SBA SF Business Workshops and Seminars – April 23rd to May 11th 2012
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of classes for business owners in our Entrepreneur Center, located at 455 Market Street, Suite 600, in downtown San Francisco. View the San Francisco SBA online calendar at: San Francisco SBA online calendar
Registration for all our classes is required. To ensure a printed handout for review along with the instructor during the class or to be notified if the class is cancelled, please register at the SF Small Business Development Center registration site: SF Small Business Development Center unless otherwise indicated.
Events: April 23rd to May 11th, 2012
***Basic Bookkeeping (3 part series)
4/23 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM in SAN JOSE
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
4/23 – Monday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
We’ll cover set up, updating and maintaining spreadsheets, creating equations and functions, generating graphs, charts, and more. This is a hands-on workshop. Participants should be familiar with basic computer functions. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Understand the Financial Structure of Your Business
4/24 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Success in business requires sound financial planning and the establishment of realistic goals. This seminar enables you to develop an understanding of the financial parameters of your company and provides the tools for making the best financial and planning decisions. The following topics will be covered: Startup Costs; Sales Forecasting; Operating Expenses; Cash Flow; Breakeven Analysis; Financial Reports. $35 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.
***State Payroll Tax Workshop
4/24 – Tuesday 10:00AM to 4:00PM in SAN JOSE
Legacy Planning
4/24 – Tuesday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Retire from your small business. Use your financial success to create a family and/or philanthropic legacy. Give some thought to how you want to retire and come with your questions.
Maintaining Tax Records
4/24 – Tuesday 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
Learn the money-saving tax strategies of the pros in this fun interactive course, and learn how to effectively create the tax records necessary for proper IRS reporting. Receive a valuable overview of how to use technology to simplify your life with online banking and QuickBooks. $20 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.
How to quickly write a non-Fiction Book and Sell More Copies
4/24 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Are you an aspiring author who has great material but no idea how to begin? Or have you been agonizing over the right material to include in your book and how to promote and make it a business? In this class, you will learn how to: Organize the content; Complete the manuscript in record time; Plan a marketing and P.R. strategy as you write; Get it ready for self-publishing or finding a publisher (Pros and cons of each method discussed); and/or Create in-person and online platform for reaching larger audiences.
***Employment Basics 101
4/25 – Wednesday 10:00AM to 11:30AM in SAN JOSE
***Business Structures 101
4/25 – Wednesday 11:30AM to 1:00PM in SAN JOSE
Small Business Web Site Basics
4/25 – Wednesday 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Learn to properly set and achieve goals for your web presence. Topics include internet overview, goal setting, web site creation, web marketing, vendor selection and pitfalls.
Marketing Made Easy
4/25 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This class is a good introduction or serves as a refresher for entrepreneurs who want to take their marketing plans to the next level. You will better understand the variety of marketing tools available and the information will help you focus on choosing and mastering tactics for your target market. Topics will include: identifying your target market; establishing a framework for evaluating and monitoring your marketing efforts; designing signature marketing tactics and building systems.
Business Success on Your Own Terms
4/25 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Are you tired of others telling you that if you do it their way, follow their formula, you’ll be successful? This interactive presentation allows you to define success for yourself and map out the steps that will get you there. If you’re gunna spend all this time and energy on your business, you otta darn well like it!
HUBZone and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program Certifications
4/26 – Thursday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
This workshop will explain provisions of the HUBZone Program and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program. Eligibility requirements, application and certification will be explained.
SBA 8(a) BD Certification Workshop
4/26 – Thursday 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
This workshop is for small firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals interested in being certified for SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.
Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
4/26 – Thursday 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
The U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) will provide a presentation focused on choosing a retirement solution for your small business. To ensure a financially secure future, it is critical to make the right choices. We can help you start today.
QuickBooks Introduction
4/26 – Thursday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
This overview will discuss setting-up, updating and running financial reports, and efficient procedures for entering your accounting data. This is a hands-on workshop. Participants should have complete Basic Bookkeeping Part I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that workshop. $60 Registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Doing Business with Chevron
4/26 – Thursday 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Learn the procurement process and opportunities for doing business specifically with Chevron in this informative presentation by a representative of the company.
Hi-Tech, Low-Cost: Internet Strategies for Your Business
4/26 – Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Internet offers many shortcuts to starting and growing your business in today’s world. But it is also full of unproductive sidetracks that can steer you away from success. We will look at the pros and cons of some of the online tools available to better help you run your small businesses as well as discuss whether and how online marketing might work for you. We will cover: Free Resources, Website Creation, Collaboration Tools, Social Media, Internet Marketing Essentials. $20 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE.
How to Start and Manage a Small Business
4/30 – Monday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
This is a comprehensive and unique one-day seminar for both prospective and current business owners who want to gain a better understanding of what they need to know and do to succeed in their business. Learn best practices and insider tips as a moderator and industry experts guide you through the basics of: Business Plans, Insuring Against Risk, Accounting, Legal Structures, Marketing & Sales, and Financing. $75 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE
From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Specialty Foods
4/30 – Monday 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
This class will focus on the planning and production process, contacts to help you get started, capitalization options, marketing strategies, the distribution network and more. $35 registration fee. Sponsored by the SF SBDC.
***Basic Bookkeeping II: Small Business Financial Analysis
4/30 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM in SAN JOSE
Federal and State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar
5/1 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 3:00PM
This class guides participants through the basics of that preparation. Subjects include determining independent contractor versus employee, withholding taxes, deposits and completing the proper forms. Presented by the IRS and the California EDD Tax office. Visit: IRS and the California EDD Tax office or Call 866 873-6083
Skyrocket Your Productivity with Online Tools
5/1 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In the ever-changing world of technology, it’s hard to know what tools will be time-wasters and which ones can actually help you get your work done more effectively. In this seminar, we’ll share the tools we use both in our own business and with our clients to help streamline and simplify many common business tasks. Best of all, each of the apps, sites, and tools we share are either FREE or low cost – but all will be able to help you save time, stress, or money!
Starting a Business in San Francisco
5/2 – Wednesday 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Hear directly from San Francisco officials. How do you obtain permits? How do you register your business name? Learn what the City can do for you in this one-stop seminar.
Financing Your Business
5/2 – Wednesday 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Discover the right way to seek financing for your business. We will discuss loan proposal requirements, financing options and SBA programs.
Business Law Basics
5/2 – Wednesday 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
An experienced business lawyer will discuss Choice of Legal Entity (corporations, LLC, partnership, etc.); Intellectual Property; Employee issues; and Real Estate issues. This class does not constitute legal advice.
Other Peoples’ Money
5/2 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Leveraging other peoples’ money to launch or grow your business may have many advantages, but also carries very high legal risk. Whether loans, equity ownerships interests, donations, or some combination of different funding types, is important to clearly define the legal rights and obligations of the parties in writing and be sure any applicable regulatory requirements are satisfied. This workshop will introduce you to the basic legal framework and typical legal risk management decisions for operating your business with other peoples’ money, to help you prevent costly disputes in the future. Although taught by an experienced business attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.
Basic Bookkeeping, Part One
5/3 – Thursday 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Topics include cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, budgeting, the purpose of different financial reports, the differences in computer accounting systems, cash management, and more. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
What’s the Deal? How Small Businesses Can Cash in with Daily Deal Sites
5/3 – Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This interactive workshop will teach participants the fundamentals of success with daily deal websites. From Groupon and LivingSocial to Bloomspot and HomeRun, we’ll cover some of the key players as well as how your company can generate more revenue. Secrets to offering effective deals and case studies will be revealed! $35 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Food Safety Certification
5/7 – Monday 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
State law requires that specified food facilities employ at least one person who has successfully passed a California State approved and accredited food safety certification exam. Certification is mandatory and re-certification is required every five years. For more information, call 415-781-5348.
***Basic Bookkeeping III: Small Business Cash Flow Analysis & Cash Flow Forecasting
5/7 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM in SAN JOSE
Restaurant Series: Customer Service and Training that Motivates and Inspires
5/7 – Monday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
The key to a restaurant’s success is not just about the food and beverages presented, but how welcoming and knowledgeable the staff is. In this class, we will focus on techniques that educate managers on how to train, motivate, and inspire their team. A restaurant that invests in on-going training for management and staff has proven to increase sales, year over year, and manage costs more effectively. Presented by the SF SBDC. $35 registration fee.
Building Marketing Awareness and Driving Sales
5/8 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Learn the fundamentals for developing a marketing plan and strategy to increase sales. We will cover how to determine the market opportunity for your product or service, creating value for your customers, using promotional and social media strategies to reach your target customers, measuring the effectiveness of promotions, and best practices for reaching new customers and keeping existing ones. Vital topics include: Pricing, Branding and Positioning, Social Media Tools & Strategies, Website Tips, Lead Tracking, Internet Marketing Registration Fee $35 Presented by SF SCORE.
Doing Business with Genentech
5/8 – Tuesday 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
A presenter form Genentech will discuss opportunities for contracting to sell your goods and services to this leading biotechnology company.
Social Media Basics for Small Business
5/8- Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Do you use social media tools to stay in touch with friends, keep up with the latest news and share pictures of what you’re eating for dinner? Well, why not use social media to grow your business? This fun and informative workshop will help transform social media marketing into something you look forward to using and will cover basic introductions to major social media platforms and will share marketing tips and strategies. Registration Fee $20. This workshop is presented by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Women’s Business Center program. To register, go to: Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Audits and Appeals Payroll Tax Seminar
5/10 – Thursday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This class will explain how the state payroll tax audit process works, how to prepare for the audit, the basic steps of the appeals process, and the employer’s rights during audits and appeals. Presented by State of California EDD.
Basic Bookkeeping, Part Two
5/10 – Thursday 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
We’ll cover balance sheets, incomes statements, cash flow and working capital. Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping, Part One, or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Advertising in Today’s Market Place
5/10 – Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This presentation will focus on the changes that have taken place over the years in regards to media fragmentation. How marketing a business today involves so many choices from the traditional media of the past. How knowing who your target market (customer) is, influences your advertising media choices. Free Class. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Mesa Redonda de Epresas Exitisos
5/10 – Thursday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Contact Benny Gutierrez, SBA, at 415-744-8498 for registration and/or more information on this event.
Listed below are events offered by organizations and groups that are not always sponsored by SBA and may or may not be held at the San Francisco Entrepreneur Center
SBA Says: Tell Us Your Story!
Video contest will showcase successful small businesses: Winning videos to be highlighted during SBA’s National Small Business Week…….. In celebration of National Small Business Week 2012, SBA is looking for creative original videos from small businesses that show how they have been helped by an SBA program or service. The contest will raise awareness of the importance of SBA programs, and the impact the small businesses that use them have in their local communities. Three winning videos will be also shown during a Google+ Hangout hosted by the SBA and the White House with SBA Administrator Karen Mills. Contestants can enter the contest by producing an original video, two minutes or less, that shares their story. The list of Contest Rules provides additional details on required video content. The videos must be submitted through Challenge.gov from 12pm EDT April 16 through 5pm EDT May 11. For more information on the Small Business Week Video Contest, visit Small Business Week Video Contest
SBA’s 2012 National Small Business Week is May 20th – May 22, 2012. For more information, visit National Small Business Week
San Francisco Small Business Week “Saluting the Heroes of Our Economy” – An opportunity to celebrate the innovation and impact small businesses make in San Francisco every day. Attend events: May 14-20, 2012
Flavors of San Francisco
5/14 – Monday 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
City View Room at the Metreon. Meet and mingle with more than 1,000 small business owners and community leaders. Registration fee is $10. To request a fee waiver, send an email to no later than 9:00 AM on May 14th requesting the code.
Writing Effective Business Plans
5/15 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Whether you are planning to start a new business or developing the potential of your existing company, a business plan is a critical foundation. In this hands-on workshop, we will demystify the process using case studies and exercises. You will also develop a template for your own business that covers: Products/Services, Organization, Marketing, Customers, Finances and Market Research. In recognition of Small Business Week – SF SCORE is offering a one-time special online only registration fee of $20 (instead of regular rate of $65) for this May class only. Note: Space is limited, no “walk-ins” on day of class. Presented by SF SCORE – call (415) 744-6827 for more information.
Small Business Conference & Workshops
5/16 – Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
San Francisco State University Downtown Campus – a daylong conference consisting of 48 free workshops and seminars. Register at SF Small Business Week
Supplier Connection: SBA recently announced a new private-public collaboration that will help small businesses strengthen their revenue streams by gaining access to more than $300 billion in combined supply chain spending by a consortium of 15 of America’s largest corporations. is designed to help bridge the gap between small businesses looking for new opportunities and large corporations looking for innovative new ideas and diversity in their supply chains. Supplier Connection is a free, online portal that allows small businesses to send information about their products and services to 15 private sector companies. For more information on Supplier Connection, visit Supplier Connection
CurrenC SF, a new City and County of San Francisco initiative to reduce the usage of paper paychecks in San Francisco empowers San Francisco’s businesses and workers by helping them adopt modern, innovative payroll solutions. The website provides resources to help employers initiate or expand direct deposit in their businesses and offers how-to guides, marketing materials, best practices, and expert advice to employers, and connects employees to low-cost checking accounts and other healthy financial products. For more information, go to CurrenC SF
San Jose Entrepreneur Center Classes – San Jose Entrepreneur Center
***Basic Bookkeeping (3 part series)
4/23 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Understanding the basics of accounting; how to analyze your balance sheet, income statement and statement of cash flows; learn how to develop a budget, cash flow analysis, and develop a cash forecast. Presented by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center. Cost: $79 online; $89 at door, check or cash only Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: Sillicion Valley Small Business Development Center Contact Information: Client Services Coordinator, , 408-351-3600
***State Payroll Tax Workshop
4/24 – Tuesday 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Who would benefit: • Those seeking hands-on experience in calculating taxes and completing payroll tax forms. • Anyone who has attended a previous Federal/State or State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar. • Those familiar with State payroll tax reporting who would like additional practice. Note: Limited to first 10 people. No Fee. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: San Jose Entrepreneur Center
Contact Information: Emily Navarra-Refugio, , 408-351-3661
***Employment Basics 101
4/25 – Wednesday 10:00AM to 11:30AM
Are you a small business owner with at least one employee? Don’t miss this course that goes over employment basics including at- will employment, wage and hour, employee classification and record keeping. No Fee. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: San Jose Entrepreneur Center
Contact Information: Emily Navarra-Refugio, , 408-351-3661
***Business Structures 101
4/25 – Wednesday 11:30AM to 1:00PM
Are you thinking of starting a business but are not sure what type of entity to use? Do the words LLC, S-Corp and C-Corp intimidate you? Are you confused about business structures? If you answered yes to any of those questions, this is the class for you. Learn the basics about legal business structures from the different types of protection to the different types of taxation. We will go over DBA, S-Corp, LLC, C-Corp and Partnership basics. *This class does not provide legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. No Fee. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 E. Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: San Jose Entrepreneur Center
Contact Information: Emily Navarra-Refugio, , 408-351-3661
***Basic Bookkeeping II: Small Business Financial Analysis
4/30 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Topics include balance sheets, income statements, and statement of cash flows. Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. Presented by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center. Cost: $35 online; $45 at door, check or cash only Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: Sillicon Valley Small Business Development Center Contact Information: Client Services Coordinator, , 408-351-3600
***Basic Bookkeeping III: Small Business Cash Flow Analysis & Cash Flow Forecasting
5/7 – Monday 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Topics include developing a budget, statement of cash flow analysis, and developing a cash forecast. Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. Presented by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center. Cost: $35 online; $45 at door, check or cash only Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center, 100 East Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA, 95113 For registration: Sillicon Valley Small Business Development Center Contact Information: Client Services Coordinator, , 408-351-3600
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SF SCORE @ 415-744-6827 or Score SF Small Business Development Center @ 415-841-4050 or www.sfsbdc.org
The SBA training program is made possible by the generous support of our volunteer teachers and presenters. We appreciate their time and expertise; however, these presentations do not represent an endorsement of their views, opinions, products, or services by SBA. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance.