Events/Workshops

Crowdfunding: A New Alternative to Raising Working Capital SBCE Crowdfunding has become a great alternative for small business owners to raise working capital for their business ventures. Our workshop will help participants understand the principles associated with building successful Crowdfunding campaigns and will show you how to use Crowdfunding to finance your goals (3hours). Registration is required. Course fee: FREE CRN 50061 Mon Sep 26 6:00pm - 9:00 pm

Interested in starting a business or expanding an existing business? Need financial assistance? This workshop will address these issues by providing information on determining money needs, SBA loans, venture capital, working with local banks, use of a business plan to secure financing, services provided by the Small Business Development Center.

This half-day program is designed to give small business owners or managers a brief introduction to some of the free tools available to them and how to implement effectively for their business without consuming an inordinate amount of time away from their business. This program is also useful for business owners who hire a company or staff member solely for social media marketing. The goal of this program is to have the business owner set-up and start using social media side by side with the facilitator to get them comfortable with the programs. With that confidence, the students should be ready to start a basic social media effort over several platforms. The program also offers tips, tricks, and basic guidelines to make their interactions meaningful, valuable and relevant to their audience.

Speaker: Wendy Stanton, CCA & Associates

You’ve launched your new business. Congratulations! Now let’s plan a new website that will work hard for you 24/7. If you’re promoting services only or selling products online, there are significant differences you need to plan for when designing your new website. You’ll learn how to evaluate solution providers, common mistakes to avoid, and the most important best practices to follow to help you get listed in the major search engines – Google/Bing/Yahoo.

NEW! Lose the W.A.I.T. SBCE Is procrastination affecting your business? Learn how the new W (What and Why) A (Acceptance) I (Imagination) T (Take action) program can help you develop the tools to transform your business and personal goals (12 hours). Course fee: $229 CRN 50036 Tues/Thurs Sept. 27, 29, Oct 4,6 6-9pm

QuickBooks Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable SBCE In a simulated real business environment learn how to manage both the Customers/Sales and Vendors/Expenses capabilities in QuickBooks. Perform and practice Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable transactions and reporting. Prerequisite: QuickBooks for Small Businesses and a good working knowledge of accounting principles (9 hours). Course fee: $169 CRN 50004 Tue/Thu/Tue Sep 27, 29 & Oct 4 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Continue learning about QuickBooks with this class by learning to create and customize forms and templates. Learn to work with Asset, Liability, and equity accounts. Work with and customize QuickBooks reports and graphs. Explore the Payroll tracking features in QuickBooks including tax liabilities. Explore Job Costing, time tracking and estimating.

Speaker: Mary Adelman

Outside-the-Box Marketing SBCE Gain the multiple exposures you need to gain brand recognition and trust within your target market. Design and launch the best tactics to achieve the repeat and referral business you need to achieve your goals (3 hours). Course fee: $59 CRN 50031 TUES SEPT 27 6PM-9PM

Social Media Master Part 3: It’s all about Marketing …. We will review how to market on Facebook and Twitter: create ads, and build your business community on any budget big or small. East Campus: 215 North Ave, Hillside, NJ 07205 Room 157.

Speaker: Daphnie Manzione, CEO of Go Daphers

MASTERING THE MENTAL IN BUSINESS Learn how to proactively handle and even benefit from the inevitable challenges and setbacks you'll face along the way building your business. Finish up with solid ways to build your confidence in any situation, work through habits and fears that can hold you back, and create a support system that will help lead you to success (3 hours). Registration is required. Course fee: FREE CRN 50016 Wed 9/28/16 6pm-9pm

Introduction to Search Engine Optimization SBCE Understand how to improve website visibility in the major search engines. Participants learn SEO best practices to follow and have the opportunity to have websites critiqued during the session (3 hours). Course fee: $59 CRN 50029 9/28/16 Wed 6pm-9pm

How to Network for Success SBCE Explore the why, where, and how to network offline and online. Learn to write and deliver an attention-getting "elevator speech" that really works. Start networking immediately: bring your business cards and brochures to class (3 hours). Course fee: $59 CRN50032 9/28/16 Wed. 6pm-9pm

We invite you to attend this workshop about starting your business in Mercer County. You will learn how to get your new business organized and running properly. You need sharp tools and an understanding of not only how to market and price the products or services you offer but also the basic financial skills to ensure your financial wellbeing. You will leave with the answers to the questions which are preventing you from proceeding with your plans to start a business. Topics include legal formation, business ownership options, financial management, insurance issues, marketing and business planning, and much more. Materials every small business needs will be provided to each participant, including a "how to" handbook for businesses in Mercer County. This event is co-sponsored by the County of Mercer. More Information: 609-771-2947, info@sbdcnj.com or http://www.sbdcnj.com Online Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5196460754

Marketing to Millennials Demystified Participants will explore the challenges of marketing to the millennials generation (ages 18 to 35). Learn what makes them tick and how to structure your marketing and sales strategies to attract this generation to your business. (3 Hours) CRN 50053 Course Fee $59 Thurs Sept 29 6pm-9pm

This seminar is intended to provide participants with an overview of the SBIR and STTR programs with a focus on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). It will feature participation by NIH’s 2 largest Institutes, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) & NSF’s Smart Health and Biomedical Technologies program. The seminar will also include instruction on topic searching and an introduction to proposal writing followed by a networking lunch and 1-to-1 conversations with the NIH and NSF representatives in the afternoon. ----- To request a 1-to-1 slot, send an E-message to rgharmon@njsbdc.com upon registration along with no more than a 1 page overview of the technology, including the specific objectives of what you would like to accomplish with SBIR funding.

Speaker: -Todd Haim,Ph.D., Program Director, NCI SBIR Development Center -Natalia Kruchinin, Ph.D., SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases -Michael Minnicozzi, Ph.D., Program Officer, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases -Jesus Soriano, Ph.D., Program Director, NSF Smart Health and Biomedical Technologies -Randy Harmon, NJSBDC Technology Commercialization Consultant -Anthony Faugno, CPA, Partner, EisnerAmper

Establishing KPI's for Your Business You manage what you measure, but what are the right key performance indicators (KPI) for your business? In this two session workshop, participants will learn how to identify and set specific KPI's, then will be given an opportunity to present their KPI's for the group. Course fee: 119 CRN 50051 Mon Oct 3&10

The seminar covers topics on doing business in New Jersey such as: Online Business Registration Legal Structuring of the Business Getting a Federal ID Registering for taxes with the NJ Department of Revenue Financial Sources and Resources; Preparing for Certification General discussion on other specific topics related to the participants' start- up questions and needs.

Speaker: Reina Valenzuela, MBA

This workshop is designed specifically for the individual thinking of starting a business and to give them the necessary tools to follow a logical approach to assess the viability and profitability of starting a business. They will learn the workings of an economic model, a feasibility and breakeven analysis, along with market research and resources skills. A question and answer period will follow concerning any question pertaining to a new venture.

Speaker: Julie Kossoy, Consultant, NJSBDC at BCC

Entrepreneurship is a state of mind. It can blossom at any age and it’s a compelling desire to do one’s own thing. Are you a good communicator, motivator, and delegator? Are you an entrepreneur? Discover more during this workshop. Become more knowledgeable on the different types of business entities available along with their legal/tax implications. Learn how to register a business, examine setting up bookkeeping records, taxation, and understanding financial statements, money needs, payroll, insurance, and licensing.

This workshop is designed specifically for the individual thinking of starting a business and to give them the necessary tools to follow a logical approach to assess the viability and profitability of starting a business. They will learn the workings of an economic model, a feasibility and breakeven analysis, along with market research and resources skills. A question and answer period will follow concerning any question pertaining to a new venture.

Speaker: Vince Vicari, Regional Director NJSBDC at Bergen Community College

Are you considering entrepreneurship as a career option but want a proven business model to get to your goals more quickly and safer? Would you like to run a business of your own that will provide greater autonomy and independence, but are not sure how to find, or choose the right business for you. If you have answered “YES” to either of these questions, then the franchise workshop is for you! Presented by one of North America’s Top Franchise Consultants.

Speaker: Boynton R. Weekes, FranNet of NJ and NY

Your website isn’t effective if it can’t be found by t he major search engines. This class is essential for you to learn specifically what to change in order to improve your visibility in Google/Bing/Yahoo’s search result pages. Participants learn SEO best practices to follow and have the opportunity to have their own websites critiqued during the session.

NEW! QuickBooks Model Office SBCE Attendees will create a model office company, post a large number of accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions and reconcile their entries to the company’s profit and loss report. Prerequisite: Must have received the Accounting and QuickBooks Certificate. Seating is limited. To register, send an email to sbdc@raritanval.edu and provide us with your name, address, telephone number and desired class or call the SBDC at 908-526-1200 x8516 (6 hours). Course fee: Free CRN 50005 Oct. 11&13 Tues /Thurs 6pm-9pm

Building and Financing Your Business SBCE Are you an entrepreneur who needs to learn about financing your small business? Meet the people who can assist you. The first part of this seminar explains the process of how a business owner can obtain financing via different methods and various lenders, and what resources are available to small businesses. In the second part of the seminar attendees can meet lenders and discuss issues one-on-one (3 hours). Course fee: FREE CRN 50065 Wed Oct 12 12:00pm-3pm

Introduction to Google Analytics SBCE Learn how to use the powerful free reporting tool Google Analytics to measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts (3 hours). Course fee: $59 CRN 50025 Oct 12 Wed. 6pm-9pm

NEW! Doing Business with the Federal Government SBCE The US Federal Government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world. Learn the types of products and services it procures and how to tell if the government is buying what your business is selling (3 hours). Registration is required. Course fee: FREE CRN 50067 Thurs 10/13/16 9am-noon

NEW! Federal Small Business Certifications SBCE This seminar will discuss the federal procurement 8(a) Business Development Program, HUBZone Empowerment Contracting Program and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) set-aside programs (3 hours). Registration is required. Course fee: FREE CRN 50068 Oct 13 Thurs 1pm-4pm

Internet Marketing Week is the culmination of the knowledge that has been acquired throughout the year on the #LearnToEarn Series. Participants will learn how to pitch their digital marketing campaign and will participate in a Pitch Competition. There will be meaningful prizes for the first 3 winners of the Pitch Competition. Build your small business a 3-Year Internet Marketing Strategy .......in Just a Matter of Days! -Work Closely with Industry Experts & Coaches -Develop a Comprehensive Digital Strategy -Network within Your CEO Peer Workshops -Finalize Your Digital Marketing Plan -Get Feedback and Advice from Small Business Advocates, Lenders & Experts For more information, contact: info@BusinessLearningTree.com

Speaker: Sunny Kancherla, Marce Zuchovicki

Internet Marketing Week is the culmination of the knowledge that has been acquired throughout the year on the #LearnToEarn Series. Participants will learn how to pitch their digital marketing campaign and will participate in a Pitch Competition. There will be meaningful prizes for the first 3 winners of the Pitch Competition. Build your small business a 3-Year Internet Marketing Strategy .......in Just a Matter of Days! -Work Closely with Industry Experts & Coaches -Develop a Comprehensive Digital Strategy -Network within Your CEO Peer Workshops -Finalize Your Digital Marketing Plan -Get Feedback and Advice from Small Business Advocates, Lenders & Experts For more information, contact us: info@BusinessLearningTree.com

Speaker: Sunny Kancherla, Marce Zuchovicki, Cheryl McCants, Anthony Alvarez

Intellectual Property Rights:Protect Your Work FInd out about intellectual property protection laws available to people who create original works. Learn what might be the best and most economical ways of protecting your work and how to deal with infringement if it happens. Course Dee: $59 CRN 50052 Mon Oct 17 6pm-9pm

Accounting Fundamentals SBCE Learn fundamental accounting procedures that complement QuickBooks for Small Businesses. Master concepts needed for bookkeeping and learn accounting terminology used to operate financial software (6 hours). Course fee: $129 CRN 50006 Oct 17 & 18 Mon/Tues 6pm-9pm

The Business Plan SBCE Create a sound business plan to help you manage your business more effectively and/or prepare to seek financing. Chart your course and improve your chances for business success (9 hours). Course fee: $159 CRN 50018 Tues Oct 18,25,Nov 1 6pm-9pm

"Demystifying International Trade" How to Get Started, and How to Expand This workshop covers the fundamentals of international trade. We will cover topics for both beginning and accomplished exporters and importers – including marketing, sales, pricing and distribution.

Speaker: Roger S. Cohen

The seminar covers topics on doing business in New Jersey such as: Online Business Registration Legal Structuring of the Business Getting a Federal ID Registering for taxes with the NJ Department of Revenue Financial Sources and Resources; Preparing for Certification General discussion on other specific topics related to the participants' start- up questions and needs.

Speaker: Reina Valenzuela, MBA

In today’s climate, it is vital you know how credit issues impact your business and your life! Join us for this incredibly informational webinar as we help you understand: - Your credit situation/status based on your credit report; - How credit scores are calculated; - Which factors impact your credit scores and how to make them work for you; - How financial statements and tax returns impact or enhance a credit rating; - How investors, lenders and creditors use credit bureau reports to assess your business’ capacity. No Cost to Join BUT Registration Is Required This program is an online webinar.

Speaker: Herb Caesar

Your Marketing Toolbox: Get Strategic SBCE Learn how to create brand awareness, build trust, give people reasons to buy, and validate your customers’ buying decisions. Obtain repeat and referral business. Create a strategic marketing plan grounded in critical foundations that will make your marketing endeavors exciting and rewarding (9 hours). Course fee: $159 CRN 50033 Oct 19, 26, & Nov 2 6pm-9pm

Learn directly from the New Jersey Division of Taxation the various State tax-related responsibilities and exactly how to handle them. Questions are welcome! Reporting Business Income and Expenses Filing Sales and Use Tax Returns Types of Business Ownership and the NJ tax consequences for each Meeting Employer Responsibilities Registering Your Business with the NJ Division of Taxation And … Your Questions

Speaker: Representatives of New Jersey Division of Taxation, Trenton, NJ

Getting the Most from International Reps, Agents & Distributors How to Expand Your Reach Abroad: This workshop covers the practical aspects of how to work with representatives, agents, distributors, and other resources. Learn how to increase your reach by working with sales professionals. We recommend that students take Demystifying International Trade prior to this session.

Speaker: Roger S. Cohen

Basics of Small Business Insurance SBCE Are you a new small business owner who is operating without insurance, and needs to learn the basics of both insurance and risk management techniques... to protect your company from catastrophic loss? This seminar will explain the types of insurance coverage needed to build a basic insurance program and different ways to buy insurance or how to self-insure (3 hours). Registration is required. Course fee: FREE CRN 50063 Thurs Oct 20 6pm-9pm

Even the most skeptical banker can be persuaded positively with a convincing business plan. Comprehensive plans include sales forecasts, market identification, resources, personnel, cash flow, and income projections. Learn how your finished plan should look, what’s to be included, which language to use and what information to present and in what format your plans are clearly convincing.

QuickBooks for Small Businesses SBCE Learn how QuickBooks can simplify the accounting process for a small business. Set up a business, record transactions, understand the reports generated from QuickBooks and the components of financial statements. Prerequisite: Accounting Fundamentals or a good working knowledge of accounting principles (6 hours). Course fee: $129 CRN 50007 Mon/Tues Oct 24&25 6pm-9pm