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

eBay now has a mobile application that allows you to manage your store while on the go. Busy sellers can research sales trends; set competitive prices for items; and add photos to listings that can now be created with a simple form. This synchronized application allows a seller to easily add product details simply by scanning a product's barcode. Sellers will also be able to utilize new features that will help to increase their ratings by providing buyers with tracking information and prompt customer service.

Speaker: Nick Hawks

Discover the programs and services offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration for start-up and existing small businesses. Find out which SBA-sponsored and SBA-funded resources are available for counseling and training small business owners in all areas of small business management (including business planning). find out what it takes to obtain a small business loan and to access SBA financing sources in particular. Discover the SBA's government contracting, minority and other certification programs which can enable your small business to obtain federal government contract work.

Speaker: Steve White

This interactive seminar is for those who are taking initial steps in starting a business. Learn more about what it takes to validate the strength of your idea. Also learn to identify issues related to the industry, the market, you, your team and finances. Those in attendance will leave with a better understanding of how to assess the overall potential of any business idea prior to writing a lengthy business plan. There are a limited number of seats available.

Speaker: Diane Hendrickson

Discover how social media can improve online visibility as well as strengthen branding and increase sales for your business.

Speaker: SCORE

If you're starting a business, you'll probably need a loan - a credit card to help with cash flow, a line of credit in case of emergencies, or for start-up capital. New business owners haven't had a chance to build their business credit so lenders base creditworthiness on personal credit. This seminar will tell you how to maintain and build your personal credit so you can get those first loans. You'll also receive information on how, once established in business, you can build your business credit to make sure you continue to have the capital needed to be successful.

Speaker: OnTrack WNC

This fast-paced workshop gives you current best practices on how to build your customer base. You will work through team exercises to get a fresh perspective on how to better position your products/services, target the right customers, and frame your communications to sell more. The Workshop is given by Grace Major a long term small business owner who designed award-winning workshops and authored Take Charge! How To Manage Your Customer Relationships.

Speaker: SCORE

Starting a nonprofit organization can be rewarding and fulfilling. Review the basics on how to start such an organization, how to manage it and what resources are available.

Speaker: Mike Sowinski

The more companies there are online the harder it is to maintain a number one spot on the search engines and the more difficult it is to achieve the online attention you need. Discover how to increase your website's online performance.

Speaker: SCORE

This seminar teaches the basic techniques of doing market research. A marketing professional shows how to identify your market and bring your product or service to the attention of your target market demographic. Presented by SCORE.

Speaker: SCORE

Come and join the A-B Tech Small Business Center and Small Business and Technology Development Center for this collaborative event aimed at preparing small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creative minded individuals for business planning. Find out how to assess your business ownership skills and the feasibility of your idea. Participants will also learn what type of information is needed in order to produce a viable and successful business plan. Session handouts will include the SBTDC Business Startup and Resource Guide, a business plan outline, additional planning documents, and helpful resources to guide the planning process. There will be an opportunity for discussion and to ask questions about specific aspects of business. This session is FREE and open to anyone interested in starting a business, but registration is required in order to secure seating.

Speaker: SBC & SBTDC

Thinking of selling your products or services to the government, but don't know where to start? Already doing business with a government entity, but want to brush up on your knowledge and skills? Attend this seminar to learn more about the process of government contracting. This seminar will de-mystify government procurement so you can make an informed decision on whether to enter (and how to get the most out of) this important market.

Speaker: SBTDC

Small business owners can reduce employee turnover by becoming more informed about the interviewing process. This seminar is designed to provide the small business owner with the knowledge base required to build a competent staff. This knowledge base will include good hiring practices and superb interviewing skills which will lead to hiring exceptional employees.

Speaker: Teresa White

This fast-paced workshop gives you a model for managing the full range of business conversations including market research and sales. You will advance your ability by working through simulated conversations in small, non-threatening groups of three. The Workshop is given by Grace Major a long term small business owner who designed award-winning workshops and authored 'Take Charge! How To'

Speaker: SCORE

Perhaps you have heard that WordPress is an easy way to post progressive dialogue about your business on the Internet...but how do you get started? Join Boomer Sassmann, owner of a local website company, to learn how to get your content, photos, and voice onto the Internet. Using WordPress for blogging is a great platform that is constantly updated, produces new features, and integrates better ways to import photos, videos, and links. Questions? Sign up for the class!

Speaker: Boomer Sassmann

This seminar covers positioning and marketing your business. You've opened your doors. How do you position yourself in the market place and secure that piece of business that you need to survive? Presented by SCORE.

Speaker: SCORE

Have an idea for a natural products business (dietary supplements, cosmetics, green cleaners, etc.)? Starting any new business can seem like a daunting task. How do you know if your idea will work? This course is designed to assist new natural product business startups in completing the crucial first steps of the business development process. learn how successful entrepreneurs think, and how to evaluate the validity of your idea or product before writing a lengthy business plan, and investing large amounts of money!

Speaker: Diane Hendrickson