Seminars and Workshops
Starting a new business? Looking for new ways to expand? Want to add social media to your marketing? Try a Small Business Center seminar!
Seminars and Workshops
If you have a disability that requires special accommodation, please contact the Small Business Center 72 hours prior to the event or contact the Counselor for Students with Disabilities, at accommendations@cvcc.edu.
Want to Start Your Own Business? - Online
This webinar outlines a step-by-step process of assessment, customer discovery, and plans to get your business started, as well as tools to help you assess "will this business be successful?" Each attendee will receive a 51-page Business Start-up Guide that provides links to many resources needed to register your business, get legal advice, patent advice, etc.
October 5, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker(s):Ron Elmore, NC Small Business and Technology Development Center
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Grant Writing 101: What the Pros Know - Online
New to grant writing or find yourself writing grants without success?
This webinar gives you a comprehensive introduction to grant writing, outlines what should be included in each grant component, and helps you steer clear of the most common pitfalls. This is a fast-paced online event that will help you with the building block of a strong grant proposal.
As funding becomes more difficult to secure, nonprofit organizations face significant challenges to fulfill their missions. This webinar reviews the questions nonprofits need to answer prior to searching and applying for grant funds, outlines the seven basic elements of most proposals, and shows participants how to match their needs to funder priorities. Participants focus on the major questions that need to be answered prior to writing a proposal and incorporating these answers into research and ultimately a competitive proposal.
Participants will leave this webinar with the tools required to determine the need for and content of strategy sessions, the elements of effective plans, implementation methods, and where to begin.
In this 1.5-hour event, learn how to create a successful grant proposal:
- Determine if your organization is prepared to apply for grant funding.
- List and describe the seven major elements of most grant proposals.
- Learn how to be proactive in your grant writing, instead of reactive.
- Write a data-based description of the problem your nonprofit cares about.
- Define specific, measurable outcomes.
- Explore options for answering the sustainability question and creating evaluation methods.
This is a fast-paced online event that will help you with the building block of a strong grant proposal.
October 7, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Show Me the Money: Effective Grant Research - Online
Do you want to locate ideal foundation prospects to help support your nonprofit? Are you having a hard time finding the foundations that fit the bill? If so, this is the webinar for you!
This webinar will explore the details needed to conduct successful grant research and expedite your grant writing process. You will learn the details needed to begin prospect research, how to locate available grants, how to navigate organizational websites to locate funding opportunities, and identify pitfalls to avoid that will save you time and expedite your research and writing processes.
Takeaways:
- Identify the different ways to conduct grant research and connect your results to the appropriate types of projects or services.
- Explain the characteristics of an ideal prospect.
- How to use 990s in prospect research
- Details needed before research can begin
- How to locate available grants on the local and federal levels
- How to find ideal foundation prospects using free resources
October 7, 2021, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Ask for the Money: Best Practices for Raising Capital for Your Small Business - Online
Does your company have a need to raise capital in order to grow? Debt? Equity? What do I need, when do I need it, what is my best source of capital based on my current state? How do I put together a compelling Financial Plan that actually attracts the investment from multiple sources? Come learn how from an experienced SBTDC Director who has used this approach to raise over $25,000,000 last year.
October 12, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker(s): Ron Elmore, NC Small Business and Technology Development Center
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Home Based Businesses for Start Up Entrepreneurs - Online
This course is designed to provide start up entrepreneurs with the flexibility they seek in career options by exploring the availability of a home based small business career. Offered by the US Small Business Administration, topics will include developing the key processes for a home based business such as; the startup requirements; the skills plan; the business plan; the marketing plan; the financial plan; and how to obtain alternative lending for getting your own home based small business up and running.
October 12, 2021, 1:00 PM - 2:30PM
Speaker(s):Don Spry, Small Business Administration
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Tax Essentials - Online
This webinar will cover the basic requirements to help NC businesses understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax compliant business. Participants will learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of NC sales & use tax law, and the basics of NC withholding tax law in addition to receiving directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns and for filing and paying online. Agencies such as the Secretary of State, Industrial Commission, Employment Security or Business Link NC may be present at dates noted below to deliver additional information.
October 14, 2021, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Speaker(s): Edward Shumaker, NC Department of Revenue
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
How Google Tools Can Help You Drive Customer Acquisition
NOTE -- This program is an in-person workshop and not available online.
Learn how your business can be found online with Google. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website's visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Google My Business, Google Trends, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Ads, and more.
In this webinar we’ll discuss best practices for:
- Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices
- Creating a free Google My Business listing
- Advertising your business on Google
This is an in-person program at the Hickory Hub Co-Working Space and not available online. The Hickory Hub is located at 375 Main Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601.
This program is part of our Digital Happy Hour series...please join us at 5PM prior to the program for networking and socializing.
October 19, 2021, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Speaker(s): Ron Elmore, NC Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Hickory Hub
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Identifying Needs and Building Budgets - Online
Learn how to deconstruct your programs and develop a realistic budget to drive your fundraising plan.
Do you want to avoid budget surprises that can leave your organization strapped for cash and operating in crisis mode? Let Funding for Good walk you through the budget deconstruction process so you can identify gaps and craft realistic projections at the program and organization levels.
Takeaways:
- Identify the most common line-items in a nonprofit budget
- Discover the three items most often missing in nonprofit budgets
- Learn how to avoid common budgeting pitfalls
- Gain tips for crafting budget assumptions to justify the math
- Explore different budget formats to improve functional use
October 21, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
How to Craft a Written Fundraising Plan - Online
Use essential metrics to outline strategies to fully fund your organization.
Do you have fundraising goals but no idea of where to start in creating strategies to accomplish them? Our experts will teach you how to identify the essential data in your organization's past and present so you can create a fundraising plan that works. This session replaces fundraising fantasies with fact-driven processes.
Takeaways:
- Complete a historical review of your organization's fundraising data.
- Use data to develop an action-oriented and viable fundraising plan.
- Explore options to evaluate and diversify revenue streams.
- Determine where and if grants fit into the equation.
October 21, 2021, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Blogging in a Social and Mobile World - Online
Octavia Spencer once wrote, "The hardest thing about writing, for me, is facing the blank page." Nowhere is that quote more relevant in the world of online marketing than when it comes to blogging, yet blogging remains one of the most powerful tools available in a small business owner's digital toolkit. This seminar will look to cover both the science and art of blogging - why it is important, how and when to blog, how to get the most bang out of each blog and, of course, how to get started when staring at a blank page.
October 25, 2021, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Social Media to Promote Your Business - Online
This webinar looks into the tactical aspects of social marketing including the when, where and how to post for maximum effect and result. We'll also answer that age-old question "to respond, or not to respond" to online comments. Attendees will leave the session ready to expand their social power and presence in this increasingly social world.
October 25, 2021, 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
337 Ways to Market Your Business for Greater Profits - Online
Half of your marketing plan is not working and costing you money. Do you know which half that is? Every business has a marketing expense – either by direct labor or purchasing or services and resources. The key to any successful business is a successful marketing program that gets measurable results and keeps marketing costs low. Learn how to maximize that marketing investment and improve your strategic visibility by generating leads, closing sales opportunities, increasing customer transactions and purchasing, utilize strategic pricing techniques, and dramatically improve bottom line profits
October 26, 2021, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Speaker(s): Don Spry, Small Business Administration
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Expenses and Business Use of Your Home - Online
Which items can you deduct to reduce your tax expense? How should you handle capital expenses? This seminar identifies expenses that businesses can deduct from their taxes, how much of these expenses can be deducted, and how to differentiate between capital and deductible expenses. In addition the webinar reviews IRS publication 587 on the business use of your home and helps you determine how much of a deduction can be taken for a home business.
October 28, 2021, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Speaker(s): Fred Parker, Attorney
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Tips for Using Facebook to Build Your Business - Hybrid/In-Person
In this class, participants will learn the basics of setting up a Facebook business page as well as information about promotions, advertisements, and making a huge impact for your business online.
This program is offered as a seated program at CVCC, and it will also be streamed online. If you would like to attend the program online, we will email a webinar link the day before the program with a reminder note e-mail 30 minutes prior to the program.
November 1, 2021, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Make It Official....Registering a Business in NC - Online
Review the different business structures. Learn the basics of selecting a business name, registering a business, and navigating state regulatory requirements, business and consumer benefits of the requirements, and the tools to help with registration, annual reporting and more. The role and requirements of the Assumed Names Registry (Doing Business As or DBA) also will be covered. Attendees will receive a PDF of forms & resources.
November 2, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Speaker(s): Ann Elmore, Agency Legal Specialist with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Hashtag Culture - Build a Following on Instagram - Hybrid/In-Person
Instagram is one of the fastest growing social media platforms where you paint a picture of your business with photos and videos. Learn how to use this platform in connection with Facebook to grow your business to great heights.
This program is offered as a seated program at CVCC, and it will also be streamed online. If you would like to attend the program online, we will email a webinar link the day before the program with a reminder note e-mail 30 minutes prior to the program.
November 3, 2021, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads - Hybrid/In-Person
In this workshop, participants will learn about different options to advertise your business using online resources. These options are often easier and much less expensive than traditional advertising. We will discuss social media advertising through major platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as Google Ads and other options.
This program is offered as a seated program at CVCC, and it will also be streamed online. If you would like to attend the program online, we will email a webinar link the day before the program with a reminder note email 30 minutes prior to the program.
November 8, 2021, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Building Your Tribe with YouTube - Hybrid/In-Person
Are you interested in spreading the message of your business with a platform that your customers are already using? More and more people are turning to YouTube for all their information, news, and entertainment. Your business should have a presence there, as well. In this workshop, you will learn how to get started with video marketing, how to make good quality videos with the tools you already have, set up and promote your YouTube channel, and spread your message to all of your customers with a simple and easy to use method.
This program is offered as a seated program at CVCC, and it will also be streamed online. If you would like to attend the program online, we will email a webinar link the day before the program with a reminder note email 30 minutes prior to the program.
November 10, 2021, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Marketing in a Social and Mobile World - Online
This webinar looks at the changing dynamic of online consumerism and how businesses must adapt their marketing programs to survive. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the changes and some specific strategies they can implement to improve their social and mobile marketing activity.
November 15, 2021, 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Turn Your Website into a Lead Generator - Online
This webinar covers the importance of creating a purposeful web experience for your web visitors with a focus on user experience and conversion. Too often website developers and business owners focus on the aesthetics of their site rather than the conversion metrics. Attendees of this webinar will learn why that is a fatal flaw and how they can overcome it.
November 15, 2021, 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Claim Your Marks! Registering Trademarks in NC and More - Online
This webinar will raise awareness of:
- Different kinds of intellectual property--including patents, copyright, trade secrets, trademarks & service marks.
- How & where each may be claimed & registered.
- The value gained by registering & possible outcomes of not registering.
- The importance of protecting Trademarks & Service Marks & ways to do so.
- How to determine if your mark can be registered, as well as reserving or registering Trademarks & Service Marks in NC.
- Where to turn for hel
November 30, 2021, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Speaker(s):Ann Elmore, Agency Legal Specialist with the NC Department of the Secretary of State
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Introduction to QuickBooks - Online
Intro to QuickBooks gets new and prospective small business owners started using QuickBooks, focusing on navigating the home page, using QuickBooks lists, and the chart of accounts. In this hands-on session, participants work through using QuickBooks to create a company file and practice recording sales and managing expenses. The session provides an overview on how QuickBooks can be used to manage a small business’ finances.
December 2, 2021, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Speaker(s): Jeff Weathers
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Intermediate QuickBooks desktop - Online
Intro to QuickBooks gets new and prospective small business owners started using QuickBooks, focusing on navigating the home page, using QuickBooks lists, and the chart of accounts. In this hands-on session, participants work through using QuickBooks to create a company file and practice recording sales and managing expenses. The session provides an overview on how QuickBooks can be used to manage a small business’ finances.
December 9, 2021, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Speaker(s): Jeff Weathers
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Your own business, your own boss,
but...
where do you start?
Call the Small Business Center
at Catawba Valley Community College
(828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
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