Events/Workshops

This is the monthly meeting for SBRN MEMBERS ONLY! You will need to email Kris Manning (kmanning@usf.edu) your meal selection, this month it is Chicken Parmigiana with Angel Hair Alfredo & Squash Italiano or Marcus Salad with salmon. The members of the network are listed in the following: Accounting Network Banking and Commercial Lending Network Business Consultant Network Legal Network Agency Network

This is the monthly meeting for SBRN members - This is for GUEST REGISTRATION ONLY! You will need to email Kris Manning (kmanning@usf.edu) your meal selection, this month it is Chicken Parmigiana with Angel Hair Alfredo & Squash Italiano or Marcus Salad with salmon. The members of the network are listed in the following: Accounting Network Banking and Commercial Lending Network Business Consultant Network Legal Network Agency Network

Benefits of Membership: Build relationships through networking; Gain referrals through monthly networking meetings; Obtain Professional marketing collateral through a resource directory, website, and newsletter. Professionals invited: Bankers, Attorneys, Accountants/CPA, Insurance Agents, Business Consultants, and Non-profits that help small businesses

Speaker: Lorna Kibbey

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

Speaker: Rob Duncan

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

Speaker: Adrienne Darby

If your are an Entrepreneur, or want to become one, take advantage of this business class offered by the SBDC. Get a clear and precise understanding of how to start, own, operate and manage a business. You will get answers to your business questions, whether you're starting a business or if you're a current business owner or manager.

Pre-business workshop featuring overview of Business Planning, Loan Packaging, Finance, Legal, Insurance and Recordkeeping & Taxes. CRN# 60016 - Call (321) 433-5570 or (321) 433-5572 to register or email: pfrimmers@brevardcc.edu or allenh@brevardcc.edu

Speaker: various speakers from their fields of expertise

Learn the simple three-step process used to execute the same powerful tactics employed by top Internet millionaires, and your competitors.

Speaker: Antonio Guijarro

Join us in this FREE ninety minute session designed to help entrepreneurs understand what it takes to start a business. Topics include business plans, legal forms of business and licensing requirements.

Speaker: Janice Lopez

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

Speaker: Rob Duncan

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

This three-part informal Brown Bag series will teach you the fundamentals of business. You will share ideas and network with other like minded attendees. You bring your own lunch and we’ll supply the basics of business.

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

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

Speaker: Alejandro Rodriguez

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

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

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

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

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

Speaker: Rob Duncan

Feel like you're wasting your time looking for a job that is not there? Ever consider self employment? Have you got technical or trade skills, or perhaps a hobby that may provide a basis for part time or freelance work? In today's Creative Economy it's much easier to successfully combine job search with freelance - generate income and positive mental health while simultaneously continuing an active job search. In a down economy, this is a proven, effective strategy.

Speaker: Robert Goetz, SBDC at Seminole State College

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

Join us in this FREE ninety minute session designed to help entrepreneurs understand what it takes to start a business. Topics include business plans, legal forms of business and licensing requirements.

Most businesses keep good records on the physical assets that they own, such as buildings, equipment, and materials. But what about the intangible assets of a business, such as its unique processes, its brand, and customer goodwill? Often these assets are more valuable than the physical assets and are what differentiates one business from another. Intellectual property (IP) refers to these types of intangible assets that arise not from physical goods, but from creations of the mind. The general intent of intellectual property law is to encourage innovation by giving creators ample time to profit from their ideas and recuperate development costs, and to give consumers more certainty of where products originate. Practically every business has a portfolio of intellectual property, from trade secret-protected customer lists, to copyright-protected web content and marketing materials, to patent-protected core technologies. In this Learn @ Lunch, intellectual property attorney Cynthia VanDeVoorde Hall will teach you the basics of how to recognize the different forms of intellectual property, how to obtain formal protection of intellectual property, and how to avoid infringing someone else's IP.

Speaker: Cynthia VanDeVoorde Hall, JD Cynthia VanDeVoorde Hallis an attorney specializing in Intellectual Property matters, including patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, and domain names, as well as obtaining and licensing such protections. She has prosecuted pharmaceutical and cosmetic patent applications on behalf of Fortune 500 companies, obtained trademark protections for Division I universities, advised libraries and archives on avoiding copyright infringement, obtained domain names on behalf of small companies, and drafted and reviewed contracts involved in various intellectual property transaction matters. Currently, Ms. Hall is an attorney with the Law Office of Rene' G. VanDeVoorde in Sebastian, Florida. She is registered to practice before the Florida Bar, the State Bar of Georgia, and before the United States Patent & Trademark Office. Prior to her legal career, Ms. Hall was a chemical engineer, and in addition to her intellectual property and contracts background, she has worked in environmental and research compliance.

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

Developing a Business Plan A complete, high quality, interactive, on-line workshop that you can register for and complete over the internet anytime 24/7 from your home, your office or while traveling from any computer with an internet connection. It can be completed in less than an hour and you can pause the workshop at your convenience and return to complete it later if necessary. It includes practice documents and materials to get you started until our Certified Business Analyst can discuss your specific needs and questions with you. This workshop covers the following topics: Products and Services, The Market, Marketing Strategy, The Competition, Operations, Management Team, Personnel, Financial Data (Balance Sheet, Break-Even Analysis, Income Statement, Cash Flow), Supporting Documentation (Resumes, Credit information, Legal documents, Census/demographic data).

"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

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: Alejandro Rodriguez

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

Speaker: Larry Strain, Executive Director, UWF SBDC

Part 1: 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. Part 2: 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 Part 3: 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, Manager, SBDC at Seminole State College, Local CPA and Local Community Banker

Assist businesses with step-by-step processes for web design, search engine optimization and social media.

Speaker: Michelle and Jeff Herrin

If you are serious about committing your time, energy, and monies to the start-up or growth of your business, you will need a written business plan. This “Writing a Business Plan” series will help you take a GIANT step into your business and give it a thorough, objective review. You will be provided with a business-plan template, a series of questions to answer and insert into your plan, samples of completed business plans, expert guest speakers from the area, and one-on-one confidential, professional counseling. Price includes materials and refreshments.

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

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

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

"A Toolkit for Green Business: Strategies to Innovate Your Business" When we think of “GREEN” oftentimes it’s about money. By attending this FREE seminar, you’ll learn about how company can be a “GREEN” Business – saving both the environment and money! This seminar will highlight innovative resources available for your business to be and make “GREEN” including education, incentives, outreach, just to name a few. In today’s business climate this is not a seminar you want to miss!

Speaker: Leon R. Camarda serves as President of Camarda Development Group, LLC, a full service development and construction firm located in Port St. Lucie, FL. Mr. Camarda started his career in 1985 as a construction laborer, and over the past 25+ years has been involved with over 2,000,000 SF of Commercial Development and Construction. Mr. Camarda has been involved with several high profile projects including the first Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, the first ever HGTV Green Home, a LEED Gold home, and the 2009 HGTV Green Home, a LEED Platinum home. Mr. Camarda is currently providing Construction Management services through Mann Research Center for Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, FL, a 98,000 SF biomedical research facility located in Tradition’s Florida Center for Innovation, and seeking LEED certification. Mr. Camarda is a LEED Accredited Professional, LEED Green Associate, and Green Advantage certified. In March 2009, Mr. Camarda was selected as one of fifteen green building professionals to critique and test the inaugural LEED Green Associate exam. Leon earned a Bachelor of Science degree (with Honors) in Building Construction from the University of Florida and is currently completing his M.B.A. with an International Business focus from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to attending college, Mr. Camarda served in the United States Marine Corps from 1992-1996. Licenses & Certifications - FL Certified General Contractor - FL Real Estate Sales Associate - LEED Accredited Professional - LEED Green Associate - Green Advantage Certified - ICSC Certified Development Design and Construction Professional (CDP)

Learn various ways to finance a business including: debt or equity, grants, economic incentives, boot straping, and venture capital. Recommended for anyone attempting to fund a new or existing business.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Come to this seminar and discover how to get loans for your business. Learn about the grants and government loan programs available for small businesses. Let us show you how to find and make a financing proposal to Venture Capitalists and Private Investors. In addition, discover creative ways to get money without going to the bank. This seminar will provide you with an understanding of the various sources of money and a determination of the requirements of those sources. Let us help you improve your chances of getting the money necessary to achieve your financial goals!

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

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

Tips on packaging loan applications from a commercial lender. Funding qualifications will be reviewed.

Speaker: Dale Howlett of Space Coast Credit Union

Thinking of applying for a SBA Loan? Reduce your stress levels by attending this one-of-a-kind seminar. Ask questions and get assistance preparing the necessary forms for an SBA Loan Program. The SBA Loan Program is available to women, veterans, minorities, exporters and rural area residents. For more information about this loan program, visit www.sba.gov. (3 Hours)

Speaker: Johnny D. Branch, Certified Business Analyst CPA MBA

Learn various ways to finance a business including: debt or equity, grants, economic incentives, boot straping, and venture capital. Recommended for anyone attempting to fund a new or existing business.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Speaker: Tom Hermanson

A one-day workshop presenting the Importance of incorporating e-strategies into your marketing strategies including social media, SEO and e-mail marketing. This is Orange County Sponsored:

Speaker: Presenters will be: Allen Kupetz, Hillary Bressier, and Pamela Starr

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. This software is not compatible with Apple® Mac computers/laptops.

Speaker: Pauline Davis

Speaker: Anita Burroughs, J.D., Immigration Attorney, E-Verify Designated Agent

Improve total business performance. Determine your breakeven dollar amount, identify excessive expenses, discuss possible new revenue resources, track progression, profitable growth, compare your company to similar companies nationwide and learn ways to improve cash flow without borrowing money. (3 Hours)

Speaker: Johnny D. Branch, Certified Business Analyst CPA MBA

Many small business owners shy away from reading their profit & loss statements. But reviewing and being very familiar with your P & L will not only sustain your business but keep it growing in good and bad times! Learn to examine in detail Profit & Loss Statements and Balance Sheets to develop an understanding of how to calculate breakeven points. There will be in-class problems to test the students' understanding. Cash flow projections will be developed and students will examine and learn to analyze sample financial statements to critique financial performance. If you are a business or entrepreneur this workshop is a must!

Speaker: George "Duke" Evans, Certified Business Analyst

Join us for this second session of a Two-Part Learn @ Lunch Series - “Enhancing Financial Viability in Tough Times”. In today's business environment, customer traffic and commercial activity are at very low levels. The current economic situation has put stress on customers making the development of new business increasingly difficult and in some cases beyond our control. Economic recovery will take time which means getting some of those stressed customers back into the shop will also take time. How do we sustain viability during the interim? Whether you own a pizza parlor or card shop or are a medical provider or government worker this seminar is for you! Part II Getting rid of Waste Once it is Identified Understand and map work processes Locate points in current work process where Waste is being created Learn ways to get rid of Waste and keep more of the income you earn Estimate the value gained Enhance the viability of your business in tough times

Speaker: Presenter: Emilio Farina As The Lead Counselor for Corporate Quality, Emilio Farina coordinated the enterprise wide implementation of Six Sigma at FPL Group. He currently directs the Center for Operational Excellence of FPL Group’s Nuclear Division which manages the third largest Nuclear Fleet in the United States. He is responsible for mentoring nuclear employees at all levels in the effective application of advanced analytical problem solving skills. Prior to his current endeavors, Mr. Farina was the CEO of a successful management consulting practice delivering training and consulting services to Fortune 50 clients in numerous industries including healthcare, financial services, retail, telecommunications and aerospace. Mr. Farina has also served as a professor teaching Six Sigma at the Graduate level, is an ASQ Certified Quality Manager and a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. He was deeply involved with winning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, ISO 9000 Certification, and both of the only two Deming Prizes ever won in the United States. He is a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality and the Institute of Industrial Engineers and has published numerous technical papers and educational materials relating to the quality management sciences.

In the employment arena, it is all "documentation, documentation, documentation." This seminar will explore relevant legal issues in the workplace and how managers and supervisors can prevent lawsuits or aid in cases filed against an employer by having the proper documentation of employee behavior and actions. The seminar will cover recent updates to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other federal and state employment legislation. Also addressed are Title VII and EEOC issues, Sexual Harassment, Diversity and Sensitivity, Retaliation and how the economy is affecting lawsuits against employers of all sizes. The seminar is facilitated by the Hon. Thomas D. Epsky of the Florida Unemployment Appeals Commission.

Speaker: Presenter: Thom Epsky, SPHR Commissioner Thom Epsky is serving his third 4 year term as a member of the Florida Unemployment Appeals Commission (U.A.C.). As commissioner, Mr. Epsky adjudicates unemployment compensation cases appealed to the Commission to determine whether cases heard by an Appeals Referee were decided in accordance with the law and that proper procedure was followed during the hearing. The three member U.A.C. then issues final orders affirming or overturning a case, or remanding it back to an Appeals Referee for another hearing. Under Florida Statute, Commissioner Epsky is charged with exercising all authority, powers, duties and responsibilities relating to unemployment compensation appeal proceedings in the state. Prior to his appointment as commissioner by Governor Jeb Bush, Mr. Epsky was the Managing Partner and Principal Consultant in a human resource consulting practice. He began his career in Human Resources as a training manager in Macy’s Department Store and was a human resource generalist at the State University of New York at Stony Brook on Long Island. Mr. Epsky earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child-care and Family Studies from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1989 and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University In 1994. In 1994 he also received his Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification. He is an adjunct faculty member at Indian River State College and has lectured at the College of the Bahamas.

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

Learn how to classify/record basic business transactions and how to enter data into an account or register. Learn about charts of accounts and other basic accounting terms. Topics include: overview of accounting software, analysis of records and reports that are created, and what you must hold onto for tax compliance.

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

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

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

In business, cash is king. Learn how to manage this resource and predict future cash balances.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

Attendees will learn to keep records, develop financial statements, asset depreciation schedules, and understanding tax records. Bring a calculator.

Speaker: Dan Cavanaugh, Manager UWF SBDC

Overview of free resource tools made available by the IRS in an effort to assist taxpayers.

Speaker: Dan Cavanaugh, Manager SBDC at UWF

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

Speaker: Mario Iezzoni

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

Speaker: Mario Iezzoni

Are you a business professional looking to network? Are you in the financial, accounting, insurance, or legal profession, not for profit, or governmental field? Consider attending the SBRN monthly networking meetings held at the Embassy Suites in Estero on the third Thursday of each month. For more information about SBRN, visit their website at http://www.sbrn.org or contact Lorna Kibbey at lkibbey@fgcu.edu. Cost: $15 for members; $20 for guests

Every small business can benefit from an effective website. Learn the critical elements and what to consider to properly manage your website for maximum effectiveness.

Speaker: Marianne Carlson, President / CEO, emcie

Attendees will learn about marketing, with marketing software included.

Speaker: Sharon Triplett

Speaker: Luis Bernal

In this class, we’ll teach practical marketing strategies for promoting your business, products, and services to potential target markets. You'll understand the dynamics of competition and other critical elements of your marketing plan after this interactive, hands-on class.

Speaker: Kim Wagner

Experts share trade show promotional strategies. Update your skills. speakers - Richard Rossell with We Care Brevard and Troy with All Promotions

Speaker: Richard Rossell of We Help Brevard

If you have employees, your company can be exposed to paying huge sums of out-of-pocket money for an employee's on-the-job injury or death. Learn what you need to do to ensure your business is covered and how to reduce your cost.

Speaker: Adelene Taylor & Andrew Sowell, Allstates Employer Services (AES)

Marketing intoduces the business owner to a systematic process for selling their goods or services. The process includes: selecting target markets, analyzing competition, developing your competitive advantage, and promoting your products. How to do market research will also be demonstrated.

Speaker: Chris Workman CPA

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

Learn how to use Linked In for your business. Reservations are required. This program is free.

Speaker: Richard Martin of WCN Interactive

This workshop explains the program, qualifications, application process and benefits for 8(a). Bring your lunch and learn. The workshop is FREE, however, pre-registration is recommended.

Speaker: Laura Subel, PTAC Program Manager

Topics to be covered: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Contracts for Profit Organizations, Grants for Non-Profit Organizations, Pricing

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: Jackie Rule, 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: To be announced

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

The objectives of this seminar are to assist the attendee in understanding the procurement process, develop a working knowledge of Contract management, explore time management tools, and review website tools to help women business owners.

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

Introduction to Federal Government Procurement-Where Do I Start? This seminar will provide an in-depth examination of the federal government procurement process. Topics include the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), acquisition principles, definitions, ethics, contract clauses, procurement methods, contract types, socio-economic programs and marketing.

Speaker: Tony Espinosa, Procurement Specialist

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

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

Learn about the different types of bonding, the use of each type and qualifications to obtain.

Speaker: Mountie Bedford, M B Underwriters

This workshop helps business owners identify government agencies which you can market, and discuss the use of effective marketing through available marketing tools. Learn how to market your company to government agencies, know how to find a proposal opportunity, understand the sections in a proposal and how to write a winning bid.

Speaker: John Miller, 20 Years experience as Goverment Contractor, Florida SBDC Network

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

Learn about the General Services Administration (GSA), who they are and how they buy. This session will define Federal Supply and Multiple Award Schedules and will assist with determining if a schedule is right for you, how to submit an offer, and how to administer the contract after award. In addition, the seminar will provide an overview of how to start and finish the process, find opportunities and give suggestions for marketing your schedule

Speaker: Tony Espinosa, PTAC Specialist

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

"Is your business "recession-proof?" Do you have what it takes? Learn strategies that will enable your business to thrive and survive."

Speaker: Doretha Brooks

This proven curriculum provides an opportunity to examine the business today, including its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; visualize the business three years out; formulate an internal planning process to establish interim goals and strategies; identify resources to assist reaching your business goals; and examine and respond to challenges and transitions.

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

This proven curriculum provides an opportunity to examine the business today, including its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities; visualize the business three years out; formulate an internal planning process to establish interim goals and strategies; identify resources to assist reaching your business goals; and examine and respond to challenges and transitions.

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

Who Should Attend — Any business owner who was harmed by a natural disaster and still needs help. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has provided supplemental disaster funding for the following upcoming programs. What — When natural disasters occur they bring chaos and havoc to the foundation of our lives—our homes and our businesses. While Florida has never been immune to disaster, there are programs that make the post-disaster period a little more palatable. One such program is planned by the Florida SBDC Network (FSBDCN) for several of Florida’s counties. The FSBDCN will be conducting 16 workshops under a specially-funded program designed to provide technical training to existing businesses. Those businesses that were impacted by natural disasters in 2008 and the businesses that still suffer from the effect of previous disasters (2004 to 2008) are eli-gible to participate in the training sessions. The workshops are specifically designed to assist existing businesses that meet the following criteria: 1. received SBA disaster loans in 2008—Tropical Storm Fay, 2. currently have disaster loans from previous declared disasters, 3. have been impacted by disasters, and/or 4. seek targeted business continuity technical assistance. Any business that has received a Small Business Administration Disaster Loan is strongly encouraged to participate. Speaker - Bill Cunningham Business Advisers/Advi Coach Workshop Schedules and Contact Information— FREE Program

Speaker: Bill Cunningham, Business Advisers/Advi Coach