Looking for a way to boost your own knowledge while helping your business? Each month, the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers a broad range of workshops and events.
Here is the lineup for April:
Tuesday, April 02, 2019
Developing Your Online Marketing Strategy
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC Training Site – Ent Credit Union, 7350 Campus Dr.
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70390001
In today’s market, your online presence is quite often your “first impression” to potential new customers. This workshop is a big-picture overview of strategies for improving your business’ visibility and reputation online. We will discuss recommendations for approaching your online visibility and determining which aspects are most important for your particular business. Start your online marketing plan as we review the options you have – including website, online reviews, optimizing Google My Business, general SEO tactics, and social media. You will leave this class with some practical takeaways for developing your online marketing strategy.
Thursday, April 04, 2019
Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or Corporation? Choosing an Appropriate Legal Entity
Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $30.00
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=70390049
This workshop is designed to help you make an informed decision about which legal business entity is best for your business. We will discuss the differences between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S-Corp. This workshop is taught by an attorney with additional experience in taxation, so you will learn the practical legal and tax implications of each type! The workshop also includes Q&A time.
Thursday, April 04, 2019
Boot Camp: Steps to Owning Your Business
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $30.00
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=70390048
Taking the first step to starting your business can be difficult! This workshop will be a realistic starting point for all budding entrepreneurs. The two-hour workshop will be packed and fast paced. At the end, you will have a good feel for the level of effort and commitment it will take to make your business successful. If you’re serious about starting a business, you don’t want to miss this workshop. This is a Lunch ‘n Learn…Feel free to bring your lunch!
Tuesday, April 09, 2019
Developing a Solid Financial Plan
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $30.00
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=70390050
Learn how to increase revenue and lower expenses in order to set your business on a path toward financial soundness. In this workshop we will learn how to calculate break-even, determine an appropriate pricing strategy, determine COGS (cost of goods sold), budget, find industry standards, and more! This is a working session…we strongly encourage you to bring your laptop with Excel or similar financial software if possible. Although it’s not necessary, doing so will allow you to leave with some actual financial calculations completed!
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Connect2DOT: Safety Toolbox for Construction Contractors
Time: 1:00 PM to 4:30 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=70390034
Come learn about the basics of safety programs to ensure you’re in compliance with OSHA, federal contracting regulations, government agency project owners, and large prime contractors. This workshop is for both large and small contractors. You’ll get insights from a nationally-recognized industry expert with more than 40 years of experience. Participants will also receive 3.5 hr. training certification in “Safety Awareness and OSHA Requirements” and continuing education credits with proof that you have completed safety training.
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
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: $30.00
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=70390051
During this workshop, we will begin the task of putting together a very basic strategic plan that will act as a road map 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!
Thursday, April 18, 2019
12th Annual Veterans Small Business Conference
Time: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: Colorado Springs Marriott, 5580 Tech Center Dr.
Fee: $10.00
NOTE: Please pay via the prompted screen through PayPal after you complete your registration.
Facilitated by Pikes Peak SBDC
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70390042
Join us for our 12th Annual Veteran’s Small Business Conference! The event includes a full day of workshops and key takeaways to immediately implement in your business. This event also offers keynote speakers, access to expert consultants for free one-on-one consulting throughout the day, and resource exhibitors. Your registration also includes breakfast and lunch. Visit the event website for up-to-date information on speakers and workshops as well as a full agenda.
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Social Media: Essential Principles for Small Businesses
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC – Training Facility – Tri Lakes Chamber of Commerce, 166 Second ST
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70390002
Learn how to increase success in your business specifically through the use of social media. This workshop will get you started amplifying your business through discussing concepts and tools for utilizing social media that are relevant to all platforms.
Thursday, April 25, 2019
How to Hire Your First Employee
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC Training Site – Ent Credit Union, 7350 Campus Dr.
Fee: No Cost
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70390003
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.
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 and the Colorado Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) are located at the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation at 559 East Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 101, in downtown Colorado Springs. The Pikes Peak SBDC 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.