In this article, I’m going to list some upcoming workshops and events that can increase your knowledge on various topics of interest to small business owners.
Do you have days when you are faced with a problem and have no idea how to solve it? Or you look at something and think, what makes that work? You look at a successful business and think, how do they do it?
While I was attending Tall Ships 2019 and looking up at the majestic rigging of the Brig Niagara, I thought, “Wow, that looks complicated!” Confusing to me because I have absolutely no knowledge of sailing! But to the educated and skilled crew, each line is purposeful.
We can’t know everything about all things in our business particularly as our business grows. To tackle what needs done, we need to pick the most important lines for purposeful education. If you are struggling with your numbers, maybe it’s a good time to take that class on QuickBooks. Perhaps you have a side hustle and a shoebox but now plan on growing your business into a storefront. Maybe it’s time to take CO.STARTERS. Maybe your business is running well, but you want to promote and acquire more customers. Maybe it’s time to take a class on marketing analytics or content writing.
Here is a helpful list of upcoming workshops and events that may provide you purposeful information in the areas where you need to know more in order to solve problems and make educated decisions around your business.
eMarketing Learning Center at Ben Franklin
The eMarketing Learning Center focuses on professional-level interactive and digital marketing education, training and research. They want you to improve your skills and help you succeed. Some topics include digital marketing, media, ecommerce & business management services. If you have questions, contact Cathy von Birgelen, director of the eMarketing Learning Center, by phone at (814) 898-6547 or online. Upcoming workshops include Brand & Positioning on September 11th and Legal Consideration for a Capital Raise on November 14th.
Click here to learn more.
Non Profit Day
If your business is a nonprofit, mark your calendar for October 29th. Organized by the Non Profit Partnership, Nonprofit Day 2019’s focus this year is Better Together. There will be workshops and speakers throughout the day on topics such as fundraising, development, stewardship, board development, leadership and social media. Keynote is Lynne Wester of Donor Relations Guru Group.
Click here to learn more.
SBDC
Lastly, don’t forget the SBDC at Gannon University. They have continual offerings for new businesses as well as covering topics on financing and intellectual property. Make note of the Small Business Financing class on September 25th and Introduction to QuickBooks Online on September 26th.
Click here to learn more.
Erie Regional Chamber
If there is one area where you need to know the ropes, it’s working with the government. The Erie Chamber has a full roster this fall on classes to help you with government contracts and cyber security compliance. Other upcoming webinars include Bcorps and Benefits companies on October 3rd and Communicating through Differences on September 4th.
Click these links to learn more:
Government Contracting Basics (In-Person, September 11)
Department of Defense DFARS Cyber Security Compliance (In-Person, October 9)
Communicating Through Differences (Webinar, September 24)
BCorps and Benefit Companies: A New Way of Doing Business (Webinar, October 3)
CO.STARTERS
If you are just getting started with your business idea, CO.STARTERS is a good home plate. The 9-week curriculum is based on a lean business canvas and teaches the mechanics of vetting an idea for a business or a new product or service. After the program, you’ll be better prepared to take advantage of all of the resources that exist in Erie County and northwest PA. Outcomes show entrepreneurs who experience CO.STARTERS are typically more successful in business than those who have not. Next cohort begins September 11, 2019.
Click here to learn more.
Public Relations Society of America
The PRSA NWPA is the professional organization that brings together public relations, communications and marketing practitioners throughout Erie, PA. The Chapter’s members are a diverse group of public relations, communications, marketing and advertising professionals. Don’t be alarmed; if you are the sole proprietor of your business and wear all the hats, I really encourage you to go. This will put you in the room with the people in town who are professionals in marketing. You can join as a member or attend the free events at your pleasure. Their next event, Standing out with Stories, is September 12th.
Click here to learn more.
AARP Work for yourself at 50
This program is an initiative of the AARP foundation and is being piloted in Erie through a partnership between the Innovation Collaborative and the Erie County Library. Work for Yourself at 50+ is a short two hour workshop that takes you through five simple steps to get you started with your idea. Each participant gets a 68 page workbook. It’s a good early step for artists, shop owners, freelancers and those with side hustles. There is a session August 30th; future sessions will be posted soon.
Click here to learn more.
Making sense of it all
Things may look confusing at first but with the right level of education, you can find a way through.
Don’t just take a class because its offered.
Make sure you know what will be discussed and what you can expect to learn.
Make sure class objectives align with your needs, otherwise it may be a waste of your valuable time.
Make a note to yourself to check offerings each month or check back here each quarter for a blog on upcoming classes and workshops.