Friday, March 29, 2013

Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events - Successfully Navigating Exporting To China 4/2

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
SBA Rhode Island District Office

Upcoming Rhode Island Small Business Training Events

Tuesday, April 2
Successfully Navigating Exporting To China (U.S. Small Business Administration, Rhode Island Small Business Development Center, Chafee Center for International Business, and RIEDC – Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike in Smithfield from 8:30am – 12:30pm.  Fee for seminar is $75.00.  To register please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-232-6409):
This seminar will help companies learn how to navigate some of the intricacies of doing business in China .  Hear from business professionals who deal with these issues on a daily basis so that you can successfully enter this challenging new market.  Whether preparing for the RI Trade Mission to China and Hong Kong, already doing business in China, or just considering this new market, this seminar will have something for everyone!
Topics to be covered include:
¨ IP Protection, Cyber Security and Technology Transfer
¨ Export Compliance and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
¨ Identifying and negotiating opportunities in China
¨ Chinese business relationships
¨ Hong Kong as a gateway to China and Asian Markets
_________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, April 4
How To Put The ‘Cash’ Back In Your Cash Flow (U.S. Small Business Administration – Center for Women & Enterprise, 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 9:00 – 11:00am and is free of charge.  To register, please email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561):
Numbers tell a story, but only if you can read it.  Participants will learn how to read and understand financial statements, as well as how to use them to make strategic, profitable decisions.

Branding Tips For Small Business (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – Central RI Chamber of Commerce, Slade’s Business Center, 3280 Post Road in Warwick from 5:30-8:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $20.  To register, please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):
Have you heard it’s important to “brand” yourself and your company, but you’re not really sure what that means let alone how to do it?  Boost your company visibility and sales by learning key branding tips and techniques from an expert.  Tell your compelling company story in a way that makes your business stand out from the competition.  Put your company’s core values at the forefront of your industry with imaginative and memorable branding techniques.  Make your company easily recognizable by creating a memorable brand and learning how to position it for success!
_________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, April 5
HOW TO:  Explore Entrepreneurship (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 9:00 – 10:30am and is free of charge.  To register, call 401-277-0800 or email ngirard@cweonline.org ):
Attend this workshop and decide whether starting your own business is right for you.  As part of this workshop, you will:
* Explore the process and learn about the risks and rewards of starting up your own business
* Discuss your specific business ideas and needs with a program manager
* Get an overview of various resources at CWE and elsewhere to help you succeed
* Hear success stories of women who have worked with CWE and are now thriving in the business world

Start Up Clinic (Rhode Island Small Business Development Center – East bay Chamber of Commerce, 16 Cutler Street, Suite 102 in Warren from 9:00 – 11:00am.  Fee for workshop is $25.  To register, please visit www.risbdc.org or call 401-598-2702):
Participants will learn:
• How to register your business
• Market research & analysis
• Legal structures for your business
• Estimating start-up costs and cash flow projection
• Failure factors and business planning
Since lack of planning is one of the top reasons new businesses fail, attending this workshop may be one of the most important decisions you make prior to opening your doors.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, April 10
Business Basics:  Ten Steps To Starting A Business (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $40.  Partial scholarships may be available.  To register, call 401-277-0800 or email ngirard@cweonline.org ):
If you are thinking about owning a business are in the early stages of starting one, then this workshop is for you.  Register for this class to:
* Develop your business ideas and planning
* Consider your legal structure
* Discuss choosing a name and entity
* Learn how to obtain an employer identification number, licenses, permits and insurance
* Leave the session with an A to Z overview and specific tools and tips that will help you get started quickly

Power-Up!  Your Business (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence, Wednesdays through July 3rd from 6:00 – 9:00pm.  Fee for workshops is $650.  Partial scholarships may be available.  To register, call 401-277-0800or email ngirard@cweonline.org ):
Gearing up to launch or grow a successful business?  This fast-paced comprehensive program is designed for emerging entrepreneurs with some business background, or for those who have begun a business without a formal plan.  A different, professional guest lecturer will present for an hour at each class meeting prior to a 2-hour interactive work session with the instructor.  In this workshop, you will:
* Learn how to write a business plan, find and access capital, develop revenue projections, and manage cash flow
* Learn how to successfully market and promote your products and services
* Leave the  program with a completed business plan
* Build a professional network of business owners
Gain valuable knowledge from the real-life experiences of other women entrepreneurs.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, April 11
SBA Loans 101 (U.S. Small Business Administration – West Warwick Public Libray, 1043 Main Street in West Warwick from 9:30 – 11:30am and is free of charge.  To register please email matthew.spoehr@sba.gov or call 401-528-4561):
Participants will learn about the various SBA loan programs.  A Lender Relations Specialist will give you insight as to how lenders evaluate business plans.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Friday, April 12
BYB:  Entrepreneurial Leadership (Center for Women & Enterprise – 132 George M. Cohan Boulevard in Providence from 10:00am – 12:00pm.  Fee for workshop is $40.  Partial scholarships may be available.  To register, call 401-277-0800 or emailngirard@cweonline.org ):
Thinking and acting globally (e.g. geographically, conceptually, etc.) can prove to be a challenge for aspiring leaders.  Yet having a global perspective is a must for anybody that hopes to become an effective leader.  Come to this workshop that will provide you with specific steps to help you:
* Improve your leadership skills
* Capitalize on your unique gifts
* Think more broadly
* Expand your global perspective


The SBA is pleased to announce we are presenting workshops at "A Beacon for Small Business Expo" on April 23, 2013.  The workshops will include SBA Programs & Services and Financing Your Small Business.  The expo and workshop are free to attend.  If you would like more information about the Expo, workshops or to register call(401) 825-2731 or email seminars@beaconmutual.com  Space is limited so please register early.






SBA’s participation or support of this event is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any co-sponsor or other person or entity.  All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a non -discriminatory basis.