Events/Workshops

HP Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs (HP LIFE) is a global program that offers aspiring entrepreneurs and small business-owners valuable business skills. HP LIFE offers participants a path to realizing their business dreams. The NC Small Business Center Network, in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), is pleased to offer this innovative program to NC entrepreneurs and small business owners free of charge! This program is self-paced, making it possible for more aspiring entrepreneurs to participate. All you have to do is register to start.

Speaker: Various

Attend this core competency workshop to answer the following questions: -Are you ready to start a business? -What are the advantages and disadvantages? -What are the methods of entry? -What are the common business forms? -Who are my customers and how do I reach them? -I am committed, so what is the next step?

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Attend this core competency workshop to answer the following questions: -Are you ready to start a business? -What are the advantages and disadvantages? -What are the methods of entry? -What are the common business forms? -Who are my customers and how do I reach them? -I am committed, so what is the next step?

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Todd will share his expertise and perspective on this very serious subject. Please attend if you desire to make your workplace safer. He will explain what to do if a critical incident, like an active shooter, occurs on or near your premises. Learn to prepare for critical incidents. Learn how to correctly summon help. Learn how to protect your employees, your clients and yourself should something happen. Receive guidance on precautions to take and procedures to implement that will be reassuring in these troubling times.

Speaker: Todd Alligood BCCC’s Director of Law Enforcement Training

Are you dragging yourself to work and back home? Come find out some of the reasons why. Learn how to put enthusiasm back into your work and into your employees. Recognize early signs of stress and burnout and address them quickly. Leave with new strategies for self-care, a plan for a healthier lifestyle and 25 tips to help you decrease stress.

Speaker: Emily Ballance Emily Ballance, MEd, LPC, CSP travels across the country speaking at conferences, meetings and special events on humor, generations, communication, customer service, stress management and business topics. She was recently awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association. Women in the National Speakers Association who have earned this recognition make up less than 8% of its membership. For more information, visit Emily's website at www.emilyballance.com.

Introductions and some Excel basics * Creating a worksheet * Formatting the worksheet * Embedded chart * File management * Save worksheet * Printing a worksheet * Basic formulas and functions * Q & A period Excel is a very versatile, business oriented, application. Beginners are encouraged to attend and proficient users may attend as well. Come and learn!!

Speaker: Lentz Stowe Lentz is the Director of Beaufort County Community College's Small Business Center.

Starting your own small business is a huge step for anyone. This class will help you with the fundamentals in writing a business plan. A business plan is the foundation for success when making a decision to start a new business or acquire an existing business. Your business plan is key when it comes to seeking funds for your business. Topics Discussed: -The executive summary -Describing your business -Marketing -Market research and analysis

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Starting your own small business is a huge step for anyone. This class will help you with the fundamentals in writing a business plan. A business plan is the foundation for success when making a decision to start a new business or acquire an existing business. Your business plan is key when it comes to seeking funds for your business. Topics Discussed: -The executive summary -Describing your business -Marketing -Market research and analysis

Speaker: Brian Cooke

This fast-paced and highly interactive presentation is custom-tailored to this workshop audience. With over 20 years of training to over 150,000 adults and youth, Leading To Change speakers are well-versed to bring a high-energy, comedic, motivational, thought provoking, and most importantly, catalystic (i.e. now let’s go DO SOMETHING with this information) presentation for your conference. The workshop includes: ? Back In The Day Generational Values (Table/Group reflections on work values) ? From Pearl Harbor to Pearl Jam, from the Beatles to Beyonce! (Generational icon and career trends) ? Generational Soundtracks (Large group movement to generational music) ? X, Y, & Boomers in the Workforce (Stories and strategies to take back to work)

Speaker: "Leading to Change" is a nationally awarded training agency designed to TRANSFORM the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT arena. We do this through vanguard teaching methods, cutting edge technology/media tools, out-of-this-world customer service, and a ROBUST ONSLAUGHT of humor, music, innovation, and wit by a dynamic team of “Rockstar” facilitators.

This fast-paced and highly interactive presentation is custom-tailored to this workshop audience. With over 20 years of training to over 150,000 adults and youth, Leading To Change speakers are well-versed to bring a high-energy, comedic, motivational, thought provoking, and most importantly, catalystic (i.e. now let’s go DO SOMETHING with this information) presentation for your conference. The workshop includes: ? Back In The Day Generational Values (Table/Group reflections on work values) ? From Pearl Harbor to Pearl Jam, from the Beatles to Beyonce! (Generational icon and career trends) ? Generational Soundtracks (Large group movement to generational music) ? X, Y, & Boomers in the Workforce (Stories and strategies to take back to work)

Speaker: "Leading to Change" is a nationally awarded training agency designed to TRANSFORM the PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT arena. We do this through vanguard teaching methods, cutting edge technology/media tools, out-of-this-world customer service, and a ROBUST ONSLAUGHT of humor, music, innovation, and wit by a dynamic team of “Rockstar” facilitators.

Drawing attention to your business is tougher than ever before! Large chain stores, a challenging economy, the Internet, etc. have made the small business venture often times frustrating. BUT you can take matters into your hands and discover what you can do to bring customers to you. In this seminar you will learn low cost advertising/marketing strategies and methods, creating your marketing plan, scoring greater sales with current customers, and other “tricks” of the trade. MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS is a seminar you will want to be a part of and – it is absolutely free!

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Drawing attention to your business is tougher than ever before! Large chain stores, a challenging economy, the Internet, etc. have made the small business venture often times frustrating. BUT you can take matters into your hands and discover what you can do to bring customers to you. In this seminar you will learn low cost advertising/marketing strategies and methods, creating your marketing plan, scoring greater sales with current customers, and other “tricks” of the trade. MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS is a seminar you will want to be a part of and – it is absolutely free!

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Social Media is everywhere! Social Media has even helped overthrow governments. But, how can Social Media help you start, grow, and/or maintain your business? Join me, Christina, as I help you expand your knowledge on this important advertising/marketing/communication tool. ? What is Social Media? ? How can my business use Social Media? ? Why do I need to incorporate Social Media as a marketing tool? ? What channels are good for my business? ? What do I talk about on Social Media? ? Much more….

Speaker: Christina Williams Christina Williams is a Microsoft Office Specialist, educator, and a small business owner. She has taught computer classes for the last 10 + years, and now has geared her trainings to small business owners across North Carolina. Her seminars are fun and educational, she once was referred to as the “Rachel Ray of computers” by one of her students. She teaches the material in an easy to understand way and in a very easy, relaxing atmosphere. Christina earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Elizabeth City State University in 2002. Christina is now seeking a Master’s Degree from Western Carolina University, in Masters of Entrepreneurship.

Starting your own business is part of the American dream. You’ve given this thought, you’ve sought advice, and you are just about ready to begin, then you ask yourself: -How do I finance my business? -Who can give me good, solid, reliable advice? -Are there loans/grants available to assist me? -What should I be aware of? -The economy is tough – I don’t want to fail – HELP!

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Starting your own business is part of the American dream. You’ve given this thought, you’ve sought advice, and you are just about ready to begin, then you ask yourself: -How do I finance my business? -Who can give me good, solid, reliable advice? -Are there loans/grants available to assist me? -What should I be aware of? -The economy is tough – I don’t want to fail – HELP!

Speaker: Brian Cooke

In today’s technological world of ransomware and additional threats, if you do not take the appropriate actions your business is at risk of a data breach. From financial records to contact lists, one data breach can cost your company thou- sands of dollars and hundreds of man hours to repair. Not only are you vulnerable from a software and hardware perspective but your biggest risk could be sloppy procedures by yourself and your employees. In some cases information affected by a data breach cannot be recovered so don’t wait to take the action necessary to protect your business. We will show you how to conduct a penetration test of your business and give you a buffet of solutions for your infrastructure and employees. Class agenda: Penetration Test ? Understanding your threat model ? Finding your vulnerabilities Hardware Solutions ? Fatal Funnels ? Best solutions for the cost Software Solutions ? Freeware ? What you should and shouldn't purchase Cellular Phone Solutions ? Encrypted Voice and Data ? Best Practice The Human Element ? Available Training ? Social Media ? ID Management

Speaker: Touchpoint International Development Group (Touchpoint IDG) is a security ¬cleared Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that conducts specialized training and security services to Special Operations Forces (SOF) and the Intelligence Community (IC).

Do you know your product or service upside down and backwards, BUT the numbers just drive you up the wall? Do you really work hard, but always seem to run out of cash at the end of the month? This seminar will help you understand the financial aspects of your business. We’ll talk about tax issues. You’ll become familiar with those financial terms that confuse you, but are the road map to your success. You will learn… • What makes your business thrive and grow? • What is a CPA and when and how do you use them? • How to understand financial statements • What your banker is looking for? • What federal and state reports are required? • If I made that much money, where is it?

Speaker: Keith Kidwell

Do you know your product or service upside down and backwards, BUT the numbers just drive you up the wall? Do you really work hard, but always seem to run out of cash at the end of the month? This seminar will help you understand the financial aspects of your business. We’ll talk about tax issues. You’ll become familiar with those financial terms that confuse you, but are the road map to your success. You will learn… • What makes your business thrive and grow? • What is a CPA and when and how do you use them? • How to understand financial statements • What your banker is looking for? • What federal and state reports are required? • If I made that much money, where is it?

Speaker: Keith Kidwell

Can you still start a business on a limited budget? Could you start a business for $100? Could a limited budget business lead to bigger dollars, more fun and, maybe, a new future? YES! There are many small businesses you can create without having a lot of startup dollars. Tons of business ideas are right in front of you; in your home, yard, hobbies, or past and current work experiences. In this workshop sponsored by the Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College, you will discover: • How to find the business that fits you • Where to find resources to get started (easy ways to get a little bit of money) • How to plan your small business like a big business • The five resources everyone has to work with • How to turn your little business into a bigger business Businesses such as personal services, business services, computer businesses, repair and maintenance, and fun businesses will all be covered. You will also learn how to prepare a simple business plan and get started.

Speaker: Mike Collins, author of The Perfect Workday Book and president of The Perfect Workday Company, has presented The Perfect Workday seminar for over 20 years for organizations such as IBM, American Express, Pepsi-Cola and the Duke University Medical Center. He is a guest lecturer in the #1-ranked Executive Master’s Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Public Health. Mike is the producer of the video, "Care for the Caregiver,” winner of the national Caregiver Friendly Award from Today's Caregiver magazine. Mike has been quoted in Fortune magazine, featured on Forbes.com, and profiled in Retire & Thrive: Remarkable People, Age 50-Plus, Share Their Creative, and Productive & Profitable Retirement Strategies.

Attend this core competency workshop to answer the following questions: -Are you ready to start a business? -What are the advantages and disadvantages? -What are the methods of entry? -What are the common business forms? -Who are my customers and how do I reach them? -I am committed, so what is the next step?

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Attend this core competency workshop to answer the following questions: -Are you ready to start a business? -What are the advantages and disadvantages? -What are the methods of entry? -What are the common business forms? -Who are my customers and how do I reach them? -I am committed, so what is the next step?

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Topics covered... Is my Business Idea sustainable? Advantages and disadvantages of being based in Aurora How much money do I need? How do I determine if I am successful or not? How do I get customers? And More!!!

Speaker: Brian Cooke

Have you always dreamed of publishing a book, but didn’t know where to begin? Author and business owner, L. Diane Wolfe, walks you through the steps, from creating a marketable product to distribution. All of the options available will be outlined, including the incredible potential of the Internet as are source and platform for your work. Anyone serious about writing is encouraged to attend this lively seminar. This seminar will cover . . . "A Deeper Dive" will build on all of the above!! ? Writing/Initial phase ? Traditional publishing ? Publisher facts ? Using a POD publisher ? Form a publishing company ? Self-publishing set-up ? Formatting book ? Printers ? Distribution

Speaker: L. Diane Wolfe L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars on marketing, book publishing, websites, leadership and goal setting. A member of the National Speakers Association, she is an author and business owner, and her experience in a motivational training program gave her in-depth knowledge of relationships, personality traits and success principles. Wolfe presents her seminars through community colleges, organizations & clubs, and offers formatting, stock photos, and consultation services for writers. She also does characterization sessions for schools and speaks to writer’s groups. Wolfe travels the East Coast extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains several websites & blogs, and co-administrates the Insecure Writer’s Support Group site. Wolfe is the author of seven books. Her latest title is “How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now!” and based on her book publishing and promoting seminars.