Events/Workshops

A FREE Tax Preparedness workshop for small business owners, learn to: Identify the differences between an employ and contract laborer, Better understand employment taxes, understand the importance of a sound accounting system and Create strategies for minimizing your tax burden.

This workshop will identify funding and training resources available to not-for-profit organizations. Please bring your organization’s mission statement and a description of the geographical area your organization serves. • Learn about funding resources. • Improve your volunteer and donor retention.• Develop leaders and board members.

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in Janitorial Bidding and Estimating. This workshop will take you step by step on how this industry works. Topics of discussion will include how to decide what you want to charge for cleaning by the hour, or by the job. Each method has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Consider the pro’s and con’s of each. Bidding and estimating jobs for a profit, not just getting the job. This workshop is FREE for SEBD Certified Businesses Only and $25.00 for non-SEBD businesses. For more information on becoming certified through the Small & Emerging Business Development Program, visit the LED website at www.LEDsmallbiz.com.

Speaker: C&K Consultants, LLC

This 2-day workshop is highly recommended for all individuals who are interested in obtaining knowledge and skills on (1) Supply Chain Management Fundamentals based on the SCOR Model develop by the Council of Supply Chain Management; (2) Building competitive entrepreneurial operations planning and logistics; (3) Managing Customer and Supplier relations; and (4) Using Information and Communication Technologies to Enable Entrepreneurial Supply Chain Management on March 21-22, 2014, Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Speaker: Dr. Jose Noguera

Tangipahoa Professional Women and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southeastern Louisiana University are hosting THE business event for women on the move. Women Mean Business 2014 will provide high impact strategies to survive and thrive individually and professionally. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity! Join us on March 27th to gain insight that will help you reach your maximum potential! What to Expect at Women Mean Business 2014 *Inspiring Keynote Address and pertinent sessions *View & Purchase items at Local Vendor Showcase *Networking Opportunities - Expand Your Contacts! *Bid & Win specialty items at our Silent Auction *Exclusive Fashion Show highlighting the newest looks for the season! Featured Speakers: *Dr. Mari Ann Callais - Speaker, Singer, Entertainer - "Stepping Up and Leaning In" *Michelle Cullison - Daystar New Media - "Building Your Professional Presence Online" *T.J. Reid - Fashion Advantage - "What Mother Never Told Ya About Life" *2014 Women's Health and Wellness Panel Discussion Who Should Attend: Leaders and those aspiring to be leaders, Professional service providers, small business owners/managers, sales and marketing professionals, B2B companies, entrepreneurs, non profit organizations, any Woman that Means Business! Join women of all ages and professions from across the Northshore for a day of empowerment and networking as well as personal and professional growth. Table and Vendor sponsorships available!

We will have Google sessions on how to get your business online as well as search engine marketing. These sessions will be registration only. We will have 3 sessions of each topic. Additionally, we will have an Expo for budding and existing entrepreneurs. This will be a one-stop shop for business information. The Expo is open to all business, however, registration is required. If you have not registered, please do so at www.BusinesswithBR.com.

This 2-day workshop is highly recommended for all individuals who are interested in obtaining knowledge on (1) E-commerce Infrastructure: the Internet, web, and mobile platform; (2) Building an E-commerce presence: Web Sites, Mobile Sites, and Apps.; (3) E-commerce Security and Payment Systems; and (4) E-commerce Marketing Communications: Social, Mobile, and Local on March 28-29, 2014, Friday 1:00pm - 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Speaker: Dr. Jose Noguera

This Quickbooks training class covers advanced features of QuickBooks. Students will learn how to • Customize forms • Create Users and Passwords • Design and Print Monthly Reports • Generate Company SnapShot to Quickly Review Operational Status • Understand Segregation of Duties related to Internal Accounting Controls. This course addresses topics that help Management access the accounting information that is useful in the decision-making process.

Speaker: Richard Melancon, Business Consultant

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in obtaining funding and determining what documents to take to the bank. Understanding the loan process will improve your chances of meeting lender expectations, therefore increasing your chances of obtaining a loan. Topics of discussion will include: -Key Questions the Bank Wants Answered -Documents Most Lenders Require -Writing a Business Plan -Developing Financial Projections

Speaker: Mike Pennison, Business Consultant

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in obtaining funding and determining what documents to take to the bank. Understanding the loan process will improve your chances of meeting lender expectations, therefore increasing your chances of obtaining a loan. Topics of discussion will include: -Key Questions the Bank Wants Answered -Documents Most Lenders Require -Writing a Business Plan -Developing Financial Projections

Speaker: Mike Pennison, Business Consultant

A written business plan enables you to control your business. This seminar covers the detailed parts of a thorough business plan. This seminar is for aspiring entrepreneurs and new ventures. Topics Covered: • What is a Business Plan and what is it Used For? • Full Business Plan Planner Workbook Fee: $25 pre-pay by 3-26; $35 at door • Worksheets for Financial Projections

Speaker: Cooper Cochran, Business Consultant

This 2-day workshop is highly recommended for all individuals who are interested in obtaining knowledge on (1) E-commerce Infrastructure: the Internet, web, and mobile platform; (2) Building an E-commerce presence: Web Sites, Mobile Sites, and Apps.; (3) E-commerce Security and Payment Systems; and (4) E-commerce Marketing Communications: Social, Mobile, and Local on March 14-15, 2014. Friday 1:00pm-5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Speaker: Dr. Thomas Carlos

Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) Lenders Regional Workshop Series Utilizing the LEDC-SSBCI Small Business Loan Guaranty Program as a Risk Mitigation & Business Development Credit Tool ***FOR LENDERS ONLY*** Created as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) was designed by the federal government to help states strengthen existing loan and equity programs and/or create new programs that support financing small businesses. This FREE workshop series is designed to educate lenders on how they can utilize Louisiana's Small Business Loan and Guaranty Program as a risk mitigation and business development credit tool. Advantages to Louisiana’s lenders include: Ability to provide a credit enhancement to reduce your collateral risk and help you to approve more loans. Bridge financing eligible, including while awaiting SBA 504 debentures. Loans to nonprofit organizations eligible if for business purposes. Loans for borrowers that may not fit SBA or USDA profile. A panel of experts will cover key features of the program including how: the program complements SBA and USDA financing options the guarantee provides a strong additional, alternative source of repayment to receive CRA credit consideration for utilizing the program. state and federal banking regulators view the program from a safety and soundness perspective the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) can help small businesses get bank ready Who Should Attend: Bank Small Business & Commercial Lenders Bank Credit Officers Bank CRA Compliance Officers Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) Credit Unions active in or considering small business lending

Louisiana Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) Lenders Regional Workshop Series Utilizing the LEDC-SSBCI Small Business Loan Guaranty Program as a Risk Mitigation & Business Development Credit Tool ***FOR LENDERS ONLY*** Created as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) was designed by the federal government to help states strengthen existing loan and equity programs and/or create new programs that support financing small businesses. This FREE workshop series is designed to educate lenders on how they can utilize Louisiana's Small Business Loan and Guaranty Program as a risk mitigation and business development credit tool. Advantages to Louisiana’s lenders include: -Ability to provide a credit enhancement to reduce your collateral risk and help you to approve more loans. -Bridge financing eligible, including while awaiting SBA 504 debentures. -Loans to nonprofit organizations eligible if for business purposes. -Loans for borrowers that may not fit SBA or USDA profile. A panel of experts will cover key features of the program including how: -the program complements SBA and USDA financing options -the guarantee provides a strong additional, alternative source of repayment -to receive CRA credit consideration for utilizing the program. -state and federal banking regulators view the program from a safety and soundness perspective -the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) can help small businesses get bank ready Who Should Attend: -Bank Small Business & Commercial Lenders -Bank Credit Officers -Bank CRA Compliance Officers -Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) -Credit Unions active in or considering small business lending

Join us for this free, LENDERS ONLY, event that will discuss utilizing the LEDC-SSBCI Small Business Loan Guaranty Program as a Risk Mitigation & Business Development Credit Tool Created as part of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) was designed by the federal government to help states strengthen existing loan and equity programs and/or create new programs that support financing small businesses. This FREE workshop series is designed to educate lenders on how they can utilize Louisiana's Small Business Loan and Guaranty Program as a risk mitigation and business development credit tool. Advantages to Louisiana’s lenders include: *Ability to provide a credit enhancement to reduce your collateral risk and help you to approve more loans. *Bridge financing eligible, including while awaiting SBA 504 debentures. *Loans to nonprofit organizations eligible if for business purposes. *Loans for borrowers that may not fit SBA or USDA profile. A panel of experts will cover key features of the program including how: -the program complements SBA and USDA financing options -the guarantee provides a strong additional, alternative source of repayment -to receive CRA credit consideration for utilizing the program. -state and federal banking regulators view the program from a safety and soundness perspective -the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) can help small businesses get bank ready Who Should Attend: *Bank Small Business & Commercial Lenders *Bank Credit Officers *Bank CRA Compliance Officers *Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) *Credit Unions active in or considering small business lending

Speaker: LEDC program experts

Learn what to do before approaching a lender. This seminar will help identify and assess business' financial needs, identify sources of capital, and prepare the essential documents for a lender or investor. Knowing what the lender is looking for and the questions the lender wants answered may improve the chances of obtaining the financing that the business needs. Participants will receive helpful forms to use in preparing a financial package • Key Questions Lenders Want Answered • Worksheets to Determine Start-up Costs, Personal Financials, and Budgets

Speaker: Michael Pennison, Business Consultant

Ted Fireman, owner of Frannet Louisiana, will be the guest speaker. Take Charge of Your Career through Franchising and Other Business Ownership Options.

Information will be presented on 8(a) eligibility criteria, GLS, Login, application process, and how the programs work. We will also discuss CCR and SBSS registration and provide general information on doing business with the Federal Government. Detailed information will be provided on the primary purpose of the Section 8(a) Program (business development); the eligibility criteria; length of time in business requirement; how the business development and contracting aspects of the program work; the firm’s responsibility as an 8(a) Program Participant; Electronic Application process; reporting requirements; the importance of updating CCR registration and the SBSS supplemental profile.

The goal of this workshop is to walk participants through completion of their SAM Registration. For those who were registered in CCR, assistance will be provided in migrating their legacy CCR account. All contractors wishing to do business with most all federal agencies are required to register in the SAM. This is done by first creating an account. The registration must then be renewed and/or updated annually. It is very important that the information entered into SAM be accurate, detailed, current and complete.

Many firms get lost in the "alphabet soup" of certifications: DBE, WBE, MBE, 8(a), SEBD . . . This seminar focuses on why (or why not) certification as a minority, woman-owned, or disadvantaged business may be beneficial to your company. The Do's and Don't's of certification are provided in "plain English" to help the small business owner decide which certification is right for his or her business. Then, get prepared for the certification process: learn about the various certification types as well as how and where to apply. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions about the processes, benefits and documentation required for certification.

Speaker: Erik Waters

If you’re looking to create leads and gain new connections LinkedIn is the social network to engage in. Also known as the Suit-and-Tie social network, LinkedIn has a more serious tone with legitimate return when utilized correctly. LinkedIn is based on the rule of six degrees of separation, which means that you are no more than 6 introductions away from meeting anyone in the world. While more commonly used for those in the B2B sphere, LinkedIn contains much value for anyone in the business world. The first half of our event will focus on LinkedIn, some of the content we will cover includes: • Optimizing your profile • Hiring solutions • Job seeking • Groups and group ownership • Company pages • Endorsements and recommendations • Premium accounts • And much more! This class is suited for those that want to get the most out of LinkedIn. If you’re looking to create leads, gain new connections, hire the most qualified candidate, network with power, or even drive traffic back to your site, this class will teach you how to utilize LinkedIn to produce the return you’re looking for. The second half of the session is titled "Grow Your Business with Social Media and Email Marketing" and will focus on simple social media marketing strategies for small business, and is designed to give small businesses and nonprofit organizations some ideas for growing your organizations. Topics include what to write about, how to get more people to stop and read your messages and how to get more action, or reaction, to your messages and offers. We will discuss what it means to run a campaign and tactics for measuring success without spending a lot of time or money. This is a great class for beginners and smaller organizations looking to accomplish more in less time and with a small budget.

Speaker: Brian Walker - 5 Stones Media

Agenda 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Registration/Networking/Continental breakfast 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Introductions 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM (Main Room): Importance of Marketing/Marketing Basics - LSBDC 9:35 AM – 10:35 AM (Conference Room): Brand Strategy- Lee Domingue, Southpaw 10:35 AM – 10:45 AM: Break 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM: (Main Room) How to Create and Manage a Website as a Small Business Owner – Wendy Dolan, Get Online Nola, wendy@getonlinenola.com 11:45 PM – 12:30 PM: (Conference Room) Online Marketing and Social Media – Flynn Zaiger, Online Optimism 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Lunch

Speaker: Erik Waters, Business Consultant

This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in starting your business. Highly recommended for those who are ready to determine the feasibility of owning their own business. Topics of discussion will include: • What you need to know before starting a business • Preparing for business success • How to start your business • Financing options • Resources for your business

Speaker: Mike Pennison, Business Consultant

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in starting a janitorial company. This workshop will take you step by step on how this industry works. Topics of discussion will include Entrepreneurship, Business and Marketing, Name your business, Choose your legal entity, Registering your business, Hiring employees, Other employment requirements, Why business fail ; also What do I do next. This workshop is FREE for SEBD Certified Businesses Only and $25.00 for non-SEBD businesses. For more information on becoming certified through the Small & Emerging Business Development Program, visit the LED website at www.LEDsmallbiz.com.

Speaker: C&K Consultants, LLC

Free Seminar. Please pre-register so we can prepare for your attendance. Phone (337) 475-5529 or email lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org. This seminar will be held at the SEED Center of McNeese State University.

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

Speaker: Mr. Jim Kilcoyne, Business Consultant and Center Director for NSU's Louisiana Small Business Development Center

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

Speaker: Cooper Cochran, Business Consultant

All encompassing workshop addressing aspects of concept development, launching a small business, and growing a small business. Topics will include: financing, marketing, human resource management, and resources that are available to small buinesses.

Speaker: Mr. Jim Kilcoyne, Director and Business Consultant for NSU' Louisiana Small Business Development Center

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in determining the feasibility of their business idea, planning to start or have recently started a small business, seeking a small business loan, or wanting to learn more about business planning. Topics of discussion will include writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses.

Speaker: Louisiana SBDC at Southeastern Louisiana University

This seminar will provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive overview of the steps to be taken to start a business, the essentials of business planning, and how to determine funding needs for the start-up. Seminar covers: • Items you want to know before starting a business • Preparing for business success • How to start your business • Financing options • Resources for your business

Speaker: Mike Pennison, Business Consultant

Google Training: -AdWords and AdWords Express -Analytics

Speaker: Google experts from the Community Leaders Program

Google Training: -Overview of consumer purchase behavior -Creating and utilizing your Gmail account -Discuss how to put your business on the map -How to build a web presence with Google+

Speaker: Google experts from the Community Leaders Program