2021 Global Entrepreneurship Month Schedule

Nov. 7 – 13

Nov. 8: How to Bring a New Product to Market from Product Development and Design to Fabrication

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM

Presenter: Andy Johnston, Principal Engineer, Johnston Engineering

Watch the Video

About the Course: Bringing a new product to market involves a lot more than a concept written on a napkin and a 3D printer prototype. It is a full product development cycle of creation that includes ideation, market research, design, engineering, prototyping, fabrication, production, packaging, distribution and much more. This webinar will focus on the process for designing, engineering, assembling, testing and project management for creating products that are market ready.

About the Presenter: Andy Johnston, P.E. is the principal mechanical engineer of Johnston Engineering located in Spokane, WA. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Washington with more than 18 years of product development and mechanical engineering design and analysis expertise. He has designed products for a wide range of industries including biotechnology, energy storage, renewable energy, consumer products, military and aerospace, electronics cooling, nuclear, sports equipment and food handling equipment.

Nov. 9: Grow with a Pro - Business Accounting

Time: 8:30 – 9:15 AM

Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcumpqDMtEtOSPTP5dKiCq8Nz8HTPNpN8

About the Course: Weekly morning chats with a business professional. Whether you are in the idea phase or a growth pase in your business, we invite you to attend our weekly Grow with a Pro coffee chats. Every Tuesday in November from 8:30-9:15 AM you will hear from a different professional as they chat about their area of expertise as it relates to current times. This includes an opportunity to connect with other owners. There will be a Q&A portion.

Nov. 9: Pathways to Business Startup Through the Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Presenter: Sean Moore Ph.D., Director, Center for Business & Innovation

Registration: https://washingtonptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/852825

About the Course: The Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation has over a dozen programs to help entrepreneurs at any stage in their business journey. These programs offer different pathways for success for entrepreneurs in different types of businesses and industries. They include an online incubator, a MakerSpace, a local investment network, and no cost business advising to name a few. Join the Director of the Center for Business & Innovation in exploring the different pathways and resources that can help you start and grow your business.

About the Presenter:

Before becoming the Director of the Center for Business & Innovation, Sean was the Program Director for the Washington Center for Women in Business. Previously, Sean spent seven years teaching a wide variety of management and marketing courses at the collegiate level. Additionally, Sean has nine years of retail management experience and has spent a total of 18 years working in the retail sector with specialized experience in the action sports and outdoor industries. Five years of his experience was working in a world-class customer service environment.

Nov. 9: Don’t Fly with Blinders On – Data Fundamentals for Small Businesses

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Presenter: Alexandra Mannerings, Founder, Mirakinos

Watch the Video

About the Course: Would you drive full speed down the highway in a white-out blizzard? Probably not. But many of us fly nearly as blind in how we run our small business because we haven’t taken the time to implement analytics.

Tracking and monitoring a few key data elements can help us know exactly where we are and recognize right away when things are changing. If you aren’t sure how to begin or take the next step in your analytics journey, this talk will help you get started and improve how you use data.

By the end, you’ll understand:

  • What you need to measure and what you can ignore
  • How to set up efficient data systems so you aren’t wasting your precious time
  • How to leverage your new data

About the Presenter:

Alexandra Mannerings founded her analytic education and consulting company, Merakinos, to help social enterprises and non-profits harness the power of data. A decade of measuring what matters in low-resource environments from Ghana to India has taught her how to ask impactful questions even if it’s just you in the wilderness.

She earned her PhD in Veterinary Science (Epidemiology) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and BSc in Biology from Emory University. She has also run the Data Center at a state hospital association, rowed for the Light Blues, built trails across Colorado parks, and is currently raising two spirited toddlers.

Nov. 9: Going Global: Small Business Export Panel on Doing Business Abroad

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Presenters:

  • Chonchol Gupta, Founder, Rebirth Analytics
  • Molly Ray, Founder/CEO, Molly Ray Frangrance
  • Frank Nichols, CEO, President, Founder, Silicon Forest Electronics
  • Christie Skoorsmith, Quality Manager, SPIO

Watch the Video

About the Course: Companies will hear from a panel of small businesses on the successes and challenges of taking their products and services into international markets.

Nov. 9: Black-Owned Business Excellence: Stimulate Your Marketing Strategy

Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Presenter: Nicole Damaris Green, Chief Marketing Strategist, Social B

Watch the Video (may require creating an account to login)

About the Course: Black-Owned Business Excellence is a collaboration of more than a dozen organizations coming together to support, promote, educate and elevate businesses that are owned by underserved business owners. We have organized a collective calendar of events focused on the advancement of BIPOC businesses. This quarterly event will focus on Upgrading your business entity.

Stimulate Your Marketing Strategy. Come and focus your marketing, branding, and advertising to reach your target audience. Enhance your marketing strategy to be prepared for holiday shopping and the new year with multiple channels and delivery methods.

About the Presenter:

Nicole Damaris Green, Chief Marketing Strategist of Social B will show us how to accelerate our Marketing & Business Development efforts in the fourth quarter just in time for the holiday season. Her presentation will highlight why the fourth quarter is the key to success in Marketing & Business Development (Sales) with proven strategies that keep clients engaged, and business and ideas to position yourself for more closed sales unlocking the secrets to getting clients to put you at the top of their holiday list and developing your plan of action. Nicole has over 17-years of business development, direct marketing, and digital marketing experience, working in a variety of different roles.

Nov. 9: How Businesses Can Save Time and Money with Smart Purchasing Strategies

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM

Registration: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1834998462883766027?source=Email

About this Course: Finding ways to save time and money are at the top of most entrepreneurs’ to-do lists. One area that’s ripe for optimization to help propel business growth is procurement and purchasing. When sourcing supplies for your business, there are a lot of changing variables to consider in order to accelerate sourcing, access more supply options and improve transparency while minimizing administrative burden. How can business leaders quickly and easily streamline their buying processes, gain efficiencies, and identify new ways to save?

Join our webinar as we facilitate a thought-provoking discussion on purchasing challenges affecting small businesses, key sourcing strategies to drive business growth, and ways leaders can optimize processes using digital procurement solutions. Hear from Amazon Business and small business leaders as they share purchasing tactics and approaches you can employ to save time on buying processes and reinvest those resources in deeper, more value-add initiatives for your business.

Presented by: Amazon Business. Powered by Entrepreneur

Nov. 9: Online, On-Demand Learning and Skill Development for Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Presenter: Mark Pond, MLIS, Business Research Librarian, Spokane Public Library

Watch the Video

About the Course: Through LinkedIn Learning (previously known as Lynda.com), explore over 16,000 expert-led courses. The subjects range from marketing to app development, from lean management techniques to getting the most out of your video editing software. With such broad subject coverage, LinkedIn Learning has content that will be of value to any business, large or small. Thanks to the work of the Washington State Library, LinkedIn Learning is available to all Washington residents – for free! – through their local public library. Come learn how to start learning.

About the Presenter:

Since 2006, Mark Pond has been the Business Research Librarian with the Spokane Public Library. From 1998 – 2006, Mark worked in similar capacities for the Seattle Public Library as well as the University of Washington Libraries.  During Mark’s tenure with the Spokane Public Library, he has led the effort to develop Spokane Public Library into a nationally recognized leader in the field of business research. While it is tough to quantify an exact metric, Spokane Public Library’s business resources are currently rivaled only by the New York Public Library.  If we truly live in the Information Age, we need to start acting like it.

Nov. 10: Cybersecurity Requirements for Federal Contracting

Time: 8:00 – 10:00 AM

Registration: https://washingtonptac.ecenterdirect.com/events/852813

About the Course: If you or your business are currently involved with government contracting, it’s time to get prepared for new federal contracting requirements focused on your cyber security. Cybersecurity maturity Model Certification (SMMC) and NIST compliance continue to evolve.

Presented by: Kitsap Economic Alliance and Washington PTAC

Nov. 10: SBA 101: How to tap into the Small Business Administration Programs, Tools and Supports

Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Presenter: Joel Nania, Manager, Spokane Office, U.S. Small Business Administration

Watch the Video

About the Course: Attendees will learn about the key areas impacted by the programs of the SBA all intended to help you start, grow and succeed in small business.  Topics covered:

  • Capital
  • Contracting
  • Counseling
  • Disaster Assistance

About the Presenter:

Joel Nania joined the SBA in July of 2013 as an Economic Development Specialist with a focus on marketing, outreach and small business counseling along with getting involved with SBA lending and lender relations.   Joel also does small business seminars for entrepreneurs and manages the Boots 2 Business Program, the Washington and North Idaho Small Business Development Center programs, SCORE and Emerging Leaders Initiatives for the Inland Northwest Territory.

 

Joel comes to the SBA after a successful 30 year career in business which culminated in 10 years as a business consultant working primarily with small closely held companies across a wide range of business types.  Joel has a diverse background including strategic planning, management, sales, marketing, cost analysis and accounting, operations and quality assurance.  Joel has also worked as a facilitator and strategic advisor in the Inland Northwest, most notably, the Rypien Foundation – “Providing Hope for Families Battling Childhood Cancer”.  Joel is a firm believer in the power of solid business planning for new or existing businesses.  Joel is a Wisconsin native but has lived in the Inland Northwest since 1981.  He received his Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

 

About the SBA: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America’s future, and to helping the United States compete in today’s global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Nov. 10: eCommerce Bootcamp: Converting Site Visitors to Buyers

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ucOqtqD8rGdFv08DKbva3TvBjpJfxp3u5

About the Course: Are you successfully converting your website visitors into website buyers? Do you want more customers from your website? Join Wendy and June of bWyse to learn the steps to make more sales through your website. Learn techniques from their book “6 Steps to Convert Visitors to Buyers”.

This webinar will focus on how these techniques:

  • How to get your website ready for more traffic.
  • How to drive more traffic to your website.
  • How to build trust and loyalty on your site.

Presented by: bWyse

Nov. 10: Resources and Relief for your Small Business – Community Navigators & Supporting Women Business Owners Women’s Programs

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Presenters: U.S. Small Business Administration and Public Private Strategies Institute

Registration: https://publicprivatestrategies.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6YtZbqcIR2aPNuKfO5M8Zw?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  

 

About the Course:  During this webinar, you will:

  • Learn more about COVID EIDL and how you can take advantage before December 31, 2021
  • Discover tools and resources you can use to start and grow your business
  • Have your questions answered by SBA leadership and small business experts
  • Learn how you can become a vaccine leader in your community
  • Get an update regarding programs and recent policy announcements made by the Biden-Harris Administration

 

About the Presenters: The Small Business Administration (SBA) & Public Private Strategies Institute (PPSI) are providing educational opportunities for you to learn more about programs that will help your business get back on track. These sessions will take place every two weeks and run through December 2021.

This is part of an effort to ensure that American small businesses know about the many resources to help their business grow and additional resources to help their businesses thrive! Registration is required on the U.S. Small Business Administration website using the link above.

Nov. 10: Kitsap Digital Hour: Shop. Eat. Spend

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Presenter: Aljolynn Sperber, CEO & Founder, Lady Box

Registration: https://kitsapeda.org/events/kitsap-digital-hour-2021-11-11/

About the Course: This live webinar will be the official kickoff for the Shop. Eat. Spend. for Kitsap focused on shopping locally for the holidays. The creative ideas, tips and information shared can be easily replicated in any other city or town. The experts will share great ideas for utilizing marketing expertise, social media (specifically Facebook and Instagram) and a Squarespace website.

About the Presenter:

Aljolynn Sperber is the CEO & Founder of Lady Box who believes women should unapologetically take up space. As an award-winning marketer, her career is akin to a highlight reel. Prior to founding Lady Box or running strategy at Fearless Foundry, she was the managing director at a Los Angeles marketing agency, where she spearheaded the success of myriad projects – including national brand launches and community engagement campaigns.

As the Founder of Lady Box she works tirelessly to help people who identify as women to feel empowered, loved, and included in the agency of their own bodies through a women’s health subscription box. Lady Box focuses on delivering self-care and comfort for periods, pregnancy, post-partum, peri-menopause, and menopause. On top of this, she’s a kickass single mom – there is quite literally nothing she cannot handle.

Formerly the VP of Strategy at Fearless Foundry team and lead all things strategy while promoting the company’s mission of bringing equity through entrepreneurism. She won’t hesitate to “look to the data” for concrete guidance on improving messaging, without ever sacrificing empathy or perspective.

Presented by: Kitsap Economic Development Alliance

Nov. 10: Employer Guide to Workers’ Rights

Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM
Presenters: Bob Joy, Tiffany Richard and Monica Fontaine – Labor & Industries Employment Standards Outreach Specialists

Watch the Video

About the Course: The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) invites you to attend our Employer Guide to Workers’ Rights webinar to learn about the workplace rules and regulations enforced by the Employment Standards program at L&I. Our Employment Standards Outreach team will begin with a 45-minute presentation on topics such as:

  • Wage requirements
  • Tracking hours of work & recordkeeping requirements
  • Minimum wage, overtime and tips
  • Paid sick leave and other protected leave requirements
  • Employee protections from retaliation and discrimination
  • Agricultural employment
  • Youth employment
  • Workplace rights complaint process

The presentation will be followed by a 15-minute question and answer session.

Nov. 10: The Art of Differentiation: How to Compel Your Audience To Buy Your Product And Keep Them Coming Back For More

Time: 4:30 – 5:30 PM
Presenter: Bennett Marks, MBA, Managing Director, BDS Global

Watch the Video

About the Course: In this course, we will cover the key elements of how to:

  • Properly differentiate your brand from the competition!
  • Create a compelling language that is irresistible to your audience!
  • Understand psychographics and how to anchor your sound-bytes to drive repeat and referral business!

About the Presenter:

Bennett Marks, MBA, is the Managing Director of BDS Global, located in Irvine, CA. He is a professional speaker, author, business consultant, and executive coach. Mr. Marks is focused on training and business performance improvement in each of 7 vertical markets. He is part of an extensive team of management consultants, including C-Suite Partners and Performance Strategies, who’s services increase revenue, decrease or eliminate inefficiencies, capture market share, and establish systems of accountability.

He has led several prominent training engagements including the Fluor Daniel Global Leadership Conference, Xerox National Sales Training, J.D. Edwards, and Westin Hotels, to name just a few. His experience now puts him in high demand as a catalyst for change and a resource for Asset Based Lending.

Mr. Marks served as an Adjunct Professor for Business Ethics and Law, Leadership Dynamics, and Fundamental Principles of Business. He is Alumni of the University of Wisconsin and National Louis University, having earned a Bachelors in Business Management and an MBA from Walden University in 2010. He served in the United States Armed Forces from 1986 through 1992.

Nov. 11: Thinking About Buying a Franchise, Now What?

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Presenter: Jania Bailey, CEO, FranNet

Watch the Video

About the Course: Many individuals are realizing that franchise ownership could be the pathway to the American Dream. Not sure if franchising is for you? Join this session to learn more.

Franchising is more than just fast food and retail stores and many individuals are realizing that franchise ownership could be the pathway to the American Dream.

Register today for this interactive workshop led by the industry’s most trusted leader in matching entrepreneurs with business opportunities, FranNet.

You’ll learn about:

  • What it takes to succeed
  • Qualities of a good franchise system
  • Solidifying your financial plan
  • Questions to ask franchisors and franchisees
  • How to overcome roadblocks

All attendees will receive FranNet’s Crossroads booklet, a 30-page eguide to navigating the road to franchise ownership. Not sure if franchising is for you? Join us to learn more!

About the Presenter:

Jania Bailey, CFE, is the CEO of FranNet, the most respected voice in the franchise consultant industry in North America. Bailey has more than 30 years of experience in the banking and franchise industries.

Bailey served for 6 years on the Executive Board of Directors for the International Franchise Association (IFA) and currently serves as Chair of the IFA Membership Committee.

Nov. 11: Success Strategies for Selling/Maintaining Customer Relationships Remotely

Time: 4:00 -6:00 PM

Presenter: Women’s Business Center Inland Northwest

 

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/success-strategies-for-sellingmaintaining-customer-relationships-remotely-tickets-204193697847 

About this Course: In this workshop, you learn to manage and develop new relationships with new and existing customers. The workshop is designed to help you build a stronger remote presence in the stages of pre and post-sale with your customers. Learn how to create engaging meetings, utilize Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and more.

*Note: This is a two-part workshop. Due to Eventbrite and Zoom scheduling limitations, the Women’s Business Center cannot create a recurring workshop. The second part is scheduled for Nov. 18 from 4-6 PM. That registration link will be posted once part one is completed (check back for the Nov. 18 session).

Nov. 12: Starting a Business After 50

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Presenter: Mike Allen, MBA, Entrepreneurship and Marketing instructor, Spokane Community College

Watch the Video

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.