Come Learn About:

• SBA Financial Assistance Programs and which is best for your business

• USDA Financial Assistance Programs and which is best for your business

• SBA participant Lenders with LenderMatch

• Business planning and the importance of it

Speakers: Ms. Beverly Buckingham, USDA

Jacqueline Merritt, SBA

The in-person location for this event is at Maury Alliance in Columbia, TN. Memphis-area entrepreneurs can attend virtually.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

10 Smart Money Moves In 2024 with Marigny deMauriac, CFP®, ABFP®, AAMS®

Join us for an exciting online event on Tue Apr 30, 2024 at 10:00 AM (CDT).

Marigny deMauriac is a 10+ year veteran of the finance industry on a mission to economically empower women, working to bridge generational income and wealth gaps, through intentional focus on advocacy, community, authentic connection, and by leveraging our collective resources. In this session, you'll discover a few simple ways to optimize your money and make informed financial decisions. This event is tailored to help you simplify and effectively navigate the ever changing complexities of the financial landscape. You'll walk away with actionable insights to improve your finances.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and take control of your financial future. Reserve your spot today!

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

This is an in-person event at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library.

Creating a business starts with a great idea, but it doesn't end there. There's so much more to know and so many more things to do. In this one-hour SCORE Memphis webinar, we'll go through a series of questions to which you'll need to know the answers, as well as steps you'll need to take to take your idea to the next step. Learn about motivation, market research, mapping out your business in a plan and more! When you finish watching, you'll know how to proceed.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Gary Robinson has been with SCORE Memphis since 2017 and now serves as chapter chair and as District Director for the state of Tennessee. He spent 40 years in the newspaper business, including 31 of them in Memphis. His passion is helping aspiring entrepreneurs touch all the bases as they analyze turning their idea into a real business. He knows it's not an easy task, but that's why SCORE is here to help.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

First Steps to Position for Federal Government Contracting

Join us for a comprehensive online workshop that will guide you through the initial steps to position yourself for federal government contracting success. Whether you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur looking to expand into the federal marketplace, this event is perfect for you!

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

The General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Small Business Utilization - Region 4 and the SBA Tennessee District Office are collaborating to host an informative webinar for small businesses.

This event aims to provide valuable insights and guidance on various GSA business opportunities. The webinar will cover a range of topics, including:

• GSA Multiple Award Schedule Program

• Public Buildings Service

• Federal Acquisition Service

• Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts

• Forecast of Contracting Opportunities

• Small Business Administration’s Subcontracting Network (SubNet)

• Section 889 guidance, and more.

The webinar will also allocate time for a Questions and Answers session.

The webinar is open to all small businesses and will be a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and explore GSA-related business opportunities.

By attending this webinar, small businesses can gain a comprehensive and competitive understanding of the GSA landscape and explore potential avenues for business growth and diversification. The webinar presents an excellent opportunity for small businesses to enhance their knowledge and interact with a GSA expert.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

If you're new to small business, figuring out the proper way to do your taxes can create many headaches. In this workshop you will learn about tax-filing requirements, common deductions and even some Internal Revenue Service record-keeping rules.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dorothy Smith has more than 30 years in the Accounting Industry, including 20 years in the U.S. Airforce as a Financial Management Specialist. She has a Bookkeeping and Tax Practice, and a Masters' degree in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University. She is also an Enrolled Agent, which is the highest credential awarded by the IRS to speak on behalf of all taxpayers. Dorothy is also a SCORE Memphis volunteer.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Social media can be a powerful tool for small business owners to market their products and services directly to their customers. However, social media can also be overwhelming. Which platform do you post on? How often should you post? What do you post and when?

In this webinar, marketing expert Patty Ross will teach you the basics every business owner should know about social media marketing and the latest trends you should follow.

You will learn:

• How to create a content calendar

• How to choose which platforms make sense for your business

• The right times to post on each platform and how often

• What type of content to post for the best engagement

• What are the best social media advertising options

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Whether you’re striving to pay off debt, start a business or just gain control of your finances, creating an effective budget is the cornerstone of financial success.

In this webinar, our expert speaker will show you how to build an effective and easy budget that you can use to plan, manage and save for your financial future.

What you’ll learn:

• Effective ways to Manage your money

• Easy to understand Budgets

• Understanding money, assets and creating passive income

• Money Saving Strategies

• Financial planning for the future

Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Topic: Marketing and Sales

Marketing your small business may seem like a daunting task, but like all tasks, the first step is to formulate a plan. How do you find segmented markets? You must think constantly about who your customers are. In this class, we will show small business owners how to make your marketing work for you. You will learn: Why you need a marketing plan 10 steps to creating & implementing a marketing plan in your business 3 categories of task items you can jump on today Write a marketing plan with confidence by joining us so you can drive your business toward the results you want! The training workshop is completely free to all small business owners. Please pre-register for seating.

Speaker(s): This class is taught by Eyona Mitchell, Principal Consultant, Market | Profit | Grow

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Join us for WBEC South's Power Hour Series and unlock new opportunities for your women-owned business. This virtual event is focused on certifications and resources. Join Bistany Bass and the WBEC South team to gain valuable insights, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and discover the tools needed to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Guest Speaker: Bistany Bass

Bistany Bass is the new Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships for WBEC South. Prior to joining WBEC South, Bistany worked at Imagen, LLC, a woman-owned business that designs and builds trade show booths, museum displays and custom interiors. She earned her J.D. from Nashville School Law in 2007 and served for seven years as an adoption attorney at the Law Office of Lisa Collins. Prior to law school, she spent three years as a clinical research associate at ICON plc working on clinical trials for new drugs. Bistany graduated Cum Laude from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology and Immunology in 2000. In her spare time, Bistany enjoys spending time with her two sons, attending their track meets and lacrosse games, being outdoors and giving back as an Assistant Scout Master in their Boy Scout Troop.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Meet AgLaunch staff and our startup founders to learn how the AgLaunch Farmer Network is helping shape the future of agtech innovation.

Farming is changing rapidly. We all know the role of data, conservation, direct-to-end user markets, and traceability are the future, but farmers are often left figuring it out on their own. The AgLaunch Farmer Network connects farmers with startup companies and specialty crop opportunities to beta test ideas, offer feedback, and, ultimately, increase farm efficiencies and earning power.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear from the startups and their plans for 2024 Farm Trials!

In partnership with

Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation

and Delta Farm Press.

REGISTER HERE.

Please join us to meet and hear pitches from AgLaunch's newest cohort of AgTech start-ups with technologies that aid specialty crop, row crop, and livestock producers. Join us for light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres and meet the founders and CEOs leading these teams.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

WBENC certification is a certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council that validates a business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated and managed by a woman or women.

"Understanding WBENC Certification", the WBEC South Pre-Certification Webinar, takes place on the last Thursday of the month at 2 pm central time.

Women business owners with questions about the WBE and SBA WOSB certification process are encouraged to join to learn about WBENC requirements, eligibility standards, and the application process.

The webinar will feature a presentation and a dynamic Q & A session to answer all your WBE Certification questions.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Topic: Financing

This in-person workshop will explain the difference between debt and equity, highlight resources that provide them and explain how you should prepare before seeking capital for your business.

Speaker(s): Gary Moore, Business Development Specialist BrightBridge Capital

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Did you know that business loans as small as $1,000 are now available and that there are loan programs designed specifically for home-based businesses not yet in operation? This workshop will discuss the various types of financing.

This workshop will review the types of business financing and the requirements for obtaining

them:

** Debt vs. Equity Financing

** Traditional vs. Online Lenders

** Small Business Administration (SBA) Backed Loans

** Startup and Micro Loans

** Non-Profit Lenders

** Invoice Financing

** Online Business Loans

** Crowdfunding

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Craig Linsky is a SCORE mentor and Chair of the Client Education Committee at SCORE in Jacksonville. Craig worked in the financial services industry for nearly 30 years. For the past 10 years, he has designed and taught marketing and other business topics both domestically through SCORE and internationally through the Financial Services Volunteer Corp.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Government Contracting

*Please be aware that this is a two step registration. You will receive a second registration link from the TN Apex Accelerator that will need to be completed to receive the meeting link. The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services will present this program, which is designed to introduce the business owner or manager to the diversity of government purchasing. Participants will learn how to navigate the governmental contracting process and bid successfully in the government marketplace. Attendees learn about requirements of Doing Business with the Government, and how to be successful in today's public sector marketplace. We will cover the following aspects: Overview of contract vehicles such as IDIQ (GSA Schedule) Types of contracts How the government buys Acquisition planning Procurement Regulations (FAR) & Procedures Analyzing solicitations Pricing Capture Management This training is best suited for companies with previous experience in government contracting.

Speaker(s): Jutta Bangs with Tennessee Apex Accelerator

Co-Sponsor(s): Tennessee Apex Accelerator

You will receive access information to this webinar prior to the event date. Please contact Jutta Bangs with Apex Accelerator if you have any problems accessing the training: jutta.bangs@tennessee.edu.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Business insurance is an important investment for any small business. Running a business requires you to plan for many day-to-day challenges, but have you planned and prepared for the unexpected? 

In this webinar, our expert presenter will guide you through the various kinds of insurance, what you need and don't need for your business, companies that provide business insurance and the general costs associated with business insurance.

Learning objectives:

• Understanding and managing the business risks

• Understand the different types of liability insurance

• How to protect your assets, income and personal cash or property

• Protect from injuries and damages received or inflicted

Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Learn quick ways to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show you how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google. This workshop is most beneficial to small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to drive sales.

Netta Dobbins, our featured speaker, is a marketing coach and consultant, entrepreneur, and DEI strategist with an unparalleled passion for elevating small businesses and nonprofits. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Netta has masterfully collaborated with a diverse range of organizations, from Fortune 500 giants to vibrant startups, ensuring best-in-class DEI practices that drive business growth. Netta has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Nashville Biz Journal, The Tennessean and more. She’s been a guest contributor for outlets like Adweek and Worklife -- a subsidy of Digiday. She has also been named one of Adweek’s 2022 Women Trailblazers; is a recipient of the Jane Walker First Women Grant; and has been featured as an entrepreneurial change maker by McDonald’s.

Before her successful entrepreneurial pursuits, the Nashville-native made waves in New York City's entertainment PR realm. She achieved notable success in securing press for industry titans like Clive Davis, PBS, Sony Legacy Artists, Airbnb, and Marvel. Later, in the world of advertising, she spearheaded strategy at a top-tier cultural marketing agency. This role saw her crafting immersive campaigns for prestigious brands such as State Farm, Kaiser Permanente, and NIKE, ensuring they effectively engaged diverse audiences both online and offline.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

The Small Business Administration has numerous valuable programs and opportunities for small business owners and those aspiring to start small businesses. At this event, on the third floor of the Benjamin L. Hooks Public Library, you will learn about:

** How to market to the Federal Government

** Women-Owned Certification

** HubZone Certification

** 8(a) Business Development Program

** Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran Certification

** SBA Loans

** The five C's of credit.

NOTE: Seating is limited for this event. Please register early.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Eric Terrell is Senior Manager for Middle and West Tennessee for the U.S. Small Business Administration, a position he has held since 2017. Before that, he was marketing director for the General Services Administration.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Marketing and Sales

Are you already on social media for your business but have no idea how to use it for business growth? Maybe you’ve navigated setting up your profile but aren’t sure what to post. Or maybe you’ve been posting and aren’t seeing the desired results. In this class, you will learn: How to create an achievable content calendar to achieve your goals What to post to accomplish your strategic marketing goals How to use content to drive traffic to your website When to post content for the best engagement How to reduce your monthly time investment in social media while still getting the results you need Be ready to spend less time, get more results, and enjoy the benefits of social media in 2024!

Speaker(s): Victory Harbin, Founder of The Social Brand Stephen W. Williams, Director of TSBDC at Roane State Community College

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Topic: Start-up Assistance

This in-person workshop will help you gain insights on why a business plan is important and the preparation needed to begin writing it. Major components of a business plan will be discussed as well as the supporting documentation needed for an effective business plan.

Speaker(s): Dr. Eddie Harris, DBA La'Breda Morrow, MBA

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Are you struggling to attract visitors to your website? It could be the perfect time to learn the SEO basics and elevate your search engine ranking. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a multi-faceted marketing strategy that might seem daunting, but fear not.

Join our webinar, where our expert presenter will guide you through the fundamentals of SEO marketing. You'll learn how to build an effective SEO marketing strategy, discover quick and effective tactics for driving traffic to your website and monitor and maintain your site's performance.

Learning objectives:

• The three essential elements to rank high in search engines

• Step-by-step instructions for picking high-potential keywords

• How to seamlessly optimize on-page content for your target keywords

• How to find and fix SEO issues dragging down your rankings

• Simple techniques for getting reputable sites to link back to your website

• How to monitor your site's search engine performance using free tools

Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Elevate your workplace experience with a Power Hour "Culture Crafting" session hosted by Fazande Consulting! Join us for an inspiring journey led by HR expert Shannon Fazande, the dynamic CEO, and Principal Strategist of Fazande Consulting, based in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Shannon, with her extensive experience spanning Europe, the Caribbean, and the United States, is not your typical HR consultant. Passionate about transforming workplaces into lively hubs of positivity, she's on a mission to redefine how we engage with work. This Power Hour is not just about policies and procedures; it's an HR journey designed to help you create a workplace where everyone thrives!

In this engaging session, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Get clear about your vision for an ideal workplace culture.

• Benefit from Shannon's insights on transforming workplaces into vibrant and positive environments.

• Learn practical strategies to shape a culture that empowers individuals and drives collective success.

• Discover the key elements that contribute to a thriving team dynamic.

As you embark on this Power Hour "Culture Crafting" session, you'll gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways to elevate your workplace culture. Don't miss this chance to join Shannon Fazande on a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional HR – it's about crafting a culture where everyone can thrive!

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

This is an in-person event at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Social media can be a great way to promote your business, sell your products and get your message out to the world. This workshop will look at how best to use Facebook and Instagram to get noticed. What are the trends? What are the best strategies?
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Sarita Price is a published author, adjunct professor, board certified life coach, motivational speaker, business owner, and social media and branding guru, among other things. She helps her clients develop and enhance their life and leadership skills to be equipped to live and lead with confidence and BOLDNESS through her Soft Skills Matter(TM) practices. She is “Skilling You Softly”.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Developing a strategy that ties all the various elements of digital marketing together in an integrated digital marketing platform is essential to realizing the goals and objectives of a company’s digital marketing campaign. In this webinar, we will provide an overview of developing a digital marketing strategy.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

In today’s fast-paced world, keeping up with marketing can feel overwhelming. That’s why so many business owners have started using Artificial intelligence in their marketing strategy. 

In this webinar, our expert presenter will walk you through how to use AI to automate processes and create marketing content. This presentation is your guide to understanding and embracing AI, no matter where you are in your marketing journey.

You’ll learn:

• How to use AI throughout the marketing process

• How to understand and communicate with AI tools

• How to generate marketing content

Live attendees will receive free business resources and a link to this webinar recording.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Start-up Assistance

TSBDC - Oak Ridge offers you the opportunity to learn how to launch your own business and turn ideas, passions, and side hustles into functioning businesses. This seminar will walk you through a basic business guide to help you get started. Limited seating available for this seminar; register as soon as possible.

Speaker(s): Stephen W. Williams, TSBDC Director Stephen has over 35 years of experience in leadership, operations, financial, and strategic management with international manufacturing and consulting firms. He has developed sales and marketing strategies that increased sales volume by over 120% within one year of implementation. In addition, Stephen is experienced in company operations optimization, JIT production, debt restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions. He has established joint ventures in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, and the U.K. and has negotiated relationships with General Electric, ABB, General Dynamics, and Westinghouse Electric. Stephen has held the following positions, marketing & sales director, vice president, chief operations officer, president, chief executive officer, and chairman. Before joining TSBDC, he founded Stone Lion Capital Partners, a boutique investment banking firm providing M&A, deal structuring, and access to capital services.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Online Tools to Help your Small Business Succeed with Market Research

The presentation offers a comprehensive overview of market research tools and their practical applications, specifically tailored to support small businesses. Covering a range of essential market research methods, such as USA Spending, GSA Advantage, Dynamic Small Business Search, Google and SAM.gov. This presentation will equip small business owners with valuable insights to make well-informed decisions and effectively navigate the private and public-sector markets.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Business Basics

In this in-person workshop we will discuss the following: *How to use AI in your business strategies and legally * What businesses can do to protect their AI-generated creations, content, and works.

Speaker(s): Lauren Brown, J. D., MBA Owner and Lead Consultant, LRB Global Consulting Services

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Topic: Managing a Business

In this one-hour Q&A session, you have access to an attorney and can ask your business-related legal questions at no-cost.

Speaker: Chuck Fisher (Grant, Konvalinka, and Harrison P.C.)

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.