April 2026
WEBINAR Social Media: Instagram-How to Optimize Storytelling to Build Community and Sales
A brief overview of Instagram. We will compare the benefits of the use of image, sliders, and video including reels and on grid posts. We will discuss real life examples – personalities, brands, and companies – who are using the native functionalities of this platform with Threads to build community, create engagement and increase sales. 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…
Find out more »May 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 Using Video to Promote Your Small Business
What are some smart ways to use video and other images to increase your chances of selling your goods or services? What are some best practices for video production and on-camera presentation? Is video already part of your public relations plan? Want to learn more? Join us for this information-packed webinar, and find out how you can promote your business and establish yourself as a tough leader through the use of video. Instructor: Saida Pagan (SBDC Advisor) and media trainer, communication…
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 Wave Accounting for Startups and Service Businesses
Keeping track of your business income and expenses is crucial to the financial health of your company. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated! This webinar will cover how to use Wave, a free online accounting software program to help keep you on track. Wave is designed for small business owners. No jargon, just an easy accounting software for small business that makes sense. This webinar is not for companies with inventory. Instructor: Maureen Thielen (SBDC Advisor). She provides bookkeeping, accounting and tax…
Find out more »WEBINAR E-Smarts: Get More Free Traffic to Your Website with These Simple SEO Techniques
Is your website getting all of the traffic it should be? Is it pulling in leads and sales? If not, your target audience may not be able to find you. Google search drives the majority of traffic on the internet. Learn the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) and start growing your search presence organically, using tried and true methods that are 100% free! You will Learn: The difference between on-site and off-site SEO How to optimize your pages to…
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 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 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 Navigating SBIR/STTR (Research & Technology) Grants
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs provide an opportunity for small businesses to tap into federal funding to conduct research and development on promising new innovations and technologies. With $4 billion available annually, the programs are a source of seed capital for early stage companies. SBIR/STTR funding can also serve as a pathway to equity financing by allowing businesses to demonstrate feasibility of new technologies and move toward commercialization. This webinar will cover…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: How To Set Up & Register Your Business
This in-depth workshop addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions you will need to make as a business owner. One of the first decisions will include how the company will be structured. Because of this, we will cover the basics of regulatory filings that permit new owners to properly set up entities in California. Our discussion will cover legal formation for startups, including: • LLC’s, S-Corporations, C-Corporations • DBA’s • Business permits • Resale…
Find out more »WEBINAR Legal Corner: How To Set Up & Register Your Business
This in-depth workshop addresses a multitude of important topics regarding legal entities and other important decisions you will need to make as a business owner. One of the first decisions will include how the company will be structured. Because of this, we will cover the basics of regulatory filings that permit new owners to properly set up entities in California. Our discussion will cover legal formation for startups, including: • LLC’s, S-Corporations, C-Corporations • DBA’s • Business permits • Resale…
Find out more »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 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 »
