2020 GEM Schedule
Nov. 8 – 14
Why Would You Start a Business During a Global Pandemic?
Presenters: Kate Isler & Susan Gates, WMarketplace
Sponsor: Thurston EDC, Washington Center for Women in Business
About the Course About the Course: Kate and Susan will begin by explaining the mission of The WMarketplace, which directly is tied to current events, and then shift to what our experience has been in forming The WMarketplace in a short time-frame. We’ll highlight how our previous experience lead us to creating this new business and some of the lessons we have learned in a short time frame.
About the Presenters: Kate and Susan met 20 years ago at a tech startup. Although that startup didn’t last, their friendship and passion for gender equity did. The WMarketplace is a result of their vision that women need to achieve parity in economic power in order to have parity in all aspects of their lives.
Washington State Biz Fair
About the Event: Just as small businesses are facing unique challenges in navigating a new and evolving “normal” as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all events such as the Biz Fair are having to transition from a traditional in-person to an all-virtual format.
Sharpen your business skills by attending seminars led by savvy business experts who will share their knowledge and real-life experiences. The Biz Fair is FREE and businesses can select specific sessions and experiences as they register!
Generating Online Leads - How Google Ads Can Help You Get Back On Track
Presenter: Matt Cail, Executive Manager, Super Charge Marketing
Sponsor: Washington SBDC
About the Event: Many businesses want their online advertisement to show up right when people are looking for you! Google makes it easy to get started with its advertising program, but it’s even easier to waste gobs of money on it. Attend this session to learn how to write good ads, to effectively target them how to avoid costly keyword bidding wars and other common mistakes.
Navigating Your Small Business through Financial Uncertainty
Presenters: Morris Jackson, Consumer and Business Banking division, U.S. Bank
Amanda Brinkman, Chief Brand Officer, Deluxe
Sponsor: SCORE
About the Course: The economic environment in 2020 has caused many unexpected challenges for the small business community as they navigate through times of financial uncertainty. Many business owners are facing decisions around cutting expenses, adjusting business models and finding new sources of revenue.
Topics include:
- Understanding operating expenses
- Business financial planning and decision making
- Managing cash flow
- Understanding the importance of margins
- Accessing business purchasing/spending
- Business growth and expansion
- Identifying opportunities for additional revenue streams
Cyber Security for Small Business
Presenter: Stacy Clements, SNAP Financial Services, Women’s Business Center
Sponsor: SNAP, Women’s Business Center
Attend the Class – Pre-registration not required
About the Course: Small businesses have become a very appealing target for Cyber Criminals. If you need help Taming the Wild Cyber this workshop is just the right fit. Many small businesses don’t think they need to worry about cyber-attacks – “who would be interested in my little business?” In reality, attacks on small businesses are increasing, and the effects on a small business can be devastating. In this workshop, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of the cybersecurity risks small businesses face. Learn how to use a cybersecurity framework to help you assess and improve your business’s security and help safeguard what you’ve worked so hard to build.
About the Presenter: Stacy Clements is the owner of Milepost 42, a partner for small business owners who want to work on their business, and let someone else handle the “web stuff.” Before starting her business, Stacy spent 23 years in the United States Air Force, working in communications, cyber operations, and project management. Dubbed “a fixer, a problem solver, and a pitbull”, she now focuses on fixing (and creating) websites, solving technical problems for small business owners, and relentlessly promoting cybersecurity practices.
Starting a Business After 50
Presenter: Michael Allen, MBA, Start Up Academy and Launch Lab, Spokane Community College
Sponsor: Spokane Community College Start Up Academy
About the Course: People 50 and older are starting new businesses at a growing rate as they experience a change in lifestyle or new opportunities. This workshop provides information on what is needed to turn your idea into a business and explores useful tool to help you get launched.
About the Presenter: Michael Allen is an Entrepreneurship and Marketing instructor at Spokane Community College. Michael also directs the SCC Start Up Academy and Launch Lab. He is a serial entrepreneur and has also served on the Spokane City Council.
How to Increase Your Revenue with Google My Business
Presenter: Amanda Tento, Owner, TDM Marketing
About the Course: Google My Business is the most powerful free tool you can use for your business. Ranking in the top 3 on Google Search and Maps is achievable using the method created by Amanda Tento of TDM Marketing. Her Marketing Agency helps businesses to rank in the top 3 on Google while circumventing traditional expensive SEO campaigns. In this session, you will learn about Google My Business, what it is, and how to use it to increase your revenue.
About the Presenter: Amanda is the owner and founder of THE DETERMINED MOM and ONLINE MARKETING FOR MOMS.COM! She lives with her husband, Bert, and their three daughters in Lacey, Washington. Amanda was determined to be a work at home mom as soon as she possibly could when she found out they had a third daughter on the way, she had to find a way not to go back to her 9-7 managing a credit union branch. She loved the job, but she felt like she never saw her family! She has been making her own way for 3 years now!
She decided that the best way to do this is to put her varied skill set to work. She started The Determined Mom Digital Marketing Agency to help small business owners grow their business and reach more customers. She has 14 years of business management experience and she uses it daily for her clients and her own business! She is also a full-time mother, wife, and student!
The Determined Mom offers Google My Business Management and Education, Marketing Coaching, and a Marketing Tech Membership called OnlineMarketingForMoms.com! Mom Business owners can learn SEO, WordPress design and so much other marketing technology! Amanda also offers one on one Marketing Implementation Coaching to help women conquer the tech headaches of marketing. She hosts The Determined Mom Show podcast which can be found on your favorite podcast player.