San Francisco: SBA Classes Nov. 2-13

October 29th, 2009

San Francisco: SBA Classes Nov. 2-13

TRAINING AT SBA

The Small Business Administration offers a variety of classes for business owners in our Entrepreneur Center, located at 455 Market St., 6th Floor in downtown San Francisco.

Registration for all our classes is required.

To register for classes, go to http://sbatraining.eventbrite.com/

For more information, please contact Gary Marshall at (415) 744 6771 or

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. Contact: Gary Marshall at 415 744-6771.

Food Safety Certification

11/2

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 three years. Registration and information is available at www.ggra.org

 

Integrated Sales and Marketing Excellence

11/2

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Marketing’s job is to bring in the prospects. Sales’ job is to close the deal and book revenues. This class teaches you how to implement an integrated sales and marketing system that work together to produce results. Learn the quantitative marketing and sales methods that work in a down turn.

Restaurant Series: Understanding Food Costs/Menu Engineering

11/2

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

In this class you will learn how to price your food & menu and how this relates directly to the financial success of your restaurant. We will also look at menu design and item placement to take advantage of proven methods to highlight those items that are the most profitable. This class will teach you a costing package that you can immediately apply to your business. $30 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses

11/3

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

We will address various successful methods to find contracting opportunities and construction projects. The benefits of certifications such as the 8(a), Hub zone, LBE and the SBE will also be outlined. Additionally, our financial advisor will speak and take questions on financial sourcing and overcoming barriers. Lenders from the conventional banking and alternative financing industries will be available to introduce their program and answer your questions. Finally, a panel discussion will feature experienced construction contractors who will share their experiences in public contracting. To register or for more information, please contact

Credit Card Processing for Your Business

11/3

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

We’ll focus on how the credit card processing industry is structured; how business owners are often taken advantage of; pricing models that best benefit the business owner; and an open forum for people to ask questions.

What is the Buzz about Blogging and How is It Important for My Business?

11/3

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

What strikes you when you hear about blogging? Bloggers? Bring your curiosity and eagerness to learn how the blogosphere, can and will propel your business. Learn the ABCs to optimally match your business plan’s objectives to the power of the World Wide Web and what many now call Web 2.0, the art of social media networking. We will focus on demystifying the terminology so you can be transformed to a “passionate adopter” and learn how to target your market, reach more customers but most of all be seen as an “Influencer”, not just a salesperson or marketer.

Free and Low Cost Resources for Your Business

11/4

9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Representatives from SBA, SCORE, the SF SBDC, the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and the San Francisco Public Library Small Business Center will discuss the resources available.

Starting a Francisco

11/4

11:30 AM – 1:00 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

11/4

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

11/4

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.

Production Essentials – Fashion Business Inc. and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

11/4

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

For apparel entrepreneurs, come learn and understand what it takes to make an order into a finished product, on time, and on budget. This workshop will cover the calendar and timelines for domestic and off-shore production. Presented by local production guru, Lana Hogue. Cost: $30. Sign up at www.fashionbizinc.org

Basic Bookkeeping, Part One

11/5

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Learn basic accounting and bookkeeping terms and processes. Topics include cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, the importance of 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.

How to Network Your Way to Success

11/5

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

We all know the importance of networking, but most people will admit that some are naturally better at it than others. That doesn’t have to be the case. Networking is a skill, not a talent, and it can be learned. This workshop will teach you how to develop or sharpen your networking skills so that you can establish and maintain profitable relationships that will yield professional and social dividends. Highly recommended for those with entertainment industry aspirations.

 

Trade Show Basics

11/5

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Learn how to locate, prepare for and participate in domestic and international trade shows. $25 Registration Fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Restaurant Series: Creating the Buzz Inside and Outside Your Restaurant

11/9

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Every person working in your restaurant is an extension of your brand. Engage your staff in the mission and promotion of your business. Your staff can become your customer evangelists by working as a team and by understanding the collective energy that is created. Also learn to develop PR strategies that build upon personal relationships. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Launching a Successful Bar Operation

11/9

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

This seminar teaches the attendee how to successfully bring all of the pieces together prior to launching a successful concept in the bar and club industry. Special focus is given to marketing and public relations to create the “buzz” prior to launching. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF SBDC.

Writing Effective Business Plans

11/10

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. $50 registration fee in advance; or $60 on day of event. For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827.

Change the Way You Think About Your Website!

11/10

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Most prospective customers head straight to your website to assess your capabilities. It’s often their first impression of your firm. Make sure it isn’t their last. Discover how to create a positive visitor experience, keep visitors coming back, persuade them to send an inquiry or pick up the phone, and find out what people really think about your site. In this fun and interactive seminar, we’ll look at websites from attendees who volunteered to have them evaluated― live. Combining professional perspective with candid feedback from the audience we identify specific steps you can take to optimize your site for lead generation. Even if your website isn’t selected for an evaluation, you can apply the ideas, strategies and tips we discuss to improve your site’s ability to connect with your prospects.

Secrets to Buying a Business or Franchise

11/10

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Learn how to reduce your risk and improve your chances of success in buying a franchise or existing business. Topics include Options for Financing; Choosing an Existing Business vs. a Franchise; Where to Find a Business or Franchise; Working with Brokers. $20 registration fee in advance; or $25 day of event. For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827.

Basic Bookkeeping, Part Two

11/12

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Designed for entrepreneurs intimidated by financial records, this course will 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.

Branding and Marketing for Service Firms: Create a Strong Brand and Messages that Attract Your Ideal Clients

11/12

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

For owners, partners and business development executives of established service firms (e.g., law, real estate, mortgage, construction, design, consulting, etc.). In this interactive workshop you will learn to define your service business brand in powerful and differentiated ways. You will learn new tools to: Better understand your clients so that you can effectively segment your market; Develop clarity about your real competitive advantages; Create simple, strong messages that communicate your unique value to the clients that want it most.

OUR PARTNERS PRESENT:

a weekly feature of events offered by organizations and groups outside SBA. These events are not sponsored by SBA and are not held at our Entrepreneur Center.

Participate on a Panel on Hiring Lawyers

The local newspaper of the legal industry is looking for 1-2 local business leaders who personally hire outside legal counsel for their companies, and who would like to sit on a prestigious roundtable discussion at San Francisco’s Commonwealth Club. Their companies must not have their own in-house legal team or general counsel.

On December 9 The Recorder is presenting a two-hour roundtable entitled, “How To Win Business From Smaller Companies”. The moderator and 2 panelists are in-house attorneys with smaller companies (one is international). The remaining two will be non-lawyer senior managers who do the hiring and maintain the day-to-day relationship with their companies’ attorneys.

We are not seeking “Mom & Pop” business, but rather larger companies that have ongoing and varied legal needs. Many of these companies may have long-term relationships with a single law firm that handles all of their needs. Others may hire attorneys ala carte. Some of these companies can have 50-200 employees.

The program will be videotaped and then promoted nationally. We are looking for experienced public speakers who will represent themselves, the SBA and our good name professionally. We may be able to jointly promote this with your organization so that the SBA can enjoy the publicity, as well.

Legal and Business Issues training in Oakland Thursday, November 5 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Broadway Conference Room, 4th Floor 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza Oakland, CA 94612

This class will provide an overview of business law concepts for the small business owner, addressing the general business legal issues that most entrepreneurs face when starting or growing a small business. The seminar will focus on topics such as when to incorporate, what form of corporate structure to choose, how to protect the company’s Intellectual Property, the use of Holding Companies and how to deal with contract disputes. In addition, there will be a panel discussion with lawyers and a question and answer session with the panel followed by ample time for one-on-one networking. Register at http://nc.ecenterdirect.com/ConfSignup.asp?ConferenceID=18623

or Call 510-208-0411

Free Bike Racks for Merchants! Are you a San Francisco merchant who wants a FREE bike rack outside of your business? The SF MTA is planning to install 700 bike parking racks free of charge over the next year, and they’re prioritizing merchants who request them. Request your rack here: ">https://www.sfbike.org/?fix

Stimulus Opportunities for Small Business The Stimulus Opportunities for Small Business program is a FREE half-day session featuring buyers for state and federal government projects, as well as buyers from large corporations. It will also feature local panelists able to offer insight into the latest developments in surety bonding and local workforce investment initiatives.

San Francisco Workshop scheduled for November 19. For more information and to register go to: ">http://californiasbdc.org/stimulus.

MEDIA MATTERS:

Help spread the word about your experiences with our training. Please post your notes about us on Yelp at SBA Yelp reviews

Claim or create your business listing on Google, for free

More people are now looking to online search engines for local information, than to any other source. Google offers a free service, the Local Business Center, which allows you to take control of your business listing on Google or to add listings that aren’t already appearing. Google also recently launched a dashboard in the Local Business Center, which shows you how people found your business on Google, including what they searched for before finding your listings and how many looked for driving directions to your business.

To get started, visit the Google Local Business Center. If you have any questions along the way, you can use this handy user guide.

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