Events/Workshops

The 12 week Leading Edge Strategic Planning Series teaches participants good business practices in the completion of their business plan. Create a business that works for YOU Test ideas, explore possibilities, determine feasibility Learn to plan a profit, not just hope for one Master money management, budgeting & accounting Understand what your value to customers is Establish best pricing and marketing practices Address organization & risk management needs Network and learn from others Gain access to valuable resources & people Each session can be taken separately for a $50 per session fee. The Program includes a business plan competition with cash awards for $250 for 1st Prize, $150 for 2nd Prize, and $100 for 3rd. This class will meet at Fort Lewis College, Education Business Hall, Room 110

Speaker: Terryl Peterson and Jasper Welch

This free seminar will review how to prepare a business plan, the essential components of a business plan, and how to put these together. Creating a business plan will help you achieve your business goals. This seminar will provide you with a guide for building a successful business focused on achieving your personal and financial goals. It will also help persuade others, including lenders, to invest in what you are creating. Business plans are essential road maps towards increasing the potential success of your business. This living document can generally guide you for 3-5 years ahead and provide direction to the route your business intends to take to grow revenues and ultimately achieve your dreams. Participants will receive resources for additional support as well as templates for writing the plan If there are fewer than 7 participants, this seminar will be cancelled.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

Are you struggling to stand out from your competition in a crowded marketplace? Do you find your existing marketing isn’t working as well as you’d like it to? Do you want to convert more prospects into customers? If any of these concerns apply to you, video marketing might be the answer. Video Marketing for Business is an introductory class that will teach you the basics of video marketing for your business. This means you will walk away with a toolbox of tips and tricks to get in front of more prospects and convert them into customers. In this course, the following topics will be covered: - What is video marketing and what it is not - Why does video marketing work so well - Examples of ways to use video marketing in your business to help you start off on the right track - What makes a good video and what makes a bad video - Lastly, we will actually create a script, record a video, and upload it to YouTube (yup, right in class) Register online at www.BroomfieldBRC.com

Speaker: Curt Donohue, 4th Kind Entertainment

Speaker: Nina Anderson, Express Employment Pros

With Full Tuition You Will Receive: 36 Hours of Instruction with Qualified Instructors and Guest Presenters Two members of your business may attend 5 Individual Business Counseling Sessions 800 Page NxLevel Guide for Entrepreneurs Access to SBDC Resources Opportunities to Address Individual Needs Cash Awards are made for completing course & turning in an acceptable business plan Top Reasons to Attend: Create a business model that works for YOU Test ideas, explore possibilities, and determine feasibility Learn to plan a profit, not just hope for one. Master money management, budgeting & accounting Understand what your value to customers is Establish best pricing and marketing practices Address organization & risk management needs Network and learn from others Gain access to valuable resources & people

Speaker: Cindy Dvergsten and Mike Rich

The 7th Annual Small Business Expo & Community Marketplace Event is back at the Pueblo Convention Center this year on Saturday, March 21, 2015! This year the event will take place on Saturday, March 21st from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. The annual signature event is always open to the public with free admission and has great giveaways and door prizes for those that attend. The goal of the Southern CO Small Business Expo & Community Marketplace Event is to offer small businesses from throughout Southern CO an opportunity to showcase under one roof in an exhibitor marketplace atmosphere while also giving the public an opportunity to come and support locally-owned small businesses by patronizing their businesses and checking out the variety of products and services as well as featured activities at the one day event. The Small Business Expo & Community Marketplace event has been held steadily in Pueblo for seven straight years with businesses from a variety of counties participating. It’s become an annual kick-off event to the Spring season for many businesses and is attractive because it gives the community another opportunity to get out and enjoy the day at the free public event. When asked who should attend the Expo event and why SBDC Director Caroline Trani stated, “The event is a community event that is opened to the public with free admission and we encourage all to attend and experience the marketplace event hall where 85 vendors will be set-up and displaying a variety of products and services available for sale. There are several activities planned throughout the day, including live entertainment and a Kid’s Zone area. It is an event where you can bring the whole family and spend the afternoon together at an event everyone will enjoy.” Another signature offering at the Expo is the “Free Document Shredding” services offered by Mobile Record Shredders, a Pueblo-based local business that services all of Southern CO. Mobile Record Shredders has been partnering with SBDC for the last five years to offer the free community service at the event which continues to be a popular service as many individuals and businesses take advantage of the opportunity to do some Spring cleaning and dispose of sensitive documents securely that are no longer needed. The community shredding service is offered at no cost the day of the event from 1:00 – 3:00 pm with donations being accepted and proceeds going to SBDC business assistant services provided. Small businesses who would like to register as a vendor to market and sell their products and services can do so on online or by calling the Southern CO SBDC office at 719-549-3224.

“Introduction to Crowdfunding for Newbies" is for anyone who is a newcomer to the crowdfunding scene. Despite perception to the contrary, not every crowdfunding campaign is appropriate for Kickstarter, or even its closest competitor, Indiegogo. This presentation is intended to familiarize you, at the 50,000 foot level, with the basics of crowdfunding, with the different types of crowdfunding that exist and with some of the platforms out there which cater to one or more of these different types of crowdfunding. By learning about the different types of crowdfunding and the platforms which best satisfy the needs of one or another of these types, you'll be able to choose the appropriate type of crowdfunding for your own needs and thus be able to optimize your ability to achieve success with your own crowdfunding campaigns, both near and longer-term. Come early if you can and network with your prospective fellow crowdfunders. If you're new to crowdfunding, and you'd really like to get your feet wet before plunging in deeply, come to this special introductory session and learn some of the basics of this new way to secure funding as well as some other benefits.

Speaker: Ray Burrasca and Rita Crompton

No Website? No Budget? No Problem! Limited Space During this workshop the SBDC will walk you through the process to create a basic website. In about 90 minutes you will have the knowledge and tools to command a six page website. Computers will be provided. Are you… • Frustrated that you don’t have a website? • Overwhelmed with the idea of managing your own site? • Discouraged because you don’t know how to create a website? • Tired of potential customers not finding you online? During this workshop, you'll discover… • How to use Weebly Drag & Drop Builder. • How to edit, add, and remove content. • How to upload images from your files or utilize stock photos provided.

Speaker: Kyla Benson, East Colorad SBDC

Learn how to effectively market your business with social media without wasting your precious time. You will learn to: - Take a look at some of the most popular social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ – and learn why each one might be right for your organization - Save time by learning from common social media mistakes - Find out what works from case studies with local small businesses - Learn what you can do next if you’re interested in getting started with social media marketing – including some simple ideas for figuring out what to say and some “do’s and don’ts” of social media.

Speaker: Zak Barron

So you know about the major social media platforms but are there others that can help you grow business? Yes, and they might be important. Every platform is like a different meeting, a different room, and you have to be aware of where you are. Most people think of social media as distribution and use the same messaging on every platform. That's not fully utilizing the tools. Come learn about the current tools and trends and how they can be used effectively for your business.

Speaker: SBDC

This free seminar introduces the attendee to the business, economic, and legal requirements of self-employment. Attendees of this workshop will learn the process of selecting the most appropriate business structure, business requirements, and taxation fundamentals.

Speaker: Chuck Hahn, Small Business Specialist

A free seminar: Understand the process of obtaining a business license in Aurora, taxpayer rights and responsibilities, taxes you may have to pay, and the reason that audits are conducted. City of Aurora staff will help answer questions specific to your industry or business.

Speaker: City of Aurora Tax & Licensing Division staff

A 2 1/2 hour overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your company including business licensing requirements, the business planning process and business financing options.

Speaker: Julie Morey, SBDC Director

A 2 1/2 hour overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your company including business licensing requirements, the business planning process and business financing options.

Speaker: Julie Morey, SBDC Director

This class is a prerequisite for start-ups to schedule a counseling session at the Larimer SBDC. Explore the basics of business ownership, including entrepreneurship, planning for a profitable business, pitfalls to avoid and how to reach your customers.

Speaker: Mike O'Connell

While every startup faces similar issues, when you are starting an online business, you face special issues. Unlike a typical brick and mortar store, your customers may come from your home state, halfway around the country, or halfway around the world. While the customer base is exponentially higher than a brick and mortar, e-commerce creates a world where the business owner must worry about tax issues, shipping contracts, and terms of use that their non-online counterparts don't have to face. In this seminar, you will learn about the different company structures, the contracts that an online business needs, and special tax issues for online businesses.

Speaker: Elizabeth Lewis

Starting your New Business and Operating It Correctly There are many regulations for businesses. There are many questions that must be answered as a new business owner when opening a new business. Who do I market to? Who is my competition? Do I have what it takes to be in business? Do I have the right amount of capital to start this business? These and many more questions can be answered by taking this seminar.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

Are you thinking about forming an LLC? Planning to create a partnership? Not sure how to register your business with the Secretary of State or Internal Revenue Service? Wondering what an EIN is and what it means to your business? Join us for this two-hour workshop facilitated by a business attorney and an accountant as they go through the pros and cons of entity types, explain how to register your business along with the necessary forms and processes, and discuss other tips and how to avoid pitfalls before you start your new venture.

Speaker: Attorney Brian Boyes and Paul Matonis, EA

5 hour seminar on various aspect of starting a business including: registration issues, legal structure, business planning process, financing your business, etc.

Speaker: Joe Keck, Jack Llewellyn, Coelene O'Kane , John Lopez, Lindsey Nicholson, Donna Arment

Starting your New Business and Operating It Correctly There are many regulations for businesses. There are many questions that must be answered as a new business owner when opening a new business. Who do I market to? Who is my competition? Do I have what it takes to be in business? Do I have the right amount of capital to start this business? These and many more questions can be answered by taking this seminar.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

Attorney Theresa Pickner walks you through the nuts and bolts of starting your own business, including legal entity selection, taxes (sales, use, and payroll), liability protection, registering your trade name, and more. This workshop will help save time and stress by helping you determine which agencies to contact along with the forms you will need, and by providing the information necessary to make key decisions before completing your paperwork. You will receive a packet containing reference materials and forms you will need to get your business started right away. Attendees may also arrange for a private consultation for up to an hour with Theresa Pickner at no extra charge. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Boulder Creek Room

Speaker: Theresa A. Pickner, Attorney at Law

Taking the first step to starting your business can be difficult! This workshop will be a realistic starting point for all budding entrepreneurs. The hour and a half 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 will be a Lunch 'n Learn...Feel free to bring your lunch!!

Speaker: Steve Imke, Small Business Specialist

This class is a prerequisite for business start-ups to schedule a one-on-one counseling session at the South Metro Denver SBDC. You must attend 1 basics workshop (Business Start-up or Business Plan Basics) and 1 Successful Business Fundamentals workshop prior to consulting. This class will cover the essential building blocks necessary for businesses to start, grow and prosper. We will discuss how to formulate your value proposition, analyze your market competition, and determine what it takes to successfully compete in today’s business climate. We will also discuss the challenges of running a start-up company, as well as how to build the foundation of a successful business model.

Starting your New Business and Operating It Correctly There are many regulations for businesses. There are many questions that must be answered as a new business owner when opening a new business. Who do I market to? Who is my competition? Do I have what it takes to be in business? Do I have the right amount of capital to start this business? These and many more questions can be answered by taking this seminar.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

A 2 1/2 hour overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your company including business licensing requirements, the business planning process and business financing options.

Speaker: Julie Morey, SBDC Director

How to Start a Business in Colorado This free comprehensive Business Start-up orientation has been designed to be a starting place for anyone who is considering jumping into business for the first time (or the second time with a better outcome). This seminar will provide you with a Colorado Start-Up Guide, free library resources to support your business and websites, as well as a general overview of the things to consider when starting a business. During this workshop, you'll learn about… • Business Licensing Requirements • Business Taxes You Are Required To Pay • Legal Forms of Organization • Components of a Business Plan • Marketing essentials • Management requirements • Financial Planning • Funding Your Business • Putting a Business Plan Together • Launching Your Business

Speaker: Jesse Esparza, East Colorado SBDC

Starting your New Business and Operating It Correctly There are many regulations for businesses. There are many questions that must be answered as a new business owner when opening a new business. Who do I market to? Who is my competition? Do I have what it takes to be in business? Do I have the right amount of capital to start this business? These and many more questions can be answered by taking this seminar.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

Today more people are starting their own business for many reasons; downsizing where they worked for many years; following a lifelong dream; freedom, etc. This all day workshop will get you in motion. Our facilitators will walk you through the steps in one day: 1. What’s in a Name 2. Determine a Legal Structure 3. Register your business name. Check the Secretary of State Business data base to see if it is available. 4. Get an FEIN (Federal Employee Identification Number). 5. Get a business license. 6. Doing Business with your municipality 7. Understanding Federal State, county and city tax requirements. 8. Understand how to obtain a business bank account. 9. Set up a simple accounting spreadsheet. 10. Identify your customer segments and revenue streams 11. Meet with counselors to get questions answered and set up a follow up appointment. This one day training will take a few hours but in the end you will have a better understanding of how to start and run your business and all the confusion surrounding licensing and legal requirements will be behind you. What is more you will be an entrepreneur with a network of advisers and documents to get you off on the right foot.

Speaker: Amanda Griffin, Colorado Marketing Chick Chuong M. Le, The Le Law Group, LLC Jean Starr, City of Brighton Sales Tax Division Jennifer Holmes, City of Brighton One Stop Center Valerie Escatel, Valley Bank & Trust Gabe Lopez, Nationwide Insurance Teri Sanchez, SBDC

We all know that time goes fast. With so many things pulling you in different directions, how do you prioritize and get the most from the time that you have? This workshop provides you with simple steps that anyone can implement to be successful in time management. Come and learn tips and new ways to create and evaluate your tasks at hand. Ready to maximize your minutes? This workshop is worth your time. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Canyon Room

Speaker: Courtney Berg, CourtSide Consulting LLC

Join us for this informative seminar that covers the basics of preparing a successful business plan. Topics to be discussed include: •The purpose of a business plan •What information your plan should contain •The financial documents you will need •How to determine start-up costs •Market research and its importance •What lenders look for

Speaker: Jayne Reiter, South Metro SBDC Business Consultant

New tools and apps are added daily to online stores and websites to help manage businesses effectively. But how do you determine which are the best tools for the job? In this workshop you will be guided through the process of choosing the right tools to match your needs. We will feature new applications and programs as we walk you through the best options to help your business thrive. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Canyon Meeting Room

Speaker: Shaun Oshman, iSupportU

Starting a Business in Colorado This boot camp will help you quickly develop your business plan and determine the feasibility of launching your for profit business or nonprofit, or support an already existing for profit business or nonprofit business direction. The camp will consist of 14 hours of business plan support and covers entrepreneurial essentials, marketing, organizational issues, and financial overviews, as well as a two hour overview on how to register and maintain your legal structure for your business. Each participant will have an opportunity to schedule up to four hours (and more if needed) of one-on-one counseling with the instructor, to allow time for each participant to get additional support on their business planning and discuss their individual business plan directions with the consultant. Dates: Boot camp sessions will meet every week on the following Thursdays: 3/19, 4/9, 4/16, 4/30. 6:00pm - 7:45pm, and on the following Saturday April 4 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm. One on one sessions will be scheduled as needed by each participant throughout the five weeks and beyond as needed. Registration: The registration fee includes two participants (one business) and one set of materials*. Both participants must also be registered by calling The East Colorado SBDC office (970-351-4274). Unregistered guests will not be admitted to the course. (Minimum course size is 5 and 20 is maximum). Deadline for registration is March 12, 2015.

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

More and more Office 365 is being recommended by technical professionals for small business. But why? Mobility is one answer. With options to use on your desktop, smartphone and tablet, you can access your email, calendars and files while you back up your data from anywhere. In this workshop we give you an overview of these features, conferencing, instant messaging and more. Find out if Office 365 is the right match for you as well as how to increase your productivity with it from the expert. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Canyon Room

Speaker: Susan Bateman, CMIT Solutions

Join us for this informative session to learn more about franchise ownership as an option for YOUR future. *What is Franchise? How do they differ from other types of independent businesses? *How much does a franchise cost? And how can I get funding for one? *How do I find the right one for me? *Do I need special skills or knowledge to be successful? These questions and more will be addressed in this fun, interactive session.

Speaker: Stephen Hogan, FranNet

When starting a business, many people register with the Secretary of State's office, buy a laptop and start providing services. However, in order to protect yourself and your family, the steps involved in starting a business, especially if home-based, may be more complex. It may require getting a business license, paying an occupational privilege tax, having special insurance, and having contracts with your landlord or lender renegotiated. In addition, if you meet with clients at your house, or share sensitive information, you may be opening yourself up to more liability than you originally thought. Come learn about the legal and tax issues that may arise when you open your new business from professionals who work with small business every day. (Minimum class size is 6 and 20 maximum)

Speaker: Elizabeth Lewis, Law Office of E.C. Lewis, P.C.

Edward Jones Coffee Club, hosted by Robin L. Drabant at the SBDC 9:30am-10:30am, Thursday 03/05/2015: Your decision of when to start taking your Social Security benefit is important, because it can impact how much you'll receive. Make sure to take the appropriate factors into consideration when deciding when to take Social Security. Join us for coffee, breakfast and conversation. We hope to see you there!

Speaker: Robin Drabant; Bridget Hattingh

Introduces essential elements of a business plan and research tools. Learn how the business plan functions as a feasibility study, loan proposal and operating guide for the business.

Speaker: Santos Blan, Small Business Specialist

This free seminar introduces attendees to the requirements for obtaining financing for a business. Attendees will learn about SBA loan programs, non-traditional financing sources and the components of a comprehensive loan package.

Speaker: Santos Blan, Small Business Specialist

Join the SBDC and the City of Evans for the Evans Business to Business, Leading Onward and Upwards at the library Riverside Library and Community Center 3700 Golden Street, Evans Co. 80620. This free, part day event has been designed to encourage seasoned and budding business owners as they work to build their business. With an array of resource tables, Colorado business owners will be able to glean information about services available to them to continue growing and strengthening their business. In addition to the resource tables present, come learn about leadership. With two specialty speakers, Evans City Manager Aden Hogan and Everhart and Associates Dallas Everhart, PhD, business owners will learn about the importance of strong and effective leadership. Register now to be entered into a prize drawing.

Speaker: Aden Hogan and Dallas Everhart PhD

Learn from the experts how to boost your business with better tools and time management techniques. In this series, experts share what they have discovered to be the most useful tools and the most effective time savers for you and your business. Sign up for all three workshops and discover the latest and most effective opportunities to help you manage your business and your time in 2015. $35 per workshop or save money by registering for the 3-pack for $79!

Speaker: Shaun Oshman-iSupportU, Courtney Berg-CourtSide Consulting LLC, Susan Bateman-CMIT Solutions

Are you seeking the best methods to lead and to focus on your organization’s goals? Emphasis is on effective leadership skills and the power of goal setting. The organizational leader will gain knowledge on techniques that motivate employees, create accountability, and get results. Performance tracking and feedback, SMART goals, and goal setting impact on achieving objectives will be discussed.

Speaker: Jon Jaggers

This course will review the basic property and casualty insurance coverage that you may need as a business owner to safeguard your financial risk. During this course participants will be given a brief description of the following insurance coverage: general liability, professional liability, surety bonds, worker’s compensation, commercial auto and commercial property coverage.

Speaker: Teri Hauk

Are you pursuing easy to understand and effective lean methods for your business? Examine the concepts of lean process improvement applied to any type of business. Lean tools of Visual Workplace (real time information), 5S Methods (workplace organization), Kaizen Events (problem solving), and Process Mapping (work flow analysis) will be discussed. Students develop a solid understanding of how to use lean techniques to reduce cost, improve quality, and engage employees.

Speaker: Jon Jaggers

This day and a half workshop fun and interactive is perfect for you if… • You don’t have a business plan and know you need one • You've tried to do a business plan the "traditional way" and you got stuck, overwhelmed, and demotivated • You have a business plan, but need to breathe new life into it • You can't stand spreadsheets • Numbers numb you out • You’d be a heck of a lot happier planning your business in the same intuitive, authentic, and expressive way that you live your creative life (yes, indeed, it can be that fun and fulfilling!) Finally get your business plan done and have fun doing it with this creative and visual approach. *Includes a copy of The Right-Brain Business Plan by Jennifer Lee, a kit with an illustrated card deck and supplies to create your own Right-Brain Business Plan® Cost also includes admission to the April 9 Executive Session at the SBDC Offices

Speaker: Cass Mullane, a Right-Brain Business Plan® Licensed Facilitator, Accountability Coach, Best-selling Author and Fun Loving Artist

Emphasis is on effective leadership skills and the power of goal setting. The organizational leader will gain knowledge on techniques that motivate employees, create accountability, and get results. Performance tracking and feedback, SMART goals, and goal setting impact on achieving objectives will be discussed.

Speaker: Jon Jaggers, Transformational Leadership Consulting

Building a Business Plan is a 9 hour course divided into 3 classes; March 31, April 7 & April 14 from 1:30-4:30. This course is designed to help the entrepreneur understand the process of building an effective Business Plan. Each 3 hour session will consist of class instruction, practical exercises, and a guest speaker with expertise in research, marketing, or finance. Session 1: * Becoming familiar with a Business Plan Outline * Understanding the Writing Process * General Company Description * Products and Services * Market Research (library researcher) Session 2: * Market Plan (marketing specialist) * Operational Plan * Management and Organization * Personal Financial Statement Session 3: * Start Up Expenses and Capitalization (financial consultant) * Financial Plan * Appendices * Refining the Plan This course is a great starting point in developing a relationship with the Larimer County Small Business Development Center. Beyond the classroom and throughout the building process of your Business Plan you will have free access to General Business Consultants, a Library Researcher, as well as a limited amount of free consultation with a Marketing Specialist, an Attorney, and an Accountant. A builder would not begin construction without a blueprint; entrepreneurs should not rush into new ventures without a Business Plan.

Speaker: Curt Bear

Are you searching for tools for realizing the best results from your employees? This course discusses techniques for employee empowerment. Applications for cultural change, brain storming, and rewards and recognition will be reviewed. The course teaches leaders how to inspire employees to be involved, be proactive, and to be action oriented for achieving results.

Speaker: Jon Jaggers

Since you've learned the basics of QuickBooks - Pro (2015 version) in Part-1, this class will build on that foundation to teach you more advanced processes within the software. This interactive course will cover: 1. Credit card accounts and transactions; how to create and track asset and liability accounts; and an introduction to equity accounts; 2. Sales and purchase forms; how to create a new invoice; the QuickBooks Item list and how to add new items; how to create invoice letters & sales orders; and how to track backorders; 3. How to record customer payments; how to handle customer discounts, partial payments, overpayments, or down payments; how to record a deposit, including cash back; how to process credit cards 4. Financial data tools: QuickReports, preset reports, and graphs; how to save reports in Excel or PDF format.

Speaker: Denice Tinsley, QuickBooks Pro Advisor

This class is for the advanced QuickBooks user with a product business in need to track inventory, sales tax, estimates, payroll, and time per project. This interactive session will cover: • Get an overview of inventory, use purchase orders and track the receipt of inventory, make manual inventory adjustments and set up units of measure • An overview of sales tax rates and agencies, track sales tax and how to apply sales tax to a sale, determine sales tax liability, and review activities • Get an overview of payroll and how to setup: payroll, employee information, schedules, paychecks, and tax liabilities • Learn how to create job estimates and progress invoicing, create duplicate estimates, create invoices from an estimate, and updating job status • Learn how to track time worked on a project, how to invoice a customer from tracked time, create project reports, track time worked by owners or partners, and pay nonemployees for time worked. • Learn how to modify the format of an invoice, design a custom invoice form, prepare a collection letter and edit prewritten letters in QuickBooks.

Speaker: Rosy Aburto McDonough, MBA SBDC Consultant

If you are one of the many small business owners who are intimidated by numbers, this two-part course is for you. Accounting Basics takes the mystery out of number-crunching. In a fun and easy going environment participants will take the mundane tasks of accounting and business finance and make them something easily learned, understood, and ready to use. We will also cover the relationship between QuickBooks and your set of books.

Speaker: Suzy Schutz

What exactly is social media? In its simplest definition, social media uses online and mobile tools to communicate user generated content. Why is this so important? User driven means you, and your potential clients can drive the conversation. The result? Connections with people that generate better information, better ideas, more directed sharing and better leads. Social media tools, such as: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube are completely changing the way people are marketing their companies and themselves. Social Media IS NOT for everyone. It demands time, authenticity, integrity and humanity. But for those who are ready and willing to commit to a social media marketing plan, be prepared to experience powerful results from your efforts. You must have opportunity before you have success. Leveraging the resources of social media, social networking and web 2.0 technologies will allow you to take full advantage of this new world of opportunity. In this class we will go over Social Media, what it is and how to use it effectively. We will review the following platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.

Speaker: Amy Alcorn, Aspen Grove Marketing

If you understand the basics of the larger social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter but want to expand your business’s reach, this is the class for you. We will be covering the following platforms: • eNewsletters • Blogs • Google+ • Pinterest • Location based/review sites such as Foursquare

Speaker: Amy Alcorn, Aspen Grove Marketing

This fee-based seminar introduces marketing principles, concepts and tactics for a business. Attendees will learn the concepts of product, price, place and promotion. Learn how to research and identify the characteristics of a customer, conduct market research through electronic databases, develop marketing tactics and strategies to promote products and services, and explore the elements of a marketing plan. Contact the Aurora SBDC for payment options.

Speaker: Chuck Hahn, Small Business Specialist

Break your marketing plan down into its core elements: identify your market niche develop a marketing strategy determine a marketing budget Each component of the marketing plan will be discussed in detail, and attendees will receive several worksheets to help crystalize key portions of the plan. Workshop Presenter: Maureen (Mo) Kanwischer, Momentum Business Consulting Cost: $45/attendee *Thanks to sponsorship from City of Longmont and Longmont Area Economic Council (LAEC), current and prospective City of Longmont businesses can attend at no cost! Location: Boulder SBDC Longmont satellite office - 528 Main St. (inside Longmont Chamber Center)

Speaker: Maureen (Mo) Kanwischer, Momentum Business Consulting

Introduces the legal foundations of the Internet and social media. Learn about trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and linking and framing issues that arise when developing a Website.

Websites are central to your business online marketing strategy. Join us for this hands on workshop on driving leads with a well-structured website. The session will also cover bogging as a means to gain visibility, increase credibility in your industry and drive leads to your business.

Speaker: Cory Arcarese, Owner CArc Media Digital Marketing Agency

Websites are central to your business online marketing strategy. Join us for this hands on workshop on driving leads with a well-structured website. The session will also cover bogging as a means to gain visibility, increase credibility in your industry and drive leads to your business. Register at https://clients.coloradosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=70340200

Speaker: Cory Arcarese, Owner CArc Media Digital Marketing Agency

Learn what Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is, how it works and why it is critical for your website and to your business to be found by your customers. Whether you are building a brand new site, or wanting to modify an existing website, learn the vital website components necessary for proper SEO that anyone can understand, no technical skills required. Location: Boulder Public Library Main Branch, 1001 Arapahoe Avenue in the Canyon Meeting Room

Speaker: Heather Florence, Cybercom Consulting, Inc.

You've created a Facebook Fan Page but now what? Learn the tricks to getting your fans to engage with your page either by using the 7 types of posts, images and contests. Discover ways to use cover art, post images and contests to your advantage. Take back to the office a list of post ideas, and a cheat sheet with image dimensions and suggested tools to help optimize your fan page. Prerequisite: Attendees should have a Fan Page already setup with at least 25 fans.

Speaker: Marci Whitman

Learn how to effectively market your business with social media without wasting your precious time! In this two-hour session you will: - Take a look at some of the most popular social media networks – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and Google+ - and learn why each one might be right for your organization - Save time by learning from common social media mistakes - Find out what works from case studies with local small businesses - Learn what you can do next if you’re interested in getting started with social media marketing – including some simple ideas for figuring out what to say and some “do’s and don’ts” of social media Register online at www.BroomfieldBRC.com

Speaker: Jack Jostes, Constant Contact Authorized Local Expert

• You have worked long and hard with a prospect and when you get to “the close”, disappointment hits like a ton of rocks as the client states they have no money. • You have taken the time to understand what the prospect really needs. They ask you for a proposal including your pricing. Weeks pass before you discover that the prospect took your proposal and gave it to a competitor along with the order. • After spending considerable time developing and presenting the proposal, you go for the close, you are encouraged when the client says, “Looks good, I like what I see, I just need to think it over, check with the team. Get back to me early next week.” Anticipation quickly turns to frustration as your efforts to reconnect with the prospect are fruitless. Can you relate to the above illustrations? Most likely, and you could probably add at least another 6 or 8 other frustrations from your own selling experience. Join us at the Windsor Rec. Center as one of our expert sales coaches, Don Overcash from Sandler Training, No. Colorado, shares some practical insights in how to re-choreograph the seller dance so that the seller leads and the buyer closes.

Speaker: Don Overcash

Introduces the fundamentals of creating an online presence with free software. The attendee will learn how to harness the power of a WordPress Blog, build and modify a WordPress site, use and modify themes, install widgets, use WordPress content management system, create menus, modify the CSS (cascading style sheets) behind the theme, and add video and podcasts. Familiarity with a computer keyboard and Windows operating system required.

Speaker: Chuck Hahn, Small Business Specialist

This session provides an overview on the framework for building an on-going stream of qualified referrals and strengthening confidence in networking. It is tailored for individuals who: - Are frustrated with the lack of leads from your groups and organizations? - Tired of making cold calls? - Tired of wasting time trying to sell to people who never buy? - Feel uncomfortable in networking situations? - Wish networking delivered more prospects? Participants in this session will walk away with a better understanding of the following effective networking strategies and topics: - Crafting the ultimate 30-second commercial - How to Set Smart Networking Goals - Prepare Your Foundation - Define Your Target Market - The importance of Emotionally Engaging People When You Network - What it Truly Means to Be Interesting & Interested - How to Design Your Referral System - The Importance of Following Up: Consistently and Constantly - How to Be Accountable To Your Networking Program

Speaker: Philip Pelto, Sandler Training

The importance of using Social Media to market your business and an overview on types of social media marketing.

Speaker: Nikole James, Travel Copy Solutions

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has an Emerging Small Business (ESB) program that provides contracting benefits for small businesses in highway design and construction. Firms must be certified by CDOT in order to take advantage of these program benefits. Some of these benefits include the ability to bid on ESB restricted projects (set asides), as well as incentives for prime contractors and consultants that utilize ESB firms. This orientation provides an overview of the program and is mandatory for any firm interested in becoming certified. You can find out more about the program by visiting www.codot.gov/business/civilrights/esb.

Speaker: Cathy Kramer, Connect2DOT Program Manager

City of Aurora and SBA procurement specialists will discuss the ins and outs of finding solicitations, establishing communication protocol, getting certifications and using resources to help land government contracts (seminar is at no charge).

Speaker: City of Aurora Procurement Specialist; SBA representative

This full day workshop is essential for all prime contractors and subcontractors working on CDOT highway construction contracts. Staff from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), including local Region Civil Rights Managers, will provide vital information about how to comply with CDOT and Federal contracting regulations. This annual workshop covers updates to federal regulations including: • FHWA 1273 • EEO Contract Requirements • DBE Requirements • ESB Program • CDOT Form 205 • OJT Requirements • Certified Payrolls • Davis-Bacon and Related Acts • Site of Work • Classification of workers • Prompt Payment

Speaker: BethAnn Wieder, CDOT Project and Labor Compliance Manager CDOT Civil Rights & Business Resource Center

This workshop is an excellent primer for firms just getting started and wanting to learn how to do business with CDOT. Find out what they buy, how they let contracts for goods and services and where to find contract opportunities. This workshop will also include a discussion about CDOT's small business programs and how they can help you become more competitive in bidding on CDOT projects, as well as an overview of the services available on the contractor kiosk. Workshop: 11:00am-1:00pm (lunch included) one-on-one consulting: 1:00pm-4:00pm How You Will Benefit: • Get an inside look at how CDOT operates and what they buy • Learn about the different contracting methods CDOT uses and how you can participate in the bidding or proposal process • Discover where to find contracting opportunities that fit your business • Learn how to leverage Bid Express and the Daily Journal for bidding • Develop a strategy for becoming a CDOT contractor, consultant or supplier Suggested Audience: • Small businesses interested in contracting with CDOT

Speaker: Cathy Kramer, Connect2DOT Program Manager