how the business will work."

Speaker: Adrienne Darby

Discover key components and the basics of writing a business plan. Appreciate how your business plan impacts the lending decision and, more importantly, your success in business.

Speaker: Larry Strain, Executive Director, UWF SBDC

Small business plays a big role internationally and this seminar will help your firm establish a foundation, find a starting point and identify the fundamentals. By providing a broad overview of the trade arena, with a special emphasis on importing, you will be able to formulate a strategy, understand how to develop a viable trade plan and support your effort through readily accessible resources.

Speaker: Maria Yepes

Veteran's Business Network of Central Florida is designed to provde a regular networking forum where veterans can learn about business experiences and opportunities from each other. Qualified guest speakers for every phase of small business development, from startup to government contracting. Access to certified business analysts and active consultants for free, confidential business counseling.Topic: "

Speaker: TBD

Learn the value of a meaningful and realistic business plan. Identify research methods for controlling risk. Understand your competitive advantage. Define a business strategy and marketing plan. Includes "Ultimate Business Plan" software application and workbook. Map out operation and financial details. Understand cost, volume, profit relationships as you create the sales and expenses budget for 3 years. Guest Speaker: Local CPA Discover how to effectively present land, equipment, capital, and labor requirements. Learn how to package your funding request to ensure your expectations are realized. Guest Speaker: Local Community Banker

Speaker: Robert J Goetz

Pre-business workshop featuring overview of Business Planning, Loan Packaging, Finance, Legal, Insurance and Recordkeeping & Taxes - CRN#

Speaker: Local Area experts

Find out what kind of licenses you need, how to market your business, and why you need a business plan. Learn the research techniques behind identifying target markets, start assembling a marketing plan, develop financial projections using your marketing analysis to determine the economic viability of your business venture, and have your questions answered. This seminar includes a copy of "Ultimate Business Planner" software.

Speaker: Jim Parrish

Don’t give up, loans are coming. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has received $730 million in stimulus funds to offer up to 90% loan guarantees, eliminate some fees, and provide new programs to specifically reach small businesses seeking credit in the current economy. Discover how these new incentives may help your firm today, find out which banks are making loans, and hear detailed program insights from a 30 year banking veteran.

Speaker: Jim Parrish

Discover win-win tips to collecting what is due and keeping your customer.

Speaker: Speaker: TBA

This workshop will cover the financial options available to small businesses.

Speaker: Roselle Johnson

Overview of the SBA Gauranteed Loan Program & Loan types.

Speaker: Tom Hermanson

Loan counseling presents information on the loan process.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Don’t give up, loans are coming. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has received $730 million in stimulus funds to offer up to 90% loan guarantees, eliminate some fees, and provide new programs to specifically reach small businesses seeking credit in the current economy. Discover how these new incentives may help your firm today, find out which banks are making loans, and hear detailed program insights from a 30 year banking veteran.

Speaker: Jim Parrish

Employment Series August 4, 11, & 18 2010 - $20 per class or $48 for Series Employment Law 101 - Class 1 in the Series All employers need to be aware of the employment laws that affect their businesses to both prevent lawsuits and to be in the best position to defend their companies if they are sued by job applicants, or their current or former employees. This presentation will explain the basic employment laws and steps that employers can take to help prevent lawsuits. Small business owners, HR professionals, managers and supervisors will benefit greatly from attending and learning this important legal information.

Speaker: Myrna Galligano, Esq.

Employment Series August 4, 11, & 18 2010 - $20 per class or $48 for Series - Series CRN# Employee Handbooks and Policy Manulas - Class 2 in the Series CRN# Employee Handbooks and Policy Manuals: Employees handbooks are important legally so that employees are aware of the company’s rules. Policy manuals are important so that managers and supervisors have guidelines in handling workplace situations legally and consistently. Both handbooks and manuals can help prevent lawsuits and put employers in the best position to defend their companies if they are sued. This presentation will explain what information should be included in both employee handbooks and policy manuals. Small business owners, HR professionals, managers and supervisors will benefit greatly from attending and learning this important legal information

Speaker: Myrna Galligano, Esq.

This workshop explores the relationship between pricing and profits. Are you leaving "money on the table" by under pricing your product or service? Participants will learn about perceived pricing and how to use it to increase profits.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Greg Spencer, Huckleberry, Sibley and Harvey will update businesses on the importance of proper insurance coverage. The program is FREE. Reservations are required. Call the SBDC at 433-5570 or 433-5572.

Speaker: Greg Spencer, Huckleberry, Sibley and Harvey

Your company's website is a reflection of your business so you need to plan it right from the beginning. This seminar discusses effective site design and navigation, hosting and maintaining your site, as well as the basics tools for e-commerce. Get equipped with the knowledge to effectively plan your website and understand the elements of e-commerce. (This seminar does not teach HTML coding or search engine optimization.) Offered once a quarter

Speaker: Pam Weber, Sales Growth Group

Employment Series August 4, 11, & 18 2010 - $20 per class or $48 for Series - Series CRN# Wage and Hour - Class 3 in the Series CRN# All employers need to be aware of the employment laws that affect their businesses to both prevent lawsuits and to be in the best position to defend their companies if they are sued by job applicants, or their current or former employees. This presentation will explain the basic employment laws and steps that employers can take to help prevent lawsuits. Small business owners, HR professionals, managers and supervisors will benefit greatly from attending and learning this important legal information. Wage and Hour Consultant Herman Garrett will discuss Do's and Don'ts for employees in all categoris. Don't have you business in hot water with the Wage and Hour Board. You can't afford the fines they are worse than the IRS!

Speaker: Herman Garrett, Esq.

Insurance must be considered a necessary expense of owning a business that cannot be postponed. This workshop will tell you how you can keep your insurance premiums low, how and where you can locate a good insurance agent, what kinds of insurance you need, and if you are required to carry certain types of insurance.

Speaker: Casey Ferendez

The SBDC at Indian River State College and PNC Bank in Tradition are offering this 4-session workshop to help small business owners boost profits by learning how to manage their financials. This workshop is intended for those new to business ownership or those wanting to sharpen their financial management skills. We will review the basic financial statements, learn the techniques used by bankers and credit companies to evaluate businesses and then we will practice using those tools. Participants will also learn how to calculate breakeven points and develop a pricing strategy for their product or service. Class dates: August 19, 2010, August 26, 2010, September 9, 2010, & September 16, 2010 Time: Noon – 1:30 P.M. Location: PNC Bank- Tradition Port St. Lucie, 10620 SW VILLAGE, PT. ST. LUCIE , FL

Speaker: Duke Evans, SBDC Certified Business Analyst

Writing a successful business plan requires preparation and, most importantly, getting started. This seminar provides a ‘hands-on approach’ for the serious entrepreneur who is ready to write that winning business plan. From identifying your target market to financial projections, this seminar will guide you through identifying and outlining the key sections of the plan, making the writing process easy. By following step-by-step instructions, you will leave with your plan on paper. Attendees need to bring laptop computer. Seminar fee includes "Ultimate Business Planner" software. The $90 seminar fee will be charged when software is mailed. Registration fee will be forfeited if you decide not to attend the seminar and have received the software.

Speaker: Pauline Davis

In this introductory class, you’ll learn how to start a company using QuickBooks Pro, create invoices, manage customers, write checks and enter credit card charges as well as a variety of other issues related to the novice user. This class is taught on a demonstration screen and not individual computers. It’s designed to give new users an introduction to the software and to assist them with getting up and running. The course is taught by a Certified Public Accountant. Feel free to bring in your questions for him.

Speaker: Mario Iezzoni

QuickBooks is one of the most recognized accounting software packages available. Provided quarterly, this QuickBooks for Beginners seminar will provide an overview of the QuickBooks software including "getting around" QuickBooks and how to complete the "EasyStep Interview." (This seminar is not a hands-on workshop.) Offered every other month.

Speaker: Toni Springer

This workshop will introduce the business owners to accounting concepts, systems, and terms. An electronic accounting system will be demonstrated and a copy of the software will be provided to students.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Attendees will learn how to use profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statements to assist in managing their small business. Bring a calculator.

Speaker: Dan Cavanaugh, Manager

Unless you are an accountant, chances are you have many questions about how to set-up your accounts, do your recordkeeping, and especially how to keep your taxes straight. This workshop will teach you: understanding your chart of accounts; federal and state tax requirements; sales tax; and tax decisions regarding legal forms of business

Speaker: Toni Springer, CPA

Do you need money to start or expand your business? In this seminar, you will learn about various financing options: bank loans, SBA guaranteed loan programs, private investment, and venture capital

Speaker: Pauline Davis, Asst. Director

Speaker: Edie McKnight

This workshop will cover a comparison of available recordkeeping systems.

Speaker: Dennis Raposa, CPA

Learn what taxes are pertinent to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations and the requirements for filing those taxes.

Speaker: Mario Iezzoni

If you have a “Small Biz” Budget and need “Big Biz” Results, it’s time to refocus upon practical but creative marketing techniques that fit your brand and speak to your customers’ needs. In this power-packed workshop, we will explore the importance of knowing your customer’s perspective and tailoring your marketing focus to the drivers that motivate them to buy. We will review creative techniques that can be deployed to deliver your unique marketing message more effectively. Reaching your sales goals begins with effective marketing, which requires proper planning and execution. Are you ready to take the next step to increase your revenues and reach your sales goals?

Speaker: Gene Romagna

You own your business and your domain… now own your market. Learn the simple three-step process used to execute the same powerful tactics employed by top online brands, internet millionaires, and your competitors. No coding, no geek-speak, no confusion. Get top search ranking, acquire targeted clients and close more profitable sales. Past attendees advise that you will access a “profound knowledge of web marketing” from an “extremely knowledgeable SEO consultant.”

Speaker: Rob Duncan

Overview of the entire marketing process - featuring the Four P's of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, Promotion). Attendees will receive practical ideas for high impact marketing on a limited budget.

Speaker: Roger Greenwood, CBA

The objectives of this seminar is to show how graphic design and branding are tools to improve business. Topics will include how graphic designs builds brands, attributes of a successful brand, building brand equity and professional practices of designers.

Speaker: Phil Scruton Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network and James Garvin Guest Speaker

Is it working for you? Everything you do communicates something about your business. Learn how to craft the right message to the right audience. Discover strategies to win customers. Skillfully promote your business. Leave ready to face the competition.

Speaker: Bill McKown

Selling your product, service, or idea? Everyone in business needs to develop some sales skills. Do you have them? This workshop will help you evaluate what skills you need, if you have them, and how to develop them. Great for small business owners! Taught by a seasoned sales professional & successful small business owner.

This workshop will teach existing and potential business owners how to grow their business through networking.

Speaker: Jerrod Holton

The objectives of this seminar are to learn about marketing to the government, determine markets suitable for your products and services, understand how to align your business with the agency that is right for your business, and learn how to apply marketing tips for Small Business.

Speaker: Mike Bell, Certified PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

Subcontracting Success for Small Business: This one hour class will focus on four (4) objectives: Understanding the topics of subcontracting Learn about the advantages & disadvantages of subcontracting Find Business Opportunities Define your responsibilities as a subcontractor

Speaker: Jackie Rule, Certified PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

The objectives of this seminar are to explain the process of doing business with Palm Beach County. We cover the how to’s of using the Internet for the registration process (federal, state, county), explain the bid response process (using Palm Beach County as example), show how to use the Internet to locate web sites reflecting business opportunities, present a short resource list for Small Business background reading, and cover the insurance requirements for dealing with the County .

Speaker: Mike Bell, Certified PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

Find out how to do business with the University of West Florida. You are welcome to bring your lunch and eat during the presentation. The workshop is FREE, however, pre-registration is recommended.

Speaker: Judy Jasmyn, Procurement and Contracts, UWF

Ready…Set…Sell to the Federal Government! This workshop will provide information on registering with the Federal Government, how to locate federal opportunities, who to market to within the federal government, and so much more!

Speaker: Charlene Bostic

The objectives of this seminar are to demonstrate how to register as a provider of goods or services to the government and to discuss options to become a certified vendor at the County, State, and Federal level.

Speaker: Carole Hart, PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

Learn how to do business with the Escambia County School Board. This is a FREE workshop. Bring your lunch and learn.

Speaker: John Dombroski, Purchasing Director

"Are you in business and want to become certified with the State of Florida? Learn how to compleete the State of Florida Certification application. Also, discover opportunities available for women and minority firms in both the governnent and private sector."

Speaker: Adrienne Darby

The objectives of this seminar are to increase awareness of how to locate and bid on “green” procurement opportunities on the federal, state and municipal county level (bio-based, recycled content and energy efficient), identify the vast marketing opportunity that exists, identify prime and subcontractor roles in “going green,” promote green government initiatives for small businesses, and LEED certification (CCE).

Speaker: Jackie Rule, Certified PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

Learn how to do business with Pensacola State College. Bring your lunch and learn. This workshop is FREE.

Speaker: Angie Jones, Director of Purchasing and Auxiliary Services

This seminar hosted by Dan Telop from Florida Gulf Coast University's Government Procurement Program, and in a partnership with Indian River State College will show you the ropes and put you on the right path to winning Government contracts. Learn how to do business with the Federal Government in the following areas: •Federal Contracts •Federal Grants (Non-Profit Organizations) & •Pricing your Product or Services

Speaker: Presenter: Daniel Telep, Jr. works with business owners to identify business opportunities with the federal, state and local governments. His 24 years experience with federal government contracting has given him good insights on issues related to all size businesses, large, and small, for profit and non-profits. He has specific federal procurement experience in military and civilian agency contracting. Dan’s experience includes but is not limited to small purchase awards, major contracts, best value awards, cost and pricing analysis, and procurement policies and procedures.

This seminar will provide an overview on how to market your business now that you are minority certified. it will encompass the following: Learn about marketing techniques Determine markets suitable for your products and services Understand how to align your business with the agency that is right for you Learn how to Apply some of these marketing tips.

Speaker: Jackie Rule, Certified PTAC Specialist, Certified Business Analyst, Florida SBDC Network

On July 10th, Governor Charlie Crist signed a memorandum of understanding with BP, committing an additional $25-million block grant for state preparation and response costs to combat the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. If you are a small business owner and your business has been adversely affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, this seminar is for you. This presentation will assist businesses with filing claims and finding resources related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, along with discussion about disaster insurance for small businesses. The best time to prepare for a disaster is before it strikes. Dare to Prepare!

Speaker: Vicky Williams, Florida Department of Financial Services

Did you know that historically, approximately half of all small businesses go out of business when affected by a major disaster? To help local businesses meet this threat, this seminar will focus on procedures to use prior to, during and after a disaster occurs. Not only will valuable information be shared, but participants will be provided with materials to take with them describing the content of the session. You will leave this seminar with a fresh prospective on your ability to recover and prosper and ways to make sure you can.

Speaker: Mario Iezzoni