SBDC hosted by El Camino College
(310) 225-8277|southbaysbdc.org
Assisting clients in the South Bay and Beyond
May 2026
WEBINAR Social Media: Put a Pin in It for Pinterest
Part inspiration hub, part visual search engine, Pinterest is where ideas turn into action. From stay-at-home parents to small business owners and creators, it’s a powerful platform for discovery, planning, and growth. Learn how pins and boards really work, how to turn content into clickable calls-to-action and how to build community around themes that connect and convert. Instructor: Chérmelle Edwards (SBDC Advisor) is a writer, photographer, and cultural strategist working across social media platforms. She specializes in creating brand-aligned…
Find out more »WEBINAR Business Plan Overview
Building a successful business requires vision, and the coordination of efforts in several areas. The process of starting and running a business can be overwhelming without a good plan. A good solution to understanding all of the moving parts of your business is to write a business plan. In this webinar we will discuss: -The internal and external purposes of a business plan -A review of the types of plans: Traditional, one page, Canvas, Pitch Deck -Writing strategies and tips,…
Find out more »WEBINAR Understanding Qualifications for Government Contracts
One way to increase sales for your business is to become a vendor or contractor to public agencies and private organizations. This workshop will provide an overview of how to decide if contracting is right for you, as well as cover the elements you need to know to begin the pursuit of new contracting opportunities. This workshop will be taught by Michael Williams, a Small Business Advisor with the El Camino College SBDC, proudly offering over 30 years of experience…
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 Legal Corner: Contracts…Businesses Can’t Live Without Them!
Most of us don't realize that every time we deal with a customer or another business contracts are involved. There are 4 main ways to reduce liability. Contracts on their own can reduce your risk of liability. LLCs and Corps reduce liability. Insurance can reduce liability. But you need contracts to make them work for you. Learn the ABC's of contracts along with methods and tips you can use for as long as your in business. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping…
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 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 »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 »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 »Content Marketing That Grows Your Business-Emails, Blogs & Posts!
Content Marketing is a very strong tool in today's climate. With the rise of AI and SEO changes, content offers businesses an opportunity to get attention on their business while connecting with potential buyers looking for more information before they make a decision. Join our webinar to learn what content is getting attention and how small businesses are using Emails, Blogs and Posts to rise above their competition and keep their past customers engaging. This Webinar Will Teach You…
Find out more »HR Basics and Preparing Your Business for Employees
This critical HR training will guide you through the basics of what HR is and how to prepare your business for employees before you hire them. Learning these steps will help protect your business from unintended risks and provide you valuable California based HR knowledge and best practices. Instructor: Sara Nicholson (SBDC Advisor) brings over 25 years of HR experience, helping small business owners find solutions to their human resources needs. REGISTER NOW
Find out more »Legal Corner: Independent Contractors and Gig work
Everything you want to know.... but are afraid to ask! This is about the changes that have changed the landscape for independent contractors. Learn how the law changed, but how the standards got even tougher than the law. Also, liability, contracts and scopes of work will be covered. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience working for SBDCs, Non-profit Entrepreneurship Programs, and Pro Bono service…
Find out more »June 2026
WEBINAR Media Training for Business Owners
In this workshop, you will learn what you need to know in order to conduct a successful media interview about your product or service. The media is everywhere nowadays in the form of traditional broadcast and print organizations as well as podcasts, live social media events and "citizen journalists." As a result, misinformation is rampant, and it is important to understand how to get your messages across to your customers in the way you intended. This is an essential workshop for any…
Find out more »WEBINAR Family Business-The Best and Worst Way to go into Business
Are you in or thinking about starting a family business. For everything that can be great about them, there are also some real serious drawbacks to them. Think about how complex businesses or families can be on their own. And now mixing them ???? Learn about what to consider and how to overcome challenges family businesses bring. Instructor: Ben Martin (SBDC Advisor) and Attorney who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience working for SBDCs, Non-profit Entrepreneurship Programs, and Pro Bono…
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: How to do an HR Audit
This training is designed to assist California small business owners audit their in-house Human Resources files and HR processes. 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 Legal Corner: Insurance Explained for Small Businesses
What you need to know about Insurance for your small business. Every business has certain risks related to its operation. To protect your business and personal assets, insurance coverage is critical. You will learn about the myriad types of insurance, the rationale for procuring the various insurance types and come away with an understanding of how various types apply to your business. Specific Learning Objectives: Why Small Businesses Need Insurance? Exactly What Kinds of Coverage Are Available? What insurance is needed for…
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…
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 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…
Find out more »WEBINAR Biz Basics: Accounting-The Basics of the Language of Business
Accounting is the system of tracking the income, expenses, assets and liabilities of business. Owners, managers, bankers, investors - use accounting terms and concepts to describe the events that make up the "story". This workshop will explain the basics of how to make journal entries including debits and credits, the structure of financial statements, important financial ratios, and, more importantly, how to "account" for the transactions in your business. Instructor: Andrew Strachan (SBDC Advisor) has many years of financial analysis…
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 Money Matters: How to Finance Your Business
This workshop will provide an overview of available options for financing your business. Equity and debt options as well as crowd funding and the process for raising capital from friends and family will be discussed. Details on what you need to know to apply for a business loan, as well the required documents and paperwork needed for the application process will be provided. The various types of financial institutions and which institutions are currently loaning money and what you will…
Find out more »WEBINAR E-Smarts: Google Analytics 4 For Beginners
As Google has announced discontinuing data collection for Universal Analytics, it’s crucial to begin making the switch to for Google Analytics 4. We will walk through how to set up a new GA4 property and how to switch over from UA. We will go over each of the main features of GA4 and discuss which features are the most valuable for small businesses to tap into. Attend this 2-hour webinar to discover: What is GA4 and how it is different…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: Protect Yourself: Buying a Business or Franchise
Buying an existing business or new franchise can have many pitfalls. Franchisees have to wrestle with documents often three inches thick, and those people buying existing businesses have dozens upon dozens of things to consider and facts to find. This workshop teaches you how to avoid the pitfalls and make the right decision. Relevant contract issues are explained. Join Attorney Ben Martin who loves helping new and small businesses, survive and thrive. With over 20 years of experience working for SBDCs, Non-profit Entrepreneurship Programs, and…
Find out more »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 Win the Inbox Battle-Email Marketing 2026 Latest Action Tools!
Are your Email Marketing efforts paying off? Are your contacts engaging & converting? Learn proven strategies to help your messages rise above a noisy inbox. Email open rates have changed. 2026 email marketers can use the latest action tools to motivate opens & engagement. Liz reveals her top 2026 tips to achieve better results. Save time & get better results using tools like: AI, CRM, Social Management, integrated apps, landing pages, SMS & so much more! This Workshop Will Teach You how 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 Marketing Tools for the 21st Century
Market Intelligence is critical for every business to succeed throughout its business life cycle. Please join Debbie Goldfarb as she reviews and explains the data needed to be gathered and analyzed in order to make pertinent and critical decisions about their business for the short and long term. During this class we will review both the traditional and new techniques used when understanding various facets of marketing & business. Instructor: Debbie Goldfarb (SBDC Advisor) is a well-respected marketing coach and consultant. For over…
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 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 Social Media Solutions: Making Facebook Ads Work For You
This workshop will uncover the mysteries of using Facebook Ads to grow your business. Regardless of your experience in Facebook Ads, this training will teach you how to set up your campaigns for success and get more from your advertising budget. In this workshop you will learn: i. If you're running your Facebook Ads correctly ii. The 5 pillars of successful Facebook Ads iii. The one thing that may be holding back your Facebook Ads iv. Why a marketing funnel is essential in…
Find out more »WEBINAR Social Media: The Big Business of Small Business Hyperlocal Apps
Next Door, Yelp and Reddit are hyperlocal community building apps for businesses of all sizes. We’ll look at how small businesses can use these localized sites to communicate brand values, promote business products and create organic brand ambassadors. 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 for clients in fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. …
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…
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