Calendar Notes provides beenetworknews.com viewers / readers with a schedule of events, workshops, seminars and expo’s that educate, entertain and inform.

 

2015 Lexington Bluegrass Area Minority Business Expo

July 29 and 30

Wednesday, July 29th

 10 am to 2 pm                                                         Exhibitor Move In

2-5 pm                                                                       Registration

3-3:30 pm                                                                 Welcome by Conference Chair, Marilyn Clark,

                                                                                    Mayor Jim Gray

5-6 pm                                                                       Opening Session:  Andre Taylor — “How to Win: Right Here, Right Now

5-6 pm                                                                       Book Signing with Andre Taylor

5:30 – 6:30 pm                                                        EXPO Reception (FREE & Open to the Public)

 Thursday, July 30th

 7:30 am – 12:30 pm                                               Registration

7:30 – 8:30 am                                                         Continental Breakfast

8:30 -8:50 am                                                          General Session

9 – 10 am                                                                    Concurrent Breakout Sessions

• Creative Financing for Your Business
• Under Construction:  How to find Local, State and Federal Projects
• Youth:  The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
• In the Interest of Women
• Cyber Safety
•  Business Sessions in Spanish

10- 10:30 am                                                              Networking Break/Visit Exhibitors

10- 10:30 am                                                              Networking Break/Visit Exhibitors

10:30 – 11:30 am                                                        Concurrent Breakout Sessions (repeated)

11:30 am – 12 pm                                                       Networking Break/Visit Exhibitors

12 pm                                                                           Seating for Luncheon

12:15-1:45 pm                                                            Luncheon Keynote Speaker: Derek Anderson

2 pm                                                                            Book Signing with Derek Anderson

2 – 3 pm                                                                      Concurrent Breakout Sessions

• SBA Emerging Leaders Program
• Business Start-ups
• Business Start-ups (In Spanish)

2 – 4 pm                                                                        Business Opportunity Exchange

 

SOURCE:  SBA

Entrepreneur’s Edge

This one-day business-changing event features many of Sacramento’s seasoned business experts.  Join us for interactive workshops, mastermind breakout sessions and a diverse business financing panel.

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

Location:  The Sutter Club, 1220 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Cost: $125 (NAWBO Members) or $150(non members)

Registration: http://nawbo-sac.org/meetinginfo.php?id=64&ts=1434488715

SOURCE:  SBA

State Contracting Department of General Services Certification Lab

 Date:  Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from  9:30 am to 11:30 am

Location:  2000 O Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95811

Cost: FREE

Parking: Free in lot across 20th Street between the house and bar and metered street parking.

Interested in winning contracts, or selling goods and services to the State?

Get Certified!

The State of California strives to make doing business with the state as easy as possible. The eProcurement system provides one location to advertise procurement opportunities. This workshop presented by the California Department of General Services will provide hands-on technical assistance for on-the-spot online certification to get certified as a California Small Business Enterprise supplier. Information on procurement and contracting opportunities with the State of California, California Department of Transportation, California Public Utilities and other reciprocity partners will be shared. All businesses are welcome.

Materials Required for on-the-spot certification:

1.      Applicant/Affiliate Federal Tax Returns for the past three (3) years

2.      Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) (if applicable)

3.      Secretary of State Number (if applicable)

4.      Home address of Officers, Member/Manager and Partners

5.      Social Security Number (if sole proprietor)

6.      Dunn & Bradstreet Number (if applicable)

7.      Contractors State License Board Number (if applicable)

8.      DD-214 and proof of service-connected disability (if applicable)

9.      PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP

This event targets the following types of businesses: local, small, veteran-, woman-, and minority-owned businesses. But this workshop is open to the public. Seating is limited, please register early.

Instructed by Wayne Gross, Procurement Division, Department of General Services

Registration Link: http://cacapital.org/ai1ec_event/dgscertificationlab7-22/?instance_id=1264

SOURCE:  SBA

Structure your Business as an LLC

 Date:  Tuesday, July 21, 2015 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Location:  2000 O Street, Suite 250, Sacramento, CA 95811

Cost: FREE

Parking: Free in lot across 20th Street between the house and bar and metered street parking.

Join us to learn how to properly form and maintain an LLC; what gives it legal standing and how that relates to tax savings, asset protection and fringe benefits for the owners. Improperly formed or maintained entities will not provide these benefits.

We will discuss:

·   Reasons to operate as an LLC

·   Legal structure

·   Legal governance

·   LLC tax structures

·   Proper formation

·   Compliance and maintenance

·   Tax reduction strategies

·   Staying under IRS radar

·   Recordkeeping to win an IRS audit

·   and more

Instructed by:

Randy Roth, owner and principal of Incompass Tax, Estate & Business Solutions. Randy is a tax, estate & business consultant practicing in the areas of tax preparation and planning for individuals, businesses, estates, trusts and non-profit organizations. He advises in the formation of business entities, corporate compliance matters, real estate holdings and non-profits—as well as in their on-going maintenance. His focus encompasses the BIG picture, considering issues involving aging, asset protection, and estate planning.

Registration Link: http://cacapital.org/ai1ec_event/structure-you-business-as-an-llc-2/?instance_id=1091

Attend Business Seminars and Workshops – July 13th to July 24, 2015

San Francisco Classes

State Payroll Tax Workshop 7/14 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM This workshop provides participants with hands practice on how to calculate state taxes and complete state payroll tax forms.  

Using Localized 2012 Economic Census Data to Grow Your Business   7/14 – Tuesday 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM  The U.S. Census Bureau Data Dissemination Specialist will explain how you can read, understand and apply localized 2012 Economic Census Data in your business.   The knowledge gained from this class will help you to identify trends, define or determine your market and quite possibly open your mind to strategies that you may take to grow your new or existing business. 

12 BIG Mistakes Small Employers Make 7/14 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM This workshop covers the highlights of common mistakes small employers make which can get them in hot water with either the state or expose them to expensive litigation.  Topics to be covered include employee misclassification, wage and hour law, employee handbooks, injury illness prevention plans, vacation policies, reasonable accommodation, leaves of absence, San Francisco’s new Family Friendly ordinance, workers’ compensation and much more. 

The 99% of dot coms that don’t work–and the 1% that do 7/14 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM $35 – There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there about what kinds of business ideas will succeed on the internet. Just start a blog! Have a facebook page!  Use keywords on every page, and they will come!  No, they won’t. Learn what won’t work, what can’t work, and what will never work; what business models still work, how to research them, and how to launch an online presence for as low a cost as possible. 

Managing Stress and Anxiety for Small Business Owners 7/15 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM How are you handling the stress and anxiety of starting or growing your small business?  Learn strategies, tips and how to relieve stress or release anxiety, empowering you to feel strong and competent in your small business endeavor.

Marketing Made Easy 7/15 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM A good introduction or refresher to 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. 

Introduction to QuickBooks 7/16 – Thursday 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM Topics include payroll, setting preferences, restoring files, and list maintenance including chart of accounts. Participants must be using their own laptop that has the latest version of QuickBooks software installed to participate in this class.  Space limited.

Combine Email and Social Media to Make Money & Get Your Emails Opened 7/17 – Friday   9:00 AM – 12:00 PM $10 – Join us for a deeper look into the importance and effectiveness of why email marketing with social media engagement can drive action; and, the Subject Line will make or break your email efforts.  We will review best practices and tips for subject lines so that YOUR emails never get deleted.

Legal Entity Choices for Our New Economy 7/20 – Monday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Sole proprietorships, general partnerships, LLC’s, many different types of corporations, newer alternatives like co-ops and triple bottom line entities for socially responsible businesses:  how do you make a good legal entity choice for your business?  Did you know that the legal protection of corporations and LLC’s is NOT automatic? If they don’t pass certain tests, you may end up with nothing but a cool business name and a false sense of security.  This workshop walks you through a decision process to help you decide what legal entity choice is best for your business plans.  Although taught by an experienced business attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.  Presented by the San Francisco Community Business Law Center. 

Hiring and Retention of Employees 7/21 – Tuesday 9:00 AM – 12Noon $45 – Improve your chances of hiring someone that’s well suited for your organization and learn ways to retain excellent employees.

Be the Boss – Business Buying & Selling Options and Resources 7/21 – Tuesday 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM $35 – A two-hour course designed to give you essential tools to meet your goals for buying or selling a business or franchise. You will learn proven techniques perfected over 30 years of transactional experience. Whether you are buying or selling a business our experts will provide you with the tools and go-to resources to maximize your chances of success.

How to Become a Small Business Professional (Paid) Speaker 7/21 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Learn how to start a small business as a professional (paid) speaker and make money doing it.

Top 7 Characteristics of Successful Business Owners 7/21 – Tuesday 6:00 PM – 8:00PM Ever wonder what makes a small business owner successful?  Looking at companies of 1 – 25 people, a pattern emerges: the owners share traits that allow them to be flexible and bold.  Interested in learning more about what these characteristics are?  This informative presentation the volunteer presenter reviews these characteristics, diving into each characteristic in-depth. You, as a business owner, will have the opportunity to try these characteristics on, seeing which ones you currently employ and which ones you’d like to adopt.  This is highly interactive presentation, so come prepared to ponder and discuss!

Contracts Among Small Business Co-Owners 7/22 – Wednesday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMSharing the burdens of launching and operating a business with co-owners in a partnership, LLC, corporation, or co-op can be rewarding, even life-saving.  It can also be one of the riskiest business and legal moves you ever make.  Disputes among the co-owners of closely held small businesses over business decisions, money, or time commitments can seriously harm the value of the business you have worked so hard to build. Even without disputes, how do you prevent one owner’s death, disability, family leave, divorce, personal financial woes, or decision to leave the business from shutting you down?  Although taught by an experienced business attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.  Presented by the San Francisco Community Business Law Center.

HUBZone and Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program Certifications 7/23 – Thursday 9:00 AM – 10:15 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) Business Development (BD) Certification Workshop 7/23 – 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 7/23 – Thursday 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM A Benefits Advisor, 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.  The U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration can help you start today.

Doing Business with Cisco Systems 7/23 – Thursday 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM This seminar will focus on how to be successful in offering your products and services to Cisco Systems.  We’ll discuss Cisco’s Supplier Diversity program and look at technologies for small growing businesses.

For Your Information

Legal Workshop: How to Write an Independent Contractor Agreement 7/13 – Monday 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Successful independent contractor project outcome often depends on establishing and documenting realistic expectations for contract scope, performance standards, and pricing. This interactive workshop will guide you step by step through the process of creating a simple, generic independent contractor agreement that works. Although taught by an experienced business attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.  Cost: FREE Location:  Women’s Business Center, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, 275 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 – Cost: FREE Contact: Kareen, Program Associate at kboncales@rencenter.org

Cracking the Code: Small Business Access to Federal Government Contracting Opportunities 7/17 Friday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Free Event – learn how to unlock the world of small business government contracting opportunities and make the Federal government your next customer.  You will hear from procurement experts from the Small Business Administration, Northern California Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, and more.  Doors open and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Program begins at 9:00 a.m. (Note: Lunch will not be served, however, light snacks will be provided.) Location:  College of San Mateo, 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard, College Center Building 10, 2nd Floor Bayview Dining Room, San Mateo, CA  Parking is available in public lots and most permitted lots. Citations will not be issued in permitted lots during the event.  A SamTrans bus stop is located approximately 5 minutes from the building.

Cloud Support for Small Business Growth 7/22 – Wednesday 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Pleasanton, CA Cloud-based software services now enable small business owners/managers to tap technologies previously available only to large companies with deep pockets who could afford big on-site costs.  Our panel of experts will share how to tap the cloud without breaking the bank and take your small business to new heights.FREE to attend but pre-registration is required to guarantee your seat as space is limited. Cloud Support for Small Business is part of the 2015 Tri-Valley Small Business Assistance series which is designed to provide information and support to small businesses and startups in the Tri-Valley region. The series kicked off with the “Small Business Resource Fair” in Livermore last May 1; “Cloud Support for Small Business Growth”, on July 22nd is the 2nd part in the series; and “Meet the Lenders” will be the final part of the series which will be held on Thursday, October 8, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Dublin Shannon Community Center, 11600 Shannon Ave, Dublin, CA.  For more information call Emily.navarra@sba.govor email at emily.navarra@sba.gov To register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cloud-support-for-small-business-growth-tickets-16947137344 Location:  Pleasanton Library Community Meeting Room, 400 Old Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA  94566

SBA Linc Connecting Borrowers with SBA Approved Lenders. 

Migration to EMV Chip Card Technology and Your Small Business Beginning on October 1, 2015, the liability for card-present fraud will shift to whichever party is the least EMV-compliant in certain fraudulent transactions.  Learn more by visiting title link above.

myRA: A Retirement Savings Option for Small Businesses  Small businesses now have a new way to help their employees save for retirement. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently introduced myRA (my Retirement Account), a new retirement starter savings account that is simple, safe and affordable for both employers and their employees. It was created for employees who do not have access to a retirement savings plan through work including part-time, seasonal, temporary and contracted employees. Visit the myRA (my Retirement Account) website for more information about how myRA can help your employees and how to participate.