Looking for a way to boost your own knowledge while helping your business? The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering the following workshops in October:
Thursday, October 04, 2018
Boot Camp: Steps to Owning Your Business
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Mountain
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=70380173
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!
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Cyber CYA Series: PCI-DSS Compliance
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $ 10.00
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=70380262
Every business that uses, handles, and/or accepts credit cards must go through the PCI-DSS Compliance process. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a widely accepted set of policies and procedures intended to optimize the security of credit, debit, and cash card transactions and protect cardholders against misuse of their personal information. The presenter will cover and discuss how this applies to you and your business.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Developing a Solid Financial Plan
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Mountain
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=70380187
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, October 11, 2018
Women Informed Training Series: Federal Govt Small Biz Certifications (WOSB, 8a, Hubzones)
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 555 E Pikes Peak Ave Facilitated by Pikes Peak SBDC
Fee: $ 10.00
NOTE: Registration is free! (Your $10 is to reserve your seat and will be reimbursed upon attendance.)
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380235
Join the SBDC and Colorado PTAC – Colorado Springs Office who will conduct a workshop for small business owners looking to do business with the Federal Government. This workshop will explain the requirements of, and how to apply for SBA certifications to include:
- Woman-Owned Small Business
- 8(a) Small Business Development Program
- HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program
For each program we will discuss the eligibility requirements, the application/certification process and maintaining your certification once gained. We will also present considerations when marketing to federal agencies and how these certifications are used to determine set-aside programs.
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
How to Hire Your First Employee
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Mountain
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=70380269
The prospect of hiring an employee sounds daunting to many of us, 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, October 18, 2018
Business Plan in a Day
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mountain
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=70380270
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!
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Basics of Bookkeeping
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Mountain
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=70380274
This workshop is designed for the entrepreneur with little or no experience in business accounting, and is taught by a local CPA, Paul DuMond. The workshop will cover functions of record keeping: cash versus accrual systems, recording transactions, revenue, expenses, and depreciation, and accounts payable and receivable. This seminar is great for both small business owners, or business assistants in charge of financial transactions and record-keeping.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Everyone Sells Something: Basic Techniques for Improving Your Sales Game
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Mountain
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=70380275
When you take on the challenge of being an entrepreneur, you take on the role of sales person. Cold calling. Lead generation. Overcoming objections. Closing. Most of these things do not come naturally, even if you are passionate about your product or service. It takes preparation and practice. During this interactive session, you’ll be designing a sales strategy, working on your verbiage and role playing a prospect conversation.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Cyber Security Summit For Small Businesses
Time: 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location: The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W Bijou St.
Fee: $ 20.00
Register: https://www.pikespeaksbdc.org/training/events/cybersecurity-for-small-business-summit
Join us for this inaugural cyber security event! The Cyber Security Summit for Small Businesses includes a full day of workshops and takeaways to immediately implement in your business, two keynote speakers, access to cyber security consultants for free on-on-one consulting throughout the day, and Cyber for Small Business exhibitors. Your registration also includes a continental breakfast, plated lunch and happy hour hors d’oeuvres. If you are a cyber security expert and would like to present at the summit, click here to apply!
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Effective Market Research for Small Businesses
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM Mountain
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 559 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Ste. 101
Fee: $ 20.00
NOTE: During Veteran’s Entrepreneurial Week (10/29 – 11/2/2018), all SBDC workshops are FREE for veterans! Please use promo code VET. 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=70380207
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, October 30, 2018
Women Informed Training Series: Minority Business Office – Navigating Small Business Certifications
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain
Location: Pikes Peak SBDC, 555 E Pikes Peak Ave
Fee: $ 10.00
NOTE: Registration is free! (Your $10 is to reserve your seat and will be reimbursed upon attendance.)
If you would prefer to donate the registration fee to the SBDC instead of being reimbursed, please use promo code DONATE.
Register: https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=70380236
This workshop demystifies certification acronyms used by federal, state, and local/municipal government agencies in contracting. Understand what it means to be small, emerging, disadvantaged, minority, women and veteran-certified firms!
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Proactive Legal Considerations for Small Businesses
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Mountain
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=70380273
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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Cyber CYA Series: Requirements Under Colorado and National Breach Law
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Location: Facilitated by Pikes Peak SBDC, Online
Fee: No Cost
NOTE: Cancellation Policy – In respect of the speakers’ and other attendees’ time, please e-mail us at least 24 hours in advance should you need to cancel your registration.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8683374781351038979
Many businesses process, transmit or store information or data that qualifies as personal identifiable information, otherwise known as PII. Many laws articulate what qualifies as PII in the United States. HIPAA, FERPA, PCI-DSS, Privacy Act of 1974 are just a few of the most common laws and standards that require protection of PII. Some laws have specific criteria as to what qualifies as PII and identify protection requirements as well as reporting requirements if PII is breached or stolen. This webinar will cover the basic requirements for appropriate identification and protection of employee and customer data as well as specific Colorado regulatory requirements when dealing with breaches not covered by federal laws. The presenter will provide examples of breaches to help organizations identify business processes that may increase risk and recommend solutions to reduce them.
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.