SBDC hosted by El Camino College
(310) 225-8277|southbaysbdc.org
Assisting clients in the South Bay and Beyond
January 2026
WEBINAR Biz Basics: What Business Should I Start?
Thinking of starting a business, but not sure what kind? You’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are fueled by passion and the dream of being their own boss—but often lack clarity on the type of business that truly fits their strengths, lifestyle goals, and market realities. In this interactive 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to: Clarify your personal motivations and entrepreneurial strengths Explore and compare different business models Evaluate your business ideas with practical tools Identify the…
Find out more »Let’s Scale for Tomorrow Small Business Growth Workshop (IN-PERSON 2-DAY EVENT)
A FREE 2-Day Small Business Growth Symposium to help established businesses scale with confidence. Practical guidance. Expert-led sessions. Real next steps. Email eccsbdc@elcamino.edu to RSVP Dates: January 22 & January 29, 2026 Time: 4:00–7:00 PM Location: Hawthorne Civic Center, 3901 W El Segundo Blvd, Hawthorne, CA 90250 Presented in collaboration with: Kinecta • U.S. House Representative Maxine Waters • Office of Supervisor Holly Mitchell • City of Hawthorne • El Camino SBDC Sponsored by: Mastercard Built for small business owners…
Find out more »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: Lean Business Planning
Lean business planning is not what you think. Not a big formal plan. Not just for startups. Quick and practical tool for managing through a crisis. It's as quick and easy as a few simple bullet point lists and tables to set down milestones and metrics. Plus powerful tools to manage sales, spending, and cash flow. Make a quick dashboard for getting through a crisis. Join this webinar as Tim Berry, founder of bplans.com and Palo Alto Software, shares the simplicity and ease…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Business Law Basics for Owners and Managers
Tools and tips that you can use to safeguard your business assets and your personal wealth. Using plain language and No or low cost examples. We will cover: ·Liability Protection ·Ownership Structure choices ·Contracts, disclaimers, warranties ·Insurance tips … Insurance Company Grades ·Basic credit information ·Which parts of the government covers your business ·Alternate Dispute Resolution. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience working…
Find out more »WEBINAR Taking Charge of Your Career through Franchise & Business Ownership
Are you looking to get into business ownership but don’t know where to start? Discover what type of business could leverage your professional acumen and have a team to support you build a successful company. During our webinar learn what type of businesses excelled through Covid and are Recession Resistant. Additional topics we will be covering: Buying into a Franchise & Running your New Business The Surprisingly low upfront cost The different types of Franchise Models Whether franchising is a…
Find out more »WEBINAR Double Your Leads, Halve Your Effort: AI Automation for Smart Growth
What if you could grow your business without working longer hours? In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to build a powerful, automated marketing system—supercharged with AI—that works for you 24/7. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a growing team, this session will show you how to leverage cutting-edge tools to attract more leads, convert them into loyal customers, and boost your revenue with less stress and more consistency. In this workshop, you’ll discover: How to attract and capture high-quality…
Find out more »WEBINAR How to Begin a Successful Social Media Brand in 2026
In this workshop we'll discuss what Social Media is and is not. We'll define the difference between social media for personal use and business use. We'll discuss today's main platforms including best use cases based upon popular industries. You'll learn how to select the right social platform(s) for your business including what to post (content); how often to post (frequency), and how to turn content into sales (revenue strategies). Instructor: Chérmelle Edwards (SBDC Advisor) and writer, photographer, and cultural strategist…
Find out more »February 2026
WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Writing a Solid Press Release
You’ve got a hot new product or service that you would like your prospective customers to know about. Or maybe, there has been a problem at your business that is attracting media attention. Whatever, the circumstance, knowing how to prepare a professional press release is a valuable skill for any business owner. In this webinar, we will examine what the media is looking for in a good press release. This a a hands-on workshop where participants will learn the parts of a press release and how to attract the attention of media…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: What Business Should I Start?
Thinking of starting a business, but not sure what kind? You’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs are fueled by passion and the dream of being their own boss—but often lack clarity on the type of business that truly fits their strengths, lifestyle goals, and market realities. In this interactive 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn how to: Clarify your personal motivations and entrepreneurial strengths Explore and compare different business models Evaluate your business ideas with practical tools Identify the type of business…
Find out more »WEBINAR Accounting Basics for Small Business Owners
This two-hour “Accounting Basics for Small Business Owners” webinar gives owners a concise, practical overview of how to organize their numbers, understand key reports, and set up a workable accounting structure. It is designed to complement the slides you prepared and stay tightly focused on what small business owners can act on quickly. This webinar introduces the core accounting building blocks every small business needs: how money flows through sales, purchasing, and payroll, how to structure a simple chart of…
Find out more »WEBINAR The Basics of Starting a Business
Learn the fundamentals of what it takes to get your business started. We will discuss what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and the important steps that need to be taken to begin your business. Topics of discussion will include: -What it takes to be an entrepreneur -Legal requirements and different legal types including sole proprietorship (DBA), and LLC and S-Corp, -Building your team of experts, including CPA’s, Atty, Bank, Web and marketing experts and industry mentor -Office set-up…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: How to go from Handyman to Construction
Join us for this informative presentation to learn how you can go from Handyman to starting a Construction company. Upon completion of this course, participants will discover how to obtain a contractor’s license and start a Construction business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Your Journey to Construction Success Begins Here! Topics we will cover: Business Organization Business Finances Employment Requirements Bonds, Insurance and Liens Contract Requirements and Execution Licensing Requirements Safety Public Works Presented by Michael Williams (SBDC Advisor)…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: How to go from Handyman to Construction
Join us for this informative presentation to learn how you can go from Handyman to starting a Construction company. Upon completion of this course, participants will discover how to obtain a contractor’s license and start a Construction business. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity! Your Journey to Construction Success Begins Here! Topics we will cover: Business Organization Business Finances Employment Requirements Bonds, Insurance and Liens Contract Requirements and Execution Licensing Requirements Safety Public Works Presented by Michael Williams (SBDC Advisor) who…
Find out more »WEBINAR Money Matters: Angel Investment 101 for Start-Ups
Funding and financing your business are extremely important. One of the options that comes up is angel investment. What does angel investment mean? How often does it happen? Is your business a candidate? What steps to take? What do you need? Webinar presenter Tim Berry has been on both sides of this table. He successfully raised investment for his business. And he has been an angel investor for more than a decade. In this webinar, Tim answers key questions you…
Find out more »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Human Resources: Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring
This training is designed to assist California small business owners create a realistic and compliant strategy to legally hire employees. Instructor: Sara Nicholson (SBDC Advisor) brings over 25 years of HR experience, helping small business owners find solutions to their human resources needs. She has worked across Southern California and Mexico, guiding business owners with a focus on education, organization, and fairness. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »WEBINAR Pump Up Your 2026 Marketing Plan—Get My Checklist!
Learn how to market your business more effectively in 2026. This workshop will review the changes in effective marketing tools and how to help you improve your marketing goals using my marketing checklist to target your market with the right digital marketing tools to get the results you desire. We'll review different marketing platforms and who is using them and I will show you how to use my checklist to jumpstart your marketing plan to grow your business or organization faster…
Find out more »WEBINAR E-Smarts: 20 WordPress Tips & Tricks for Small Businesses
WordPress is by far the most popular content management system. From blogging to eCommerce, it can be a powerful tool for small business website owners to enhance their online presence. In this webinar, we will review some of the key features and benefits of WordPress, how it differs from other platforms, and how you can set yourself up for success. Attend this 2-hour Webinar to discover: How to get started on WordPress Which features set it apart from the pack Must-have…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Smart Start for Solopreneurs and One Person Businesses
You are a one-person business, but that doesn’t mean things are simple. It’s just the opposite because it all relies on you. You’re wearing all the hats. We’ll cover methods and tips for a one-person operation, a one person ownership, or a one person management situation. Viability (can the business work?) Organization (setups tips) Cash Flow and other key Indicators Management decision tools Productivity Systems Legal Liability Protection Contracts Insurance Intellectual Property protection Independent Contractors Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney…
Find out more »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You!
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Improve Your Personal Credit for Lending Opportunities
The “Improve Your Personal Credit for Lending Opportunities” workshop is designed to help individuals and business owners understand the factors that affect their credit scores and learn strategies to improve them. Whether you are looking to apply for a personal loan, business loan, or credit line, having a strong credit score can significantly increase your chances of approval and favorable terms. During this workshop, participants will learn about the different credit bureaus and how they calculate credit scores, the common…
Find out more »WEBINAR AI for Social Media: An Intro to Best Practices for Integrating AI into Real World Content
This workshop will define the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through the lens of ChatGPT. What is AI? What is ChatGPT? Should ChatGPT be used in your social media strategies? We’ll discuss how to use ChatGPT as a tool to create, visualize and strategize content for social media. Instructor: Chérmelle Edwards (SBDC Advisor) is a writer, photographer, and cultural strategist working across social media platforms. She specializes in creating brand-aligned content for businesses and has over ten years of experience crafting campaigns…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: Lean Business Planning
Lean business planning is not what you think. Not a big formal plan. Not just for startups. Quick and practical tool for managing through a crisis. It's as quick and easy as a few simple bullet point lists and tables to set down milestones and metrics. Plus powerful tools to manage sales, spending, and cash flow. Make a quick dashboard for getting through a crisis. Join this webinar as Tim Berry, founder of bplans.com and Palo Alto Software, shares the simplicity and ease…
Find out more »WEBINAR Orientation: What the SBDC Can Do for You
This workshop will provide attendees with information about the program requirements and the different services and training offered by the SBDC. The key fundamentals essential for starting and maintaining a successful business will be reviewed. As capital is the life blood of any business, your questions concerning capital and how the SBDC can assist in this effort will be addressed. And as a special bonus, the critical reasons why products/services sell will also be discussed. Attendance is required for existing,…
Find out more »WEBINAR E-Smarts: Dominating Your Local Market Online
This workshop will go over methods and strategies to leverage online marketing and social media to dominate your local market. If you're looking for ways to attract new customers then this training will show you how to avoid common pitfalls and get ahead of your competition. In this workshop you will discover: i. The 4 areas of Digital Marketing that are essential to a successful business ii. Why the way people perceive you online makes all the difference iii. The proper way to…
Find out more »WEBINAR Business Taxes and Fees for Small Businesses
Businesses have many taxes they need to pay besides just income taxes. The webinar presenter will discuss federal and state income taxes, county taxes, city business license taxes, Secretary of State fees, sales taxes, payroll taxes, estimated tax payments and business back tax solutions. You will be sure to learn of taxes and tax rules in 2026 that you were not aware of for your new or existing business. Instructor: Maureen Thielen (SBDC Advisor) provides bookkeeping, accounting and tax consulting services…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: Marketing 101
Understanding the basics of marketing is vital for successful launch and growth of any business. Marketing is the discipline where you learn how to create & maintain demand, relevance, reputation, competitive positioning and more. Marketing is integral in all facets of launching, growing and maintaining your business in the short and long term. Marketing provides unique insights and direction to develop a product/service, identify/reach your target market, create compelling content, engage/inform customers and establish brand relevance. During this class we will introduce the concepts…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Business Law Basics
This essential presentation will provide you the necessary tools and tips you can use to be safer. We will discuss business law for Small Businesses using plain English. We will cover: Liability Protection Ownership Structure choices Contracts, disclaimers, warranties Insurance tips ... Insurance Company Grades Basic credit information Which parts of the government covers your business. Alternate Dispute Resolution. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience…
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