In this session, Matt Hutton, an expert with over a decade of experience in R&D fundraising, shares practical tips and insights gained from his extensive experience working with various government agencies. You will learn how to research available grants, assess your eligibility, and develop a strong application strategy. Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit leader, or an academic researcher, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to secure federal funding for your initiatives.

Unlock the full potential of your business in this workshop dedicated to honing the core elements of customer development. Led by Kurt Friedmann, a seasoned entrepreneur and consultant with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship, sales management, and customer experience management. Kurt excels in aiding entrepreneurial companies and small businesses to enhance their customer understanding and sales expansion efforts.

Business ownership can be an exhilarating, demanding and lucrative endeavor, but it is not for everyone. A key element of success is the ability to plan for now and the future. The more you plan, the more informed you can be, which in turn helps you focus your priorities and make great decisions in the process. Jose Huitron is a longtime pillar of entrepreneurial capacity building on the Central Coast having launched several companies spanning content creation, digital marketing, and activating access to capital for underrepresented founders.

Join Dan Weeks, Director of Employer Partnerships at Fullstack University, as he guides you through an efficient process for rapidly testing new business ideas.

Learn how to leverage paid advertising on platforms like Google, Instagram, Facebook, and more, coupled with minimalist one-page websites tailored specifically to your target audience. This approach is not only cost-effective but also empowers small business owners to pinpoint the features and benefits that resonate most with their target customers.

Learn How to Set Up Your Company with QuickBooks

QuickBooks Intermediate is the second step in a three part workshop series. Learn how to manage and secure company files, list items, order and sell inventory and how to apply vendor discounts. View the best practices for the online and desktop platforms of the QuickBooks software.

Led by Damon Watkins, the Director of Finance & Operations for Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He is a motivated, personable business professional with a 15+ year track record in multiple aspects of financial control, management and policies/procedures.

Damon Watkins, the Director of Finance & Operations for Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, is a motivated, personable business professional with a 15+ year track record in multiple aspects of financial control, management and policies/procedures. Learn how to create and modify financial reports, handle records, and manipulate costs, with a focus on payroll and state tax. QuickBooks Reporting lets you use your QuickBooks data to create interactive reports and gain better insight into your business.

Speaker: Kay Mardon, Lender Relations Specialist (SBA)

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. Learn how SBA loan programs can help you Start, Grow, and Expand your business.

If you're in the beginning or mid-stages of developing a retail business, this workshop is made for you! The world of retail is rapidly evolving, and having a strong online presence is now more important than ever. View this enlightening session that will empower you to take your retail venture to new heights in the digital landscape.

 Workshop Highlights:

In today's competitive culinary landscape, outstanding food alone is no longer sufficient to ensure the success of a restaurant. Exceptional service and hospitality are the cornerstones of a memorable dining experience that keeps customers coming back. This workshop is a dynamic and immersive training workshop designed to empower restaurant owners, managers, and staff with the tools and knowledge to elevate their hospitality game to new heights.

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