Events/Workshops

Learn more about selling your products or services to state and local agencies. Who should come? Small business owners or managers who: - are interested in selling to the Commonwealth and to local governmental agencies. - would like to become SWAM and eVA certified - prerequisites to doing business with the Commonwealth and local governments. - are currently selling to the Commonwealth and are looking to increase their Commonwealth sales. David Fuller of the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will be here to meet with you and guide you through eVA and SWAM procedures. We'll be setting appointments throughout the day; call 540-568-3227 to set your meeting time.

Ruth Cope, a small business specialist, will lead participants through the essential steps for successfully starting a small business. Arthur Thompson, an insurance specialist, will discuss the types of insurance needed for small businesses. Highlights of the seminar will include: * Taxes and licensing * Business plan development * Sources of financing * Marketing * Insurance

Speaker: Ruth Cope, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center Arthur Thompson, Principal Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc.

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

If you've ever thought about owning your own business and would like to explore your ideas, join others who share your entrepreneurial interests in this fun and fast-paced open discussion. These sessions are a perfect lead-in to the popular "Your Business: Plan It / Start It" Seminars offered monthly throughout our service region. They also provide a great place to return with questions after this seminar. Free of charge and open to anyone who wants to explore their entrepreneurial potential.

Speaker: Lee Simon, Small Business Advisor with the SV SBDC will lead the discussion. Bring your questions!

This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods, research sources, the legal forms of business, record keeping, laws, regulations and policies, and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analysis. Pre-registration by August 5, 2010.

Speaker: Susan Ball

This class is an introduction to owning your own business. Topics that will be covered include deciding on a legal entity, basic accounting and tax issues, steps you need to take for permits and licensing, steps to writing a business plan and basics of marketing and market research. The class is only two hours long so these topics will only be briefly covered. Upon completing the class you will have the opportunity to schedule a one-on-one appointment with one of the professional business counselors in our office. Payment may be made by sending in a check made out to the Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center to 210 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke VA 24011. Be sure to list what event and date the payment is for. If you wish to pay by credit card, please call Tom Tanner at 983-0717 ext 223. Cash payment can be made in person, or paid the night of the event.

Speaker: Tom Tanner

This is a three-hour information session for new and start-up business owners. The session covers the very basic steps to starting and running a small business. Topics include (but are not limited to): Components required to Develop a Business Plan; Choices of Legal Structures; Tips on Marketing the Business; and Discussions on Financing the Business. Once a person attends an Owning Your Own Business Three-Hour Group Session an appointment can be made with a Counselor to receive Individual Counseling and/or Assistance. There is no cost for the individual Counseling Sessions.

Speaker: Debra Farley

Ruth Cope, a small business specialist, will lead participants through the essential steps for successfully starting a small business. Kelly Keyser Thompson, an insurance specialist, will discuss the types of insurance needed for small businesses. Highlights of the seminar will include: * Taxes and licensing * Business plan development * Sources of financing * Marketing * Insurance

Speaker: Ruth Cope, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center Kelly Keyser Thompson, Owner Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc.

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Accessing the "links" to download forms and resources can be invaluable. This two hour seminar will lead you step by step through the process of legal entity registration, federal and state tax registration. Handouts, with web links will be provided. Cancellation / Refund Policy: Participants whose checks are returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee. The class is non refundable and non transferable. Please contact us if you have any questions. If you need directions, please visit our Website http://www.cbponline.org. Please contact us if you have any questions

If you are thinking about starting a small business or if you have already started and realize you may have missed a few things, this workshop is for you. We review the steps to a successful start and the components of sound business planning, including financial projections. Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC counselors. Plan It / Start It classes are held 6:00- 8:30 pm unless otherwise noted. Check our website for additional dates & locations.

Start Smart seminar will review six factors to consider before starting a business, including legal structures, financing structures, business planning, market research, and methods for deciding if a small business venture is right for you. Call 434-582-6170 to register or to find out more information. Pre-registration is required.

Speaker: Paul Morrison

This is a three-hour information session for new and start-up business owners. The session covers the very basic steps to starting and running a small business. Topics include (but are not limited to): Components required to Develop a Business Plan; Choices of Legal Structures; Tips on Marketing the Business; and Discussions on Financing the Business. Once a person attends an Owning Your Own Business Three-Hour Group Session an appointment can be made with a Counselor to receive Individual Counseling and/or Assistance. There is no cost for the individual Counseling Sessions.

Speaker: Debra Farley

This seminar will provide the basics of self-evaluation, the idea, entrepreneurship, defining the need, determining the feasibility, and what actions are necessary. Topics within these areas will include analytical methods, research sources, the legal forms of business, record keeping, laws, regulations and policies, and a discussion on the value and importance of business plans and financial analysis. Pre-registration by August 19, 2010.

Speaker: Susan Ball

Rabiya Jilani, a small business specialist, will lead participants through the essential steps for successfully starting a small business. Arthur Thompson, an insurance specialist, will discuss the types of insurance needed for small businesses. Highlights of the seminar will include: * Taxes and licensing * Business plan development * Sources of financing * Marketing * Insurance

Speaker: Rabiya Jilani, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center Arthur Thompson, Principal Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc.

If you've ever thought about owning your own business and would like to explore your ideas, join others who share your entrepreneurial interests in this fun and fast-paced open discussion. These sessions are a perfect lead-in to the popular "Your Business: Plan It / Start It" Seminars offered monthly throughout our service region. They also provide a great place to return with questions after this seminar. Free of charge and open to anyone who wants to explore their entrepreneurial potential.

Speaker: Lee Simon, Small Business Advisor with the SV SBDC will lead the discussion. Bring your questions!

Effective January 1, 2007, this program is required of ALL new clients prior to taking other classes or scheduling counseling sessions. This is the place to start! Our free one hour orientation workshop will help you understand all the resources, programs and services provided by the Community Business Partnership programs: The Women's Business Center, the South Fairfax Small Business Development Center, the Business Finance Center, the Financial Education Center for Women Entrepreneurs, and the Business Incubation Center. Come learn how we work, and how we can best serve you as you start and grow your business! Learn about the free one on one counseling that is available from our staff and community of volunteer professionals! Learn how to navigate our web sites and register for classes! Learn about special events! Learn about our other local resource partners and the US Small Business Administration services. Join us soon and get all the great news! Registration Required!

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

Starting a business? New to Mason SBDC? Sign up to join fellow entrepreneurs in learning how to utilize Mason SBDC's counseling services. During the session, a foundational overview of the key elements to a strong business plan will be reviewed.

Speaker: Rosa Ayala

What business entity best addresses your small business needs? Keith Troxell is a tax attorney specializing in business planning, tax planning and business succession. He will help you answer that “best entity” question by reviewing and comparing the legal, tax and business aspects of basic forms of business organization (sole proprietorships, C and S corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies). Highlights will include: * Types of business entities * Advantages & disadvantages of each * Legal and regulatory requirements * Limiting your personal liability * Minimizing income and employment taxes * Reducing organizational costs

Speaker: Keith Troxell, J.D., LL.M. – Atwill, Troxell & Leigh, P.C.

Great tools for helping you manage your small business are available online. Better yet, they’re FREE! Power-up your business through Rabiya Jilani’s overview of: * Tools, including social media and email systems, for business communication * How to set up free business websites * Website analytic tools and key indicators to check * How to monitor your industry and blogs in a time-efficient manner * Tools for project management and collaboration with your business team and clients * Tools for invoicing and efficient tracking of financials Augment your understanding of these tools by later setting a free counseling appointment with an SBDC.

Speaker: Rabiya Jilani, Business Counselor Loudoun Small Business Development Center

Participants will learn the basics of how to use the accounting software tool, QuickBooks to set up a new company, process accounts payable, process accounts receivable, and much more. The cost for the Introduction to QuickBooks Workshop on August 24, is $20 per person. The cost for the Advanced QuickBooks Workshop on August 31, is $20 per person. The cost of both the Intro and Advanced Class combined is $30 if paid before August 13, 2010. To register for this event or for more information, contact Jessica Kotula (757) 865-3128 or send an email to kotulaj@tncc.edu.

Speaker: Wildes & Company

Every small business needs to be able to sell to be successful. Unfortunately most of us have been on the receiving end of negative sales experiences that create negative connotations to selling. Do you understand why your customers buy from you? Do you understand the best approaches to increasing sales for your business? This training is designed to improve selling mindsets, strategies, skills, habits and confidence. Join Washington Business Journal columnist and CEO of The Growth Coach® -- Ingar Grev – and learn how to develop a comprehensive strategic sales plan for your business. Date 7/30 11a-1p. Please arrive on time. $35 early bird. Price increases to $50 7 days prior to the class.

Come promote your business and network with other small businesses at this Small Business Networking Session. You can take advantage of free information from the SBDC and our sponsors. Duane Thompson of Sabrosa Foods, Inc. (Entrepreneur of the Year 2010/Inside Business) will speak on “Small Business Strategic Planning for Success”. This Program is co-sponsored by Sabrosa Food, Inc; 1st Command; VECTEC; Always Special, LLC; Langley Federal Credit Union; Wells Fargo/Wachovia; State Farm; Small Business Administration; Thomas Nelson Community College and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. The event will be held in Conference Rooms 1301, 1302 and 1303. Cost is FREE (Advanced registration required by August 1, 2010). Light refreshments will be provided.

Marketing is FAR MORE than logo design, advertising and networking. A comprehensive Strategic Marketing plan is focused on each of the 5 ways to organically grow your business: 1. Keep the customers you have, 2. Bring in more customers, 3. Increase the average transaction size, 4. Increase the frequency of purchases, and 5. Say “no” to bad customers/prospects. How’s your Strategic Marketing plan? Is it documented? Does it cover each of the 5 ways to organically grow your business? Is it effective? Join Washington Business Journal columnist and CEO of The Growth Coach® -- Ingar Grev – and learn how to develop a comprehensive Strategic Marketing plan for your business Cost: Early Bird: 35, Regular (within 7 days of class): $50 Cancellation Policy: Participants whose checks are returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $35 fee. Participants who have paid for a class and do not cancel at least 24 hours in advance, will forfeit their entire payment. Participants who have paid for a class, and cancel in a timely manner, may apply their funds to a future class within 90 days of the original class date. After ninety days, all funds are forfeited. Participants wishing to receive a refund will be charged a 10% administrative fee. All events are held at our center at our Springfield location - unless noted otherwise. If you need directions, please visit our Website http://www.cbponline.org. Please contact us if you have any questions.

This session will focus on positioning the business to move to the next level by obtaining registrations and/or certifications required to solicit business with government agencies. For more information or to register, please contact Jessica Kotula at (757) 865-3128 or by email at kotulaj@tncc.edu.