Rhode Island Small Business Development Center Upcoming Events

Free Technical Assistance and HUBZone Information Workshop, Monday, May 21, 2012

Business Training: Casey Family Services, Providence — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:20:51 GMT

Where: Casey Family Services, Providence
When: Monday, May 21, 2012 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Topic: Government Contracting
Do you need assistance starting or growing your small business? We can help! This workshop will help you understand the programs and services available from the U. S. Small Business Administration, City of Providence, Mayor Angel Taveras, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center at Johnson & Wales University and the Center for Women & Enterprise. Learn about government contracting opportunities that are available through the SBA's Hub-Zone program. What is the HUBZone Program? The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) Program helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. The Federal Government buys everything from paperclips to aircraft carriers. There are 44 designated "HUBZones" in Rhode Island, of which, 27 reside in the city of Providence. Benefits of the HUBZone Program Competitive and sole source contracting 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions, as well as subcontracting opportunities The federal government has a goal of awarding 3% of all dollars for federal prime contracts to HUBZone-certified small business concerns
Co-Sponsor: U.S. Small Business Administration, City of Providence - Mayor Angel Taveras, Center for Women and Enterprise, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center,
Fee: Free
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7 Secrets for Writing Persuasive, Compelling Website Copy That Sells, Without Being "Salesy", Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:12:06 GMT

Where: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence
When: Wednesday, May 23, 2012 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales
*Are you a small business owner and struggling to find customers? *Do you want to convert more of your website visitors into paying customers? *Are you afraid of coming across as too pushy or "salesy"? If you fit any of the above descriptions, you're going to love what I'm about to share with you today. As a small business owner, you often only have ONE chance to make something happen with your prospects. It's a statistical fact that the vast majority of your prospective customers will only visit your website once, never to return. Therefore, you must get them to take an action while you have their attention or risk losing them forever. Wouldn't it be nice to have a website that captures hot leads for you, so you can spend less time making cold calls and more time with your friends and family? In this one-of-a-kind 2 hour workshop, you'll learn how to write persuasive, compelling website copy that converts your prospects into customers, without appearing pushy or "salesy." You don't need to figure everything out all by yourself. I want you to help you find those high paying customers just like the expert world-class marketers do. HERE'S A SMALL SAMPLE OF WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS WORKSHOP: *How to structure your website so that you are in the best position to capture leads. *The 4 Keys of creating valuable content that triggers your prospects' curiosity and pulls them into your website. *The 7 most common mistakes that small businesses make in their marketing copy that actually repels customers. (Make sure you stop doing these immediately!) *A simple and easy-to-use formula for writing website copy that your visitors will actually want to read (and gets them to pull out their wallets too). *And much more! HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO: Register online for this free workshop being held from 6-8 pm, JWU Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, TACO Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI About the Instructor: Robert Beadle is president of Northeast Public Relations, Inc. (www.NortheastPR.com) and the 2009 recipient of the Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for both Rhode Island and all of New England. Robert has developed and implemented successful public relations and marketing programs for over 40 companies, non-profit organizations and government entities in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island.
Speaker: Robert Beadle, President, Northeast Public Relations, Inc.
Fee: Free
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Constant Contact Presents: Helping You Reach Your Next Great Customer: Get Down To Business 2012, Thursday, May 24, 2012

Business Training: Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom, Providence — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:39:09 GMT

Where: Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom, Providence
When: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Celebrate Small Business Week with Get Down to Business: a free, action-packed, nationwide series of business building events. Led by the industry's top experts in email and social media marketing, Get Down To Business is your kick-off for small business success. It's also your chance to meet and mingle with other small businesses and local influencers to learn: . Proven tips and strategies for reaching your next great customer . How to get existing customers to bring you new ones . How to create engaging marketing campaigns . And much more! So whether you have all the customers you can handle or if you're looking for new ones, you'll find tons of useful info that will help you boost your bottom line in no time.
Co-Sponsor: Constant Contact, RI Small Business Development Center, SCORE
Fee: Free
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Opening the Doors: Start Up Clinic, Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:23:56 GMT

Where: Central RI Chamber of Commerce, Slade's Business Center, Warwick
When: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance
OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR BUSINESS Have you been over your checklists multiple times, and everything seems to be in place? Then it is time to take that big step and open your doors for business. Entrepreneurs can often overlook critical steps in the startup process, so to ensure they position their businesses efficiently, legally, and soundly, the RISBDC is offering this comprehensive clinic. Participants will learn: . How to register your business . Market research & analysis . Legal structures for your business . Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection . Failure factors and business planning Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your doors.
Fee: Free
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LinkedIn Means Business, Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:10:16 GMT

Where: RIEDC, RIEDC American Locomotive Works Development Building, Providence
When: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Using well-crafted social media techniques to expand your international business are essential when interacting with a potential foreign partner. This workshop is designed to equip Rhode Island business owners with the acumen needed to compete and grow internationally by fully leveraging all the opportunities LinkedIn offers your business. At our LinkedIn Means Business Workshop you will learn: > How to create a vanity URL > If paying for a LinkedIn premium account is worth it > Recruiting for your business > How to conduct keyword searches for prospective clients > The importance of LinkedIn Answers > How to increase your company's page recommendations > How to generate leads using LinkedIn LinkedIn provides a powerful platform for companies to connect internationally with prospects in a cost-effective professional manor. This social network delivers powerful tools that allow you to conduct research on prospects, become a thought leader in your industry and build a credible online presence. It also opens countless doors to attracting international partners and sales. This LinkedIn workshop will teach you practical techniques you should begin employing to recruit, build credibility and generate leads on a global stage.
Co-Sponsor: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, The John H. Chafee Center for International Business in conjunction with TribalVision, a marketing consulting firm located in Providence, Rhode Island.
Fee: $ 35.00
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Social Media Marketing for International Trade, Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:04:01 GMT

Where: RIEDC, RIEDC American Locomotive Works Development Building, Providence
When: Thursday, May 31, 2012 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Topic: Marketing and Sales
Using smart Social Media techniques as a marketing tool to expand your international business are essential when interacting with a potential foreign partner. This workshop will focus on using LinkedIn and other social networking sites applications that will increase your bottom line.
Speaker: Chris Ciunci and Younce Lattenist, TribalVision
Fee: $ 35.00
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Losses & Fraud, Thursday, May 31, 2012

Business Training: Johnson & Wales University, TACO Building, Providence — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:30:06 GMT

Where: Johnson & Wales University, TACO Building, Providence
When: Thursday, May 31, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Topic: Business Accounting and Budget
Fraud is a continuing concern of business owner and financial professionals, whose jobs are to protect businesses' payment transactions from traditional and emerging fraud schemes? Research by the Fed, the Association for Financial Professional, and others will be summarized and reviewed to identify what payment types are most vulnerable to fraud attacks and losses, and what schemes are most prevalent today. Participants to this seminar will gain a better understanding of their payment fraud risks and actions available to mitigate those risks.
Speaker: Pablo Cabrera
TACO Building, Room 221
Fee: Free
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Creating Your Roadmap to Success: Writing Your Business Plan, Monday, June 04, 2012

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:30:34 GMT

Where: Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket
When: Monday, June 04, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 8 sessions ending Monday, July 23
Topic: Start-up Assistance
Starting a business without a plan is like going on a trip without a map. A business plan is essential to helping you start, build and manage your business. This eight sessions/eight week course guides the small business owner/potential owner through the development of a business plan in order to develop and grow their business. Even if you don't need financing, a business plan will help you formulate your ideas, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and consolidate your business model. In order to gain the highest benefit of this hands-on practical, step by step approach to develop a first draft of your business plan participants should already know their targeted business industry. Topics covered include: the Mission and Vision statement, market research (conducted by a research specialist to be held at the Providence Public Library), the organizational plan, the target market, competition within the market, product, service and pricing, financial analysis and documentation (knowledge of Excel needed), exit strategy and/or succession planning. The last class will be a presentation of your completed plan. Due to the Small Business Jobs Act signed by President Obama, the RISBDC is able to provide this 8-week seminar normally $450 for FREE! Seats are limited - Register TODAY!
Speaker: Mike Franklin
Fee: Free
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Renewable Energy Law Seminar, Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Business Training: Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:55:34 GMT

Where: Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln
When: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Topic: Managing a Business
Courtesy of energy and political leaders in Rhode Island small businesses have a new tool to lower stabilize their electricity costs. National Grid is being required to purchase electricity from Rhode Islanders who install renewable energy. National Grid will pay a super premium for electricity generated from solar, wind and other sources. Proponents of this new law will explain how the law can be leveraged to help your business. Expect a balance of the big picture and the "how to" details. Who Should Attend * Small Business Owners * Energy Managers * Chief Financial Officers What You Will Learn * Eligible Renewable Energies * Return on Investment * NGrid Payments per KWH * Eligibility Criteria Why Should You Attend *Lower Your Cost of Production * Increase Your Competitiveness * Reduce Carbon Footprint
Speaker: Miriam Ross, ESQ., Seth Handy, ESQ., Karina Lutz , Jim Dumas
Co-Sponsor: Renew Energy Initiative, Northen RI Chamber of Commerce
Fee: $ 15.00
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Rhode Island Small and Emerging Contractors Development Program, Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:05:27 GMT

Where: Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence
When: Tuesday, June 05, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 6 sessions ending Tuesday, July 17
Topic: Government Contracting
ARE YOU A CONTRACTOR? DO YOU WANT TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING? THIS FREE PROGRAM IS FOR YOU! WHAT EXACTLY IS THE SURETY BOND PROGRAM? If your small construction, service or supply company bids or performs projects requiring surety bonds, the U.S. Small Business Administration has a program that could help make you more competitive. Small business contractors and manufacturers can overcome challenges they face in winning government or private contracts by using the SBA's Surety Bond Guar-antee Program. A surety bond is a three-way agreement between the surety company, the contractor and project owner. The agreement with the SBA guarantees the contractor will comply with the terms and conditions of the contract. If the contractor is unable to successfully perform the contract, the surety assumes the contractor's responsibilities and ensures that the project is completed. The objectives for the program are: . Educating small, minority and women contractors about surety bonds and assisting them in becoming bondable. . Identifying resources available to small, minority and women contractors in obtaining their first bond, including the SBA Bond Guarantee Program as well as similar state and local programs in their area. . Providing assistance and referrals to small, minority and women contractors in obtaining appropriate accounting, project management and financing expertise. . Assisting small, minority and women bondable contractors in in-creasing their bonding capacity. WORKSHOP DATES & TOPICS June 5: Kick-Off: Overview of RISECPD Program and Initial Intake June 12: Business Planning, Management for Construction, Banking and Finance June 19: Construction Accounting and Financial Management June 26: Bonding and Insurance for Emerging Contractors, Claims and Dispute Resolution July 10: Marketing, Estimating and Bidding, Project Management and Field Operations July 17: Success Stories: Why Some Contractors Succeed and Others Fail and Conclusion of Education Component The Bond Readiness Component: One-on-one interactions with surety bond underwriters and others who work with contractors on a case-by-case basis to assemble the materials needed for a complete bond applica-tion and to address issues that might deter the underwriting of a surety bond.
Co-Sponsor: U.S. Small Business Administration RI Small Business Development Center Center for Women & Enterprise SCORE: Counselors to America's Small Business Surety & Fidelity Association of America
Fee: Free
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International Trade Webinar: Dominican Republic & Panama, Best Prospects and Mktg. Opportunities, Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Business Training: Online — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:11:18 GMT

Where: Online
When: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Panama and the Dominican Republic present exciting opportunities for U.S. exporters and will be the destinations for an upcoming Trade Mission in September 2012! Please join us in this interactive webinar to learn more about these countries and how your company could take advantage of all they have to offer, including: . Free Trade Agreements: The US has signed FTAs with both Panama and the Dominican Republic, providing numerous benefits to US exporters. . Commercial Partnering: The Caribbean Region is a natural commercial partner of the U.S., tied closely together by geography, history and culture. . The Region: The Caribbean Region as a whole represents a market of about 23.5 million people who collectively imported over $18.5 billion of U.S. goods in 2007. As a result, the region is the 3rd largest export market for U.S. manufactured goods in Latin America, behind only Mexico and Brazil. This fall the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation in conjunction with the Chafee Center for International Business will lead a trade mission to Panama and the Dominican Republic. This webinar will include an opportunity to speak with the U.S. officials responsible for matching mission participants with potential customers.
Speaker: PRESENTERS Senior Commercial Officers, US Department of Commerce, Daniel Crocker and Robert Jones, Jr. Daniel Crocker is currently serving as Senior Commercial Officer in the U.S. Embassy in Panama. Panama is Mr. Crocker's fifth diplomatic assignment. He has served as Commercial Consul and Principal Commercial Officer in Monterrey, Mexico; Principal Commercial Officer and sole U.S. Government diplomat in Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Commercial Attach� in the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil; and Vice-Consul in the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Robert Jones, Jr. Robert Jones is currently the Regional Commercial Counselor for the Caribbean Region, based at the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo. Prior to being assigned to the Dominican Republic, Mr. Jones was the Commercial Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Panama. Before arriving in Panama in 2005, he was the Consul for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Vancouver, Canada. Prior to that, he served as the Commercial Attach� at the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador and as the Consul for Commercial Affairs in Monterrey, Mexico .
Co-Sponsor: RI Economic Development Corporation, Chafee Center for International Business, US SBA
Eligible RI small businesses may receive funding to cover the program fee from the RI State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program. For more information on STEP, contact The Chafee Center at: (401) 232-6525 . *Dial-in information will be provided upon registration.
Fee: $ 35.00
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Exploring Self Employment: Pre-Venture Clinic, Friday, June 15, 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:33:29 GMT

Where: Central RI Chamber of Commerce, Slade's Business Center, Warwick
When: Friday, June 15, 2012 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Topic: Start-up Assistance
OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR BUSINESS Have you been over your checklists multiple times, and everything seems to be in place? Then it is time to take that big step and open your doors for business. Entrepreneurs can often overlook critical steps in the startup process, so to ensure they position their businesses efficiently, legally, and soundly, the RISBDC is offering this comprehensive clinic. Participants will learn: . How to register your business . Market research & analysis . Legal structures for your business . Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection . Failure factors and business planning Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your doors.
Fee: Free
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Opening the Doors to Your Business: Start-up Clinic, Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:14:26 GMT

Where: JWU Larry Friedman International Center for Entrepreneurship, Taco Center, 10 Abbott Park Place, Providence
When: Tuesday, June 26, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Topic: Start-up Assistance
OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR BUSINESS Have you been over your checklists multiple times, and everything seems to be in place? Then it is time to take that big step and open your doors for business. Entrepreneurs can often overlook critical steps in the startup process, so to ensure they position their businesses efficiently, legally, and soundly, the RISBDC is offering this comprehensive clinic. Participants will learn: . How to register your business . Market research & analysis . Legal structures for your business . Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection . Failure factors and business planning Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your doors.
Attendees should enter the TACO Building from 10 Abbott Park Place and proceed to Room 317 on the 3rd Floor.
Fee: Free
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Exploring Self Employment: Pre-Venture Clinic, Friday, July 20, 2012

Business Training: Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:35:19 GMT

Where: Northern RI Chamber of Commerce, Lincoln
When: Friday, July 20, 2012 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Topic: Start-up Assistance
OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR BUSINESS Have you been over your checklists multiple times, and everything seems to be in place? Then it is time to take that big step and open your doors for business. Entrepreneurs can often overlook critical steps in the startup process, so to ensure they position their businesses efficiently, legally, and soundly, the RISBDC is offering this comprehensive clinic. Participants will learn: . How to register your business . Market research & analysis . Legal structures for your business . Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection . Failure factors and business planning Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your doors.
Fee: Free
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