Looking for a way to boost your own knowledge while helping your business? All of the workshops are listed online at www.pikespeaksbdc.org/workshops.
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering the following workshops in April:
Monday, April 9, 2018
Introduction to SBDC
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380070
An introduction to SBDC consulting, programs, workshops, events, and resources. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn more about all the things SBDC has to offer Colorado small businesses!
Monday, April 16, 2018
Connect2DOT: The ABC’s of Certification
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380090
This workshop is essential for any small, minority or woman-owned small business interested in working on CDOT and other transportation projects. You’ll learn about the eligibility and application requirements for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Emerging Small Business (ESB) certifications. We’ll help you understand the benefits of both programs and answer your questions about certification. If your business would like to gain a competitive advantage in bidding on CDOT and partner agency projects, come to this workshop!
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Effective Market Research for Small Businesses
Time: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $20.00
NOTE: Pre-payment for the class is required (If you are unable to attend, you will not receive a refund unless you cancel 24 hours in advance. Thank you for your cooperation!)
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380085
Business research is essential for companies that wish to stay in business. Brush up on your secondary research skills and discover the wealth of free information available through your public library, local universities, and other resources. We will discuss online sources and other easily-accessible databases full of statistical data that can help your business make knowledgeable decisions. These resources will help you understand and define the market for your product or service, find your competition, explore demographics, find industry benchmarks, and keep up on industry news.
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Webinar: CDOT ESB Orientation
Time: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Online, Facilitated by Pikes Peak SBDC
Fee: No Cost
Note: Please click on the button below to register with the SBDC. You will receive a confirmation email from GoToWebinar one day prior to the training date with instructions on how to join the webinar. Please check your email (and junk folders) to ensure you are able to join the session promptly.
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380091
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has an Emerging Small Business (ESB) program that provides contracting benefits for small businesses in highway design and construction. Firms must be certified by CDOT in order to take advantage of these program benefits. Some of these benefits include:
– ESB goals on CDOT Design-Build projects
– Ability to bid on ESB restricted projects (set asides)
– Financial incentives for prime contractors
– Proposal scoring points for consultants that utilize ESB firms
– Eligibility for the CDOT Mentor-Protege Program
– Eligibility for the CDOT Bond Guarantee Program
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
“How To” become NIST 800-171 Cyber Secure (Colorado Springs)
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC – Training Site – Colorado Technical University, 4435 N Chestnut St
Fee: No Cost
Note: Please pre-register so we can notify you due to speaker changes, cancellations, etc. We also appreciate 24-hour notice if you need to cancel.
Register: http://www.coloradoptac.org/event/how-to-become-nist-800-171-cyber-secure-colorado-springs/
A Panel of Cyber Security Experts will present solutions and methods for meeting the requirements of NIST 800-171. These NIST requirements are now mandatory for DOD Contract-holders and similar simplified requirements apply to other Federal Contracts. The panelists will present a range of affordable solutions from Do-It-Yourself to a complete Turn-Key solution. Join us for an informative session and learn how to become compliant and at ease with the NIST requirements.
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
How to Hire Your First Employee
Time:11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $20.00
NOTE: Pre-payment for the class is REQUIRED! (If you are unable to attend, you will not receive a refund unless you cancel 24 hours in advance. Thank you for your cooperation!)
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380086
To many of us, the prospect of hiring an employee sounds daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! This workshop is designed to serve busy business owners who are considering hiring employees. Join us for an overview of what the process looks like, including both legal and financial considerations, as well as personal development and managerial considerations before deciding to hire. You will leave with some practical steps to take in hiring an employee or considering whether it is the best option for you and your business.
Thursday, April 19, 2018
Business Plan in a Day
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $20.00
NOTE: Pre-payment for the class is required (If you are unable to attend, you will not receive a refund unless you cancel 24 hours in advance. Thank you for your cooperation!)
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380087
During this workshop, we will begin the task of putting together a very basic strategic plan that will act as a roadmap to building your business plan. Would you begin to build a 43 story skyscraper without a blueprint? Then ask yourself this, what does your business look like three to five years from now? These methodical steps are the beginning of a process that will enable you to move forward with purpose, passion, and precision; profitability will present itself when you have followed your own direction. The nicest thing about not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise and is not preceded by a period of worry and depression! Join us to begin the process of strategically mapping your business through a simplified business plan that you can then continue to build upon. This workshop is for both startups and existing businesses!
Monday, April 23, 2018
Connect2DOT: DBE Certification Intensive
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380094
This webinar is essential for any small business that is interested in applying for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification in the state of Colorado. You will learn about the eligibility criteria and requirements for DBE certification and the benefits of participating in the program. We’ll answer your questions and provide a follow up application review for participants. If your business is minority or woman-owned and you would like to gain a competitive advantage in bidding on CDOT and partner agency projects, this webinar is for you.
Wednesday, April 25, 2018
Monthly Education Series – Proactive Legal Considerations for Small Business
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 166 Second ST
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://www.chamberorganizer.com/members/evr/reg_event.php?evid=39297977&orgcode=TLCC
Learn how to avoid costly legal mistakes while building value in your business. Whether you are an established business or start-up, you are not intending to work for free, right? In this seminar we will review basic proactive legal considerations you can take to protect your business, such as proper ownership agreements, contracts that include payment/collection requirements, protecting your products, and a look at building your due diligence list throughout the life of your company to maximize the company’s exit value.
In addition to many individual workshops and sessions, the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers multiple tracks. Tracks are a tailored series of workshops focused on a particular subject. Although many of these tracks began in January, workshops that are part of the track are available.
The Start-Up Track, offered every other month, is for business owners just getting started of those who are thinking about it: www.pikespeaksbdc.org/startup.
The Financial Track, offered quarterly, is aimed at empowering entrepreneurs to manage business finances: www.pikespeaksbdc.org/financial.
The Marketing Track, also offered quarterly, is focused on determining the relevance of businesses in today’s market: www.pikespeaksbdc.org/marketing.
The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center is located at the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation at 559 East Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, in downtown Colorado Springs. It offers business consulting and training to assist existing and new small businesses in El Paso, Park and Teller counties. For more information about the SBDC and services it offers, visit www.pikespeaksbdc.org or call 719-667-3803.