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 Shawn Frank, Counselor for Students with Disabilities, at (828) 327-7000 ext. 4222 or sfrank327@cvcc.edu.
Developing a Marketing Plan-Online
What’s the best way to reach your customers? How do you know? Marketing can make or break a business which is why a marketing plan is considered one of the most important parts of your business strategy. Learn what should be included in a marketing plan and why, and where to get the information. Discover easy steps for putting together a plan that’s right for your business.
Speaker(s): Elyshia Brooks, BrandNiquely You Inc
Wednesday, January 20, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Introduction to QuickBooks Online-Online
The online version of QuickBooks offers the same functionality as desktop QuickBooks, with more mobility for the small business owner. The look and feel are somewhat different than the desktop version, but QuickBooks online is a great option for the business which operates from multiple locations. This webinar reviews the various QuickBooks online options, plus shows participants how to open a sample company and get started working with QuickBooks online.
Speaker(s): Sabrina Cook, CPA
Thursday, January 21, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Finding Customers for Your Business-Online
Finding and identifying potential customers is 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. Learn all this and more at your local library.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Increasing Revenue and Gaining Customers via Digital Marketing-Online
This webinar is for entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in developing their digital marketing reach.
This session will provide an overview to create a customized Digital Marketing Plan, focusing on identifying and targeting customers by creating a “Customer Avatar” and developing consistent messaging strategies to promote and grow business.
The program will introduce participants to the SBTDC's Digital Marketing Guide and assist them in starting their customized digital marketing plan.
Speaker(s): Ron Elmore, Regional Director, Hickory/Boone Center, NC Small Business & Technology Development Center
Co-Sponsor(s): This webinar is co-sponsored by the NC Small Business & Technology Development Center
Thursday, January 28, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Successful Sales on Amazon-Online
Amazon is the leading e-commerce website in the United States with over $232 billion dollars in net sales and more than 350 million active customer accounts worldwide. In this fast paced class participants learn about Amazon's Search Algorithm, how to register and choose the account that fits their goals, and how to list an item on Amazon for free to maximize profitability. Topics also include how to ship items or allow Amazon to ship them with "Fulfillment by Amazon" (FBA) shipping services. Sell just a few items and pay no monthly fee with the Individual plan or choose the Small Business subscription for unlimited selling.
Speaker(s): Nick Hawks
Monday, February 1, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
How to Find Merchandise to Sell Online-Online
A common eCommerce question is “where do I get the stuff to sell online." That’s the million dollar question, isn’t it? In this fast paced webinar, participants learn secrets to sourcing merchandise to sell online in many different ways and learn the secrets of Supply and Demand. Participants also learn how to research products to find the Best Selling items. The program includes working with wholesalers, liquidators, drop-shippers, and foreign sources.
Speaker(s): Nick Hawks
Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Organization and Recordkeeping with the IRS-Online
Businesses need to know their options when it comes to legally structuring their business and how it will impact their tax liability. This session reviews legal structure options, the role of an EIN, and outlines the primary types of business taxes that many entities are required to play. Plus the session reviews recordkeeping requirements for businesses, including the types of information which need to be retained and the length of time that records should be kept.
Speaker(s): Fred P. Parker, IV - Attorney
Friday, February 5, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Canva to Promote Your Business-Online
You’ll be surprised at how easy and fun using Canva to promote your business can be. Whether you’re a digital marketing whiz that wants to create even more engaging content or you just want to jazz up a flyer for your next event - Canva has got you covered! Join us for Tech Tuesday and learn how to use Canva to promote your business.
Speaker(s): Wilmenia Gripper
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
NC Sales and Use Tax 101-Online
The NC Department of Revenue will host a sales and use tax workshop for small business owners. The workshop will discuss the basics of sales and use taxes including registering for a sales and use tax account, learning about the most common types of sales and use taxes collected, and preparing and filing a sales and use tax return.
This hands-on workshop is intended to help small business owners better understand their sales and use tax obligations and the proper procedure for filing and paying a sales and use tax return.
At the end of the seminar, there will be a question and answer session with the presenter and networking possibilities with other business owners.
Speaker(s): A representative from the North Carolina Department of Revenue will facilitate the webinar.
Thursday, February 11, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Funding Your Business-Online
Securing funding for a small business remains a top challenge in this turbulent environment. This program reviews funding options for new businesses and start-ups...from bootstrapping/self-funding to loans and to private equity. Participants will understand the current lending environment and identify options available for funding which match their position within the business growth cycle.
Speaker(s): A representative from the SBTDC will facilitate this online webinar.
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 5:00 PM-6:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Marketing Your Business-Online
Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive seminar.
Speaker(s): Terri DeBoo, Ideas@Work
Thursday, February 18, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Facebook to Build Your Business-Online
Facebook is used by millions to communicate and share information. And now more small businesses are using Facebook as a way to get online and share information. This seminar shows small business owners how to set up a Facebook business page, as well as use Facebook promotions and advertising to make an impact for their business online.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Monday, February 22, 2021, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Insurance 101: What You Need to Know-Online
Understanding the basics of insuring your business, including the coverages you need, why you need it, and how to get it.
Speaker(s): Matt Frazier, Main Street Insurance
Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Instagram to Build Your Business-Online
Instagram is used by millions to communicate and share information. And now more small businesses are using Instagram as a way to get online and share information. This seminar shows small business owners how to set up a Instagram business page, as well as use Instagram promotions and advertising to make an impact for their business online.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Thursday, February 25, 2021, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Paid Online Ads to Promote Your Business-Online
Participants will learn about different options to advertise their 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, Twitter, Pinterest, as well as Google AdWords and other options.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Monday, March 1, 2021, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using YouTube to Showcase Your Business-Online
The use of online videos, primarily those on YouTube, is making a huge impact on the way we do business today. Videos are seen by millions of people and business owners use them to make an impact online and bring customers to their stores. This webinar shows small business owners how to set up their YouTube account and make great videos with a small business budget. You will learn tactics that will work best for your business.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Introduction to 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.
Speaker(s): Jeff Weathers, OBX Accounting, LLC
Thursday, March 4, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Linkedin as a Business Tool-Online
In the new environment of mostly virtual networking, LinkedIn is even more of an important tool. In this session, we will explore the potential for your business when using LinkedIn as a business tool in your networking, prospecting, and brand awareness activities.
Speaker(s): Teddy Burris
Tuesday, March 9, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Intermediate QuickBooks Desktop-Online
This class will expand on the “Introduction To QuickBooks” seminar, covering more complex transactions that participants might encounter in running their business including: receiving payments and paying bills, managing accounts receivable and accounts payable, reconciling bank and credit card accounts, and how to generate and understand the financial reports (Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet) which small businesses need to monitor and analyze to manage their business and to close the year-end books.
Speaker(s): Jeff Weathers, OBX Accounting, LLC
Thursday, March 11, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Messaging and Direct Mail for Non-Profits-Online
Messaging is a powerful skill set for nonprofit staff, boards and volunteers. If we want community members to engage in our mission, volunteers to serve, and donors to increase giving, we must first give them more. Strategic messaging has the power to motivate people into action. As fundraisers, it can be really easy to develop "asking tunnel vision." But at the end of the day, we are asking other people to volunteer time or part with their hard-earned money. How do we pair direct mail opportunities and best practices with a powerful message to build organizational capacity and stability? This webinar offers simple strategies and best practices for engaging recipients of direct mail to open doors and generate support. By focusing on impact, value of a dollar, and follow-up reporting, you will be able to connect with a donor, emotionally, mentally and intellectually.
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Networking for Your Business-Online
The who, what, where, why and how of Networking training and Relationship building…this webinar will begin with what is networking, and end with you feeling better at how to be a successful networker and to understand why networking is valuable to your business. Participants leave this session with a realization that the opportunity to network is really a way to increase profits through effective networking and relationship building.
Speaker(s): Terri DeBoo, Ideas@Work
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Secrets for Optimizing Your Search Engine Ranking-Online
Getting a website up and running is great, but having customers find your website on the internet is even better! This webinar provides participants with search engine optimization strategies for improving visibility and driving traffic to their web site by focusing on key words, links, and URLs. Attendees will leave with several tactics that can be implemented immediately to help bolster rankings and drive more traffic to their site.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Major, WordJack Media
Monday, March 22, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Building Your Online Marketing Plan-Online
This seminar provides a framework and tactics for building your digital marketing plan, with a focus on the Five Steps to Winning on the Web: Getting found online; getting ranked on search engines; getting engagement through social media; getting leads and getting smarter through online metrics. By the end of this seminar, attendees will have a good understanding of the levers they can pull to drive online business.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Major, WordJack Media
Monday, March 22, 2021, 5:00 PM-6:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Tax Essentials-Online
This webinar covers 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 and 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.
Speaker(s): A representative from the North Carolina Department of Revenue will facilitate this educational webinar.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
How to Create a Solid Business Plan after doing Customer Discovery-Online
This webinar will help you with developing a solid business plan. In addition this session will provide essential information identifying your customer. You will be provided resources to research your competition and to interview potential customers.
This session will also share reasons to develop a plan with focusing on what to include (executive summary, company information, product/service, HR, marketing, operations, and financial plans), and tips for writing a successful plan.
Speaker(s): Ron Elmore, Regional Director, Hickory/Boone Center, NC Small Business & Technology Development Center
Co-Sponsor(s): This webinar is co-sponsored by the NC Small Business & Technology Development Center
Thursday, March 25, 2021, 11:00 AM-12:30 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Content Marketing 101-Online
In this webinar, you will learn the key components of content marketing, best practices for approaching content marketing with SEO, and resources to do your research and track results.
Speaker(s): Caitlin Sellers Castevens
Monday, March 29, 2021, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Mastering Google Workplace as a Business Tool-Online
Google Workplace, sometimes called Google Business, provides business professionals with a toolbox filled with great tools, for a very reasonable fee. In this session, we will explore Google Email, Drive, Documents, Contacts, Sheets, Forms, Slides, and much more.
Speaker(s): Teddy Burris
Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Business Expenses and Business Use of Your Home with the IRS-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 seminar 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.
Speaker(s): Fred Parker, Attorney
Thursday, April 1, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using YouTube for Branding Your Business-Online
Most people miss out on this fact; YouTube is the number 2 search engine in the world. Creating videos and sharing them on YouTube can be easy to do and by doing so you can amplify your business brand significantly. In this session, we will explore how you can create your own YouTube Channel and how you can begin producing videos your target audience is searching for, thus growing your brand.
Speaker(s): Teddy Burris
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
How to Start a Business-Online
Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business.
Speaker(s): A representative from the North Carolina Small Business and Technical Development Center will facilitate the webinar.
Thursday, April 8, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Hubspot in Your Business-Online
In this webinar, you will learn how to start, grow, and scale with HubSpot. Identify which tools are going to make the biggest impact, the quickest, and which tools are critical for setting your foundation regardless of whether you are using HubSpot free, starter, pro, or enterprise levels.
Speaker(s): Caitlin Sellers Castevens
Tuesday, April 13, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Budgets for Non-Profits: How to Convert Project Needs into Budget Line Items-Online
You know how much your projects need to be brought to life…but converting that into budget line items for fundraising or budget development can be a challenge. In this webinar you’ll learn how to deconstruct project components and organization needs to create manageable, measurable, and meaningful budget line items. An accurate budget makes fully funding your needs a more realistic endeavor. Learn the skills, tips and tricks into creating budgets your staff, board, and donor prospects will understand and support.
Speaker(s): Mandy Pearce, Funding for Good
Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Writing a Business Plan-Online
A business plan can be the most important tool a small business owner has. Learn how to turn your ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. This seminar teaches you the important components of a business plan and helps you lay the foundation for a winning plan. Find out how marketing, operations, and finance are interrelated. Discover how a business plan is used by potential lenders, the dos and don’ts of writing a plan and steps for making the process easy. This seminar is designed for new and established business owners.
Speaker(s): Jeff Neuville, Executive Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College
Thursday, April 15, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Marketing in a Social and Mobile World-Online
This seminar 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.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Monday, April 19, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Turn Your Website into a Lead Generator-Online
This seminar 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 seminar will learn why that is a fatal flaw and how they can overcome it.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Monday, April 19, 2021, 5:00 PM-6:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Introduction to QuickBooks Online-Online
The online version of QuickBooks offers the same functionality as desktop QuickBooks, with more mobility for the small business owner. The look and feel are somewhat different than the desktop version, but QuickBooks online is a great option for the business which operates from multiple locations. This webinar reviews the various QuickBooks online options, plus shows participants how to open a sample company and get started working with QuickBooks online.
Speaker(s): Sabrina Cook, CPA
Thursday, April 22, 2021, 9:00 AM-11:00 AM
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.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Monday, May 3, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Using Social Media to Promote Your Business-Online
This seminar 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.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Minor, WordJack Media
Monday, May 3, 2021, 5:00 PM-6:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Building an Online eCommerce Business with Shopify-Online
Do you want to sell online and reach more people with better marketing concepts? Now is the time to set up your online store on Shopify! In this webinar, you will learn the basics of setting up your online presence with Shopify and learn how to build a functional operating store where your products will be available to the world. Major topics include:
- 1) Do you need to sell online?
- 2) Online store options
- 3) Understand the differences between platforms and determine what is right for you
- 4) Setting up an online store
- 5) Develop an online store mark
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Funding Your Business-Online
Securing funding for a small business remains a top challenge in this turbulent environment. This program reviews funding options for new businesses and start-ups...from bootstrapping/self-funding to loans and to private equity. Participants will understand the current lending environment and identify options available for funding which match their position within the business growth cycle.
Speaker(s): A representative from the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center will facilitate the webinar.
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 12:00 PM-1:15 PM
Register online
or call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4117
Selling Products on Amazon and Etsy - Online-Online
Amazon and Etsy provide strong platforms for online sales, with infrastructure to support many business functions. This webinar shows attendees the pros and cons of working with Amazon and Etsy, and provides direction for getting started with these well-established platforms.
Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, NC Leadership Academy
Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
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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