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

Do you have a year-end tax plan? Have you gone through a tax check-up. Learn from CPA, Keith Hiatt, about five tax strategies for year-end planning. Keith will present tax implications and strategies. He will also be available for Q&A.

Speaker: Keith Hiatt, CPA

A fast-paced, high-level discussion on how to attract, engage, and retain younger generations in the workplace. There are four generations in most workplaces, and five in some as the youngest generation, the Plurals, is beginning to enter the workplace. How do you attract, engage, and retain the younger generations who are not loyal to organizations and do not trust? The Boomers, who were loyal to the workplace and "lived to work" are exiting at some 10,000 per day as they head to retirement. The Millennials and Plurals, who "work to live" are not loyal to any organization, only to people they trust. What is the "trust factor," and why is it important to success? Why is culture important? What leadership style works today and even more so over the next decade? It is not the same old, same old. These issues are facing every organization of all sizes, profit, private, and non-profit, from attracting, engaging, and retaining talented people, to marketing and customer acquisition and retention.

Speaker: Patricia Hatley

Marketing is a key portion of the business plan. This session, coupled with the Market Research seminar, will help you define your primary market, how to reach customers in this market, and how to budget for marketing in your business plan.

Speaker: LaWanda Turman

Energized and engaged employees leverage the capacity of any organization. In this workshop, we will share best practices and creative ways to create win/win situations for you and your employees, while meeting the needs of those you serve. Our learning objectives include: how to effectively recruit and orient employees, why employees choose to stay with an organization, and why recognition is crucial to an effective employee program. Location: Rittling Conference Center Room 110 Designed (but not limited to) nonprofit organizations.

Hear from a panel, including a small business owner in Davidson County, a banker who reviews business loans, and the Small Business Center Director. All can give valuable advice on the start up process and considerations that must be carefully reviewed. Q&A time will give participants the opportunity to get information to avoid mistakes and best practices for their business concept.

Speaker: Martha Larson & Panel

Speaker: Dr. Andrea Johnson

Kathy Wall is a well known marketing and branding expert nationwide. Learn how to engage existing customers; discover how you can attract the right customers on a low budget. This seminar is designed for owners and executive directors who want to build a more effective customer base.

Speaker: Kathy Wall, owner The Media Matters, Inc.

As a start up YOU are your business. Learn the key areas of financial preparedness that you need to know before starting a business or being self employed.

Speaker: Dr. Andrea Johnson

No one is self-made This 2 hour workshop teaches entrepreneurs how to strategically build the team necessary to grow their business. They will learn which team members need to be enlisted for their business and in the most strategic order to begin to grow their business. Create a DREAM TEAM to build a successful business.

Speaker: Timogi Jackson, Author, Motivator, Business Woman

Nonprofits and their directors are financially responsible for the organization's operations and money management. Illustating this financial obligation and quality money management is often a part of a grant proposal. The instructor will lead participants through the basic financial records and how to represent the organization financial status through these documents.

Speaker: Ken Griffin

This session offers an introduction to simple concepts your organization can use to track the impact you are having with your participants or clients. Learn the basics of measurement and evaluation that you can do yourself. Participants will learn the fundamentals of Results Based Accountability (TM), a free set of processes to help you figure out the impact of programs with those you serve. Location: Rittling Conference Center Room 110 Designed (but not limited to) nonprofit organizations.

Whether you are new or existing small business, a solid plan to manage the customer's journey from sales to service is essential. The practical insights in this 2 hour session will provide each company with a plan to prepare for the next level. The workshop will be interactive with tools and breakout sessions. Light breakfast.

Speaker: Jamonica Hill

Market research isn’t just for startups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service. Martha Larson has over 15 years of experience in marketing and business development research.

Speaker: Martha Larson

Social media is a common mystery among business and nonprofits. How do these platforms help with less expensive marketing? How do I engage my customers? These questions and more can be answered in this interactive workshop.

Speaker: Teddy Burriss

Do your feel stuck in your small business or are you a new start-up? Are you ready for your business to boom? Aren't we all. The real question is not if you want to grow but how to get your business to grow. This workshop is about truly understanding why you are in business, what you have to offer, and answering the real question: Do you believe what you are doing can add value to the lives of others? If so, you will find your Dream Potential.

Speaker: Timoji Jackson

This popular seminar makes participants feel at ease when it comes to understanding and preparing pro forma financial statements. The presenter shares easy to understand explanations and examples of basic statements, including the cash flow statement, profit/loss, and more.

Speaker: Semone Brisson

A look at nonprofit governance, including best practices. Topics include the role of the board, building an effective board, the relationship and roles of the board and staff, how to monitor and evaluate the Executive Director, and best practices for nonprofit governance. Location: Rittling Conference Center Room 110

Executive Directors for nonprofits utilize many skills to lead the team to effectively achieve the organization's goals and objectives. Leadership dictates how operations will run and keep the organization strong, financially and operationally. Leadership in this program means developing ED's that are financially savvy, knowledgeable about job creation and retention, possessing the business skills to operate a fiscally successful organization. Nonprofits need a good brand and to have that brand well represented throughout the community. Learn best practices for maintain a strong organizational presence.

Speaker: Ken Griffin

Your Linkedin profile is commonly viewed by potential business suppliers, partners and customers. Create a top notch profile that speaks to your expertise. Engage customers. Make better and more lucrative contacts. Online networking is a vital part of business. Learn how to enhance your profile and engage for more business.

Speaker: Teddy Burriss