SBA Classes October 31 to November 18 2011
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 quarterly calendar online at: San Francisco SBA quarterly calendar
Registration for all our classes is required. To register go to the SF Small Business Development Center registration site: SF Small Business Development Center unless otherwise indicated.
Date of Events Listed Below: October 31st to November 18th 2011
Restaurant Series: Jumpstart Your Business with a Must-do Basic Marketing & PR Toolkit
10/31 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
An introductory class offering PR & Marketing tips for success in traditional new and social media. Learn how to develop a PR & Marketing plan encompassing all the necessary components of a new business in the food and restaurant industry. $30 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Building Marketing Awareness and Driving Sales
11/1 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
*EDD: How to Manage Unemployment Insurance Costs Tax Seminar
11/1 10:00AM – 1:00PM – San Jose CA
How to Write an Independent Contractor Agreement
11/1 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Successful independent contractor project outcome often depends on establishing and documenting realistic expectations re scope performance standards and pricing. This interactive workshop will guide you step by step through the process of creating an independent contractor agreement that works. This program does not constitute legal advice.
Mobile Marketing and the Mobile Web
11/1 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Mobile Web use is exploding! iPhones Androids and other always-online devices are everywhere. Discover what you need to know about this exciting new medium. You’ll learn: critical factors your website must have; avoidable pitfalls that send customers running; understanding the vast sea of handheld devices; tremendous mobile marketing opportunities; and low cost ways to get started now.
*Start a Business: Smart Start
11/1 6:00PM – 9:00PM Milpitas CA
Starting a Business in San Francisco
11/2 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
11/2 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
11/2 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.
Get Organized!
11/2 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Do you want save time money and be more effective in your small business? Learn how by getting more organized! Our organizing expert will teach you effective ways of managing your space your “stuff” and your time to maximize your productivity and comfort.
Basic Bookkeeping Part One
11/3 1:00 PM – 4:00 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.
Maximize Your Web Site Traffic and Sales
11/3 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
In this class learn to ensure the highest placement on search engines; how to use Web analytics to keep your customers on your site; and how to convert site visitors into paying customers. Presented by the SF SBDC. Registration fee $35 in advance $40 at the door.
Food Safety Certification
11/7 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. Registration and information is available at Golden Gate Restaurant Association or call 415-781-5348.
Restaurant Series: QuickBooks for Restaurants and Food Businesses
11/7 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Topics include ingredient and payroll cost analysis sales and use taxes catering sales customer and vendor set up etc. Exercises include daily register and POS system sales setting up budgets etc. 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.
Federal and State Basics of Payroll Tax
11/8 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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: Employment Development Department or Call 866 873-6083.
*EDD/DLSE: State Wage Hour & Payroll Tax Seminar
11/8 10:00AM – 4:00PM – San Jose CA
Creative Collaborations and Partnerships
11/8 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This workshop is ideally suited for artists musicians and other entertainers who work together creatively. It will include a general overview of what creative collaborations are as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages in operating an entertainment/artistic business as a partnership as opposed to other business structures. Also covers various legal issues entailed in joint ownership of creative works the differences between “joint works’ and “derivative works” and the general steps entailed in setting up a creative collaboration or partnership including formal collaboration/partnership operating agreements dispute resolution and more…
*Is Going Green Right for Your Small Business?
11/8 6:00PM – 9:00PM Milpitas CA
Employee or Independent Contractor Tax Seminar
11/9 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This seminar will explain how to determine if someone providing services to your company should be treated as an employee or independent contractor for tax purposes. Learn about the independent contractor reporting requirements. Presented by the California EDD Tax Office. Visit: Employment Development Department or Call 866 873-6083.
Tax and Budgeting Strategies
11/9 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This seminar will show step by step on personal and small business budgeting planning strategies 101 which can minimize overall taxes avoid penalties and interest for underpayment tax.
*Starting a Business with Limited Capital
11/9 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Basic Bookkeeping Part Two
11/10 1:00 PM – 4:00 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.
Advanced Social Media Techniques
11/10 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
This presentation is designed for intermediate users of Facebook and LinkedIn primarily along with other social media. Numerous tips and tricks will be shared along with an automated strategy to ratchet up your following and increase opportunities for results. All participants must be familiar with Facebook LinkedIn blogging and YouTube to benefit from this class. $30 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
*Marketing 101
11/10 6:00PM – 9:00PM – San Jose CA
Restaurant Management…Drugs Narcotics & Alcohol “Reasonable Suspicion” Training
11/14 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
As a supervisor manager or restaurant owner do you know what to LEGALLY do if: An employee shows up to work under the influence; You receive a report an employee has illegal drugs in their locker or on their person; The employee wants a “reasonable accommodation” under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) for their alcohol or drug dependency; The employee shows up with a medical marijuana certificate; I want to terminate an employee for their drug use; I want to prove a case to terminate (or even send home) an employee suspected of being under the influence; An employee gets injured on the job and I suspect they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol; and An employee wants to exercise their rights under Workers Compensation Unemployment Disability and FMLA when drugs are involved. The answers may surprise you! For more information and registration fee call 415-781-5348.
From Kitchen to Market: Selling Your Specialty Foods
11/14 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. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
Restaurant Series: Customer Service for New Restaurants -Wine and Dine your Customers!
11/14 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In this class you will learn: how to hire motivate and train your employees to meet service demands. Principles of customer service and hospitality. Server sequencing. Suggestive selling techniques. Problem solving handling difficult guests and more. Presented by the SF SBDC. $30 registration fee.
Writing Effective Business Plans
11/15 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. $50 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE
Internet Marketing Strategies that Convert into Sales
11/15 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Small businesses must have an online presence to market your company. The catch is using the internet to make money for your small business. In this class we’ll discuss building a list of potential customers; increasing traffic to your website; getting potential customers to buy from you; and seven easy online strategies.
Secrets to Buying and Selling a Business or Franchise
11/15 6:30 PM–8:30 PM
Learn how to reduce your risk and improve your chances of success in buying or selling a franchise or existing business. This workshop covers the steps necessary for you to succeed working with professionals and using simple research and qualification techniques. Topics include: Choosing the Right Franchise or Business Positioning Your Business for Sale Buyer and Seller Financing. $20 registration fee. Presented by SF SCORE
HUBZone and WOSB Program Certifications
11/16 9:30 AM – 10:30 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
11/16 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
11/16 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.
Doing Business with Chevron
11/16 1:30PM – 2:30PM
Learn the procurement process and opportunities for doing business specifically with Chevron in this informative presentation by a representative of the company.
Doing Business with Genentech
11/16 2:30PM-3:30PM
A presenter form Genentech will discuss opportunities for contracting to sell your goods and services to this leading biotechnology company.
Doing Business with Virgin America
11/16 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
A representative from the Virgin American airlines will discuss their procurement system including what goods and services they purchase and their interest in green procurement and minority suppliers.
*Import/Export
11/17 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Oakland CA
Basic Bookkeeping Part Three
11/17 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Topics include developing a budget statement of cash flow analysis and developing a cash forecast. Participants should have complete Basic Bookkeeping Part I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.
IDEAS TO ASSETS – A Practical Guide to Patents Copyrights and Trademarks
11/17 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
In this interactive seminar a registered patent attorney will introduce legal principles and considerations likely to be encountered while converting ideas to assets requirements and procedures associated with protecting an invention (patent) a work of art (copyrights) and a brand (trademark) and transferring intellectual property rights (either acquiring or conveying ownership or use rights by assignment or license) or dealings with others such as manufacturers and distributors. Time permitting enforcing (or defending against) claims of possible infringement will be discussed. This class does not constitute legal advice.
Online Display Advertising for Small Business
11/17 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
As a result of recent innovations Online Display Advertising has become a potent tool for LOCAL businesses. Discover best practices for deploying this rapidly growing and powerful tool for your business. We will examine the evolution of the medium and how best to harness the potential of Online Display Advertising for the small business. Free class. Presented by SF SBDC.
*Golden Gate University Student PR Project and Your Existing Business
11/30 Application Deadline
*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
*Starting a Business with Limited Capital
11/9 5:30PM – 7:30PM – Southeast Asian Community Center 875 O’Farrell Street San Francisco. This workshop will discuss how to start a business with limited funds. Entrepreneurs who are thinking about starting a business should attend. Topics to be discussed: Issues for first-time entrepreneurs starting a business; start-up checklists; business choices; financing options for owners with limited funds and maximizing your business success. This event is free but pre-registration is required. To register contact Ada Lu at 415-885-2743 or by e-mail at
*Import/Export
11/17 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM – East Bay SCORE presents Export/Import Workshop at Cal State Center 1000 Broadway Suite 1900 Oakland CA – Starting or expanding an export or import business? Topics covered are: elements of exporting and importing; legal aspects customs brokers freight forwarders international banking and marketing assistance government finance programs etc. For more information contact SCORE East Bay Chapter 506 – 510-273-6611 or SCORE East Bay
*Where’s The Money? – 3rd Annual Access to Capital Business Expo
11/19 8AM – 2:30 PM – Hyatt Regency Five Embarcadero Center San Francisco CA – Bringing education resources & business development opportunities to businesses throughout the Bay Area. If you are tired of hearing “no” register today. Lean about the various alternative finance options available to you and your business. $10 Registration Fee (Sponsorship opportunities available). Event includes: Networking Breakfast Business Workshops Banker and Resource Expo Loan Pavilion and Formal Luncheon. For more information e-mail: or online at Valley Economic Development Center
*Golden Gate University Student PR Project and Your Existing Business
11/30 Application Deadline – Golden Gate University is seeking “existing” small business owners that would like to work with a group of public relations students to develop a PR plan for their business. There is no charge; however the small business selected would be required to spend time interacting with the students and attending the final presentation of the plan developed during April 2012. The class starts in January. If you’re interested please contact Instructor Allan Mann at and briefly describe your business. He will give you more information and send you a questionnaire to determine whether developing a PR plan for your business would be a good learning experience for the students.
San Jose Entrepreneur Center Classes – San Jose Entrepreneur Center
EDD: How to Manage Unemployment Insurance Costs Tax Seminar | Tuesday Nov 1 10:00AM to 1:00PM
This seminar is designed for employers to help them understand how to minimize unemployment insurance (UI) costs what is a UI reserve account and how to apply for tax credits. 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
START A BUSINESS: SMART START | Tuesday Nov 1 6:00PM to 9:00PM This class is for you if you: -Have an idea for a business but are not sure where to start -Want to start a business as efficiently as possible while still making sure that you cover the essentials -Want to take a process-driven methodical approach to realizing your business idea to ensure a solid foundation -Already have a business but realize you’d like to get more organized and make better use of available resources. To start and grow your business requires a strong foundation and this training will empower entrepreneurs to move forward with confidence. Come prepared to think through your assumptions. Our seminars and events fill up quickly so online registration is requested.
Cost: $15 online / $25 at door. The “at door” price is $25.00 payable by check or cash only please. Location: Milpitas City Hall 455 E. Calaveras Blvd. Milpitas CA 95035
For tickets and/or registration: http://www.svsbdc.org Contact Information: Business Services Coordinator 408-351-3600
EDD/DLSE: STATE WAGE HOUR & PAYROLL TAX SEMINAR | Tuesday Nov 8 10:00AM to 4:00PM
Reporting/payment requirements wage/hour laws employee/independent contractor differences. This seminar is presented by representatives from the EDD and Labor Standards Enforcement. 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
IS GOING GREEN RIGHT FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS? | Tuesday Nov 8 6:00PM to 9:00PM
This NEW workshop is a MUST for any small business owner who has ever wondered what this new green trend really means and if being green is right for them. This class will focus on helping small business owners understand the meaning of “green” the trends associated with it and what they can do to jump on board! You Will Learn: – The meaning of green; – Myths associated with being a green business; – Green certification what it means and how to go about it; – Greening the workplace environment and reducing employees’ behavioral pollution; – Simple tips to make your business green and sustainable; – The future of green and green opportunities; – Green communication; – And much more! Our seminars and events fill up quickly so online registration is requested.
Cost: $30 online / $40 at door. The “at door” price is $25.00 payable by check or cash only please. Location: Milpitas City Hall 455 E. Calaveras Blvd. Milpitas CA 95035 For tickets and/or registration: Silicon Valley Small Development Center Contact Information: Business Services Coordinator 408-351-3600
MARKETING 101 | Thursday Nov 10 6:00PM to 9:00PM
This workshop offers a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of marketing for the small business owner. What You Will Learn: – All about the 5P’s: Product Positioning Place Price Promotion; – What a marketing plan is and why it makes such a difference; – How to begin thinking like a marketer; – The basics on target markets; – How to undertake an efficient low-cost competitive analysis; – How to do meaningful features and benefits analysis; -Where to look for truly helpful market research resources. Our seminars and events fill up quickly so online registration is requested.
Cost: $35 online / $45 at the door. The “at door” price is $25.00 payable by check or cash only please. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center 100 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose CA 95113 For tickets and/or registration: Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center Contact Information: Business Services Coordinator 408-351-3600
Introduction to QuickBooks | Monday Nov 14 1:00PM to 5:00PM
What You Will Learn: If you’re a small business owner seeking to learn QuickBooks the best way is always hands-on training. Instead of spending hours poring through a boring manual…learn the basics through practical examples using the actual software! This overview will include: -Setting up updating and running financial reports; -Efficient procedures for entering your accounting data; -Entering invoices; -Customer payments deposits bills cash disbursements payroll reports bank account reconciliations and other transactions. This is a “hands-on” workshop. Computers and sample data provided! Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping I or be familiar with the concepts covered in that workshop. Our seminars and events fill up quickly so online registration is requested.
Cost: $79 online / $89 at door. The “at door” price is $89.00 payable by check or cash only please. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center 100 E. Santa Clara Street San Jose CA 95113 For tickets and/or registration: Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center Contact Information: Business Services Coordinator 408-351-3600
EDD/IRS Taxpayer Education: Basic Payroll Tax Seminar | Tuesday Nov 15 10:00AM to 4:00PM
This seminar is designed to provide business owners with the necessary tools to: Understand their Federal/State payroll tax responsibilities Correctly classify workers as employees or independent contractors Properly withhold deposit and report payroll taxes Obtain additional information and assistance. 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
Responding to RFPs (Request for Proposals) | Wednesday Nov 16 1:00PM to 4:00PM
If you are a business owner who would like to grow your knowledge of government contracting join us for this informative workshop! You Will: – Understand how to locate government RFPs – Understand how to review RFPs and decide whether or not to develop a proposal – Know the key elements of proposal formats – Be able to develop a “requirements matrix” – Understand how to develop a proposal team – Understand how to coordinate subcontractor proposals – Be able to define the scope of work – Understand the administrative tasks of non-complex and complex proposals – Know how to finalize the proposal – Know how to prepare for negotiation – Know how to get valuable feedback after the contract has been awarded. Presented by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center and The Federal Technology Center. Our seminars and events fill up quickly so online registration is requested. No Fee. Location: San Jose Entrepreneur Center 100 East Santa Clara Street San Jose CA 95113 For tickets and/or registration: Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center
Contact Information: Business Services Coordinator 408-351-3600
EDD: State Payroll Tax Workshop | Thursday Nov 17 10:00AM to 4:00PM Recommended for those who have previously attended a Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar or for those familiar with state payroll tax reporting but who would like additional practice. A hands-on workshop on how to calculate taxes and complete payroll tax forms. No Fee. Limited to first 10 people. 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
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“A Practical Guide to Doing Business with the Federal Government and Directory of Federal Procurement Offices” (4/2011) available from the SBA San Francisco District Office by email request at
Green.SBA.gov helps small businesses find green contracts grants and partnerships throughout the federal government. It promotes sustainable environmentally friendly procurement practices and lets small businesses share information related to green contracting.
Free Small Business Counseling by Appointment…..Call or Click
SF SCORE @ 415-744-6827 or www.score.org 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.