Events/Workshops

In this self-paced training video, you will learn the five key steps to financing your small business. After completing this series, you will gain a better understanding of financial planning and assessment, credit and collateral, sources of funding and pitching your business idea. Click the registration link below to get started!

Speaker: Mike Pennison, Senior Business Consultant

Good relationship skills, strategic planning and product expertise all contribute to effective selling. In Creating a Winning Sales strategy, you will learn practical solutions for profitable sales growth.

Speaker: Presented by Erik Waters, Business Consultant

This course will introduce you to the basics of creating and financing a successful business. You will learn to evaluate your ideas, choose the best financing options and legally register your business. The course will point you to the resources you need on your entrepreneurial journey. Click the registration link below to get started!

Speaker: Carmen Sunda, Small Business Expert

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

Are you interested in expanding your business with Government Contracting? Join us along with our co-sponsors, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center, for this free event and learn the basics to compete in the government contracting marketplace. The workshop is great for small business owners new to contracting with government agencies, or business owners in need of a refresher on what their business should be doing. Topics to be covered include: How the Government Makes Purchases, How to Identify Contracting Opportunities, Traditional Procurement Programs, Small Business Certifications that Can Help You Succeed, and Marketing Tips.

Speaker: Jo Ann Lawrence, Deputy District Director of the Small Business Administration

Professional Selling Skills for Every Business is designed to help you, the business owner, take command of your personal and business sales efforts and increase your successful conversion rate! In today’s highly competitive market, every entrepreneur, business owner, and organization is seeking to secure a greater share of the market. At the same time the consensus of the general public is to avoid pesky salespeople at all costs. Why is this? The reasons are many people don’t trust salespeople, they are viewed as aggressive and pushy, and they try to sell you products and services that are not wanted or needed, just to name a few. Small wonder people don’t like salespeople. There’s a better way…the right way to sell the products and services you provide. It’s called Professional Selling. This seminar will equip you to rise above conventional selling and position yourself (or organization) as a trusted provider that satisfies your customers’ needs. This seminar will be a game changer for all who attend.

Speaker: Ron Markham, Business Consultant

The LSBDC at ULM will be celebrating Manufacturer's Week 2016 by offering an overview of OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations and requirements. Under the OSH Act, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA's mission is to assure safe and healthful workplaces by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance. Employers must comply with all applicable OSHA standards. Employers must also comply with the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act, which requires employers to keep their workplace free of serious recognized hazards. This class would benefit any company that needs the first steps in becoming OSHA certified, looking for additional information on OSHA regulations, or needs a representative to help with the certification process.

Speaker: Shane Istre, Kheiron, LLC

As a business owner, you probably have your hands full minding day-to-day activities. Are you taking advantage of the financial strategies and tools available to help you run your business more effectively? Join us for our presentation The Entrepreneurial Equation (TM) to learn strategies to help you: • Save time • Attract and retain employees • Preserve your business for yourself and your heirs You will also have the opportunity to network with other business owners in our community at this event.

Speaker: Marigny C deMauriac, AAMS®, Financial Advisor

If your business has been affected by the recent historical flooding, this workshop is for you. Learn the effects a disaster can have on a small business, how to survive it, how to devise a strategy for recovery and how to prepare your business for future disasters. There is no charge for this event and lunch will be provided.

Speaker: Heidi Melancon, Director, LSBDC at UL Lafayette

System for Award Management (SAM) – The System for Award Management is the primary database for vendors doing business with the federal government. This registration is sometimes referred to as "self-certifying" your small business. Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in SAM prior to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement. SAM is also a marketing tool for businesses. SAM allows Government agencies and contractors to search for your company based on your ability, size, location, experience, ownership and more. 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. Participants can bring their laptops or work from computers provided. IMPORTANT: BECAUSE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT. To complete the SAM Registration, you will need: 1. Your company D&B (Dun and Bradstreet) DUNS number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, you can request your DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Once on the D&B website, click the link: Click here to request your D-U-N-S Number via the Web OR You can click the link in the menu box to the left of the page for “Begin D-U-N-S Search/Request Process”. If a DUNS number does not exist for your business location, it can be created within one (1) business day. If you prefer, you can call D&B at (800) 333-0505 or (866) 705-5711 to request your DUNS Number. NOTE: You do not have to pay to request/receive a DUNS number from D&B. If you are offered additional services for a fee, you should advise D&B that at this time you are an entity interested in doing business with the US Federal Government and you are interested in obtaining your DUNS number to complete your SAM registration. 2. Your company Tax Identification Number (TIN)/Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you do not have your EIN you can apply online at www.irs.gov and click “Apply for an EIN Online”. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you have questions regarding your EIN, please call IRS at 800-829-1040. 3. Your company Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE Code). The CAGE Code is a five-character ID number used extensively within the federal government, assigned by the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The CAGE code is used to support a variety of mechanized systems throughout the government and provides a standardized method of identifying a given facility at a specific location. The code may be used for a facility clearance or a pre-award survey. If you do not have a CAGE code, one will be automatically assigned to you as a part of your entity's registration in SAM. 4. Your banking information. All payments made by the Federal Government are now made by way of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). a. ABA Routing Number for your bank b. Account Number and Type, or Lockbox Number c. Automated Clearing House (ACH) point of contact d. Remittance point of contact e. Accounts Receivable point of contact It is important that you verify these numbers with your financial institution before registration in SAM. 5. Statistical Information about your business You will be required to provide: a. The receipts of your firm (Average Annual Receipts for the past three years, including all affiliates). b. The number of employees of your firm (Average Number of Employees including all affiliates: The average number of persons employed for each pay period over the firm's latest 12 months, including persons employed by the parent organization, all branches, and all affiliates) II. http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) – SBA Profile At the end of your SAM registration there will be an opportunity to “Register or Update your SBA Profile.” This is a separate database than the SAM database and a place where all Small Business firms want to be sure and get registered. SBA’s DSBS is a site that most all Federal Contracting Activities as well Large Business Prime Contractors use for market research when looking for a particular small business firm or sector of small business firms when making decisions on whether or not to use small business set asides. Be sure to complete this section in full detail to include the “Capabilities Narrative.”

Speaker: Jo Lawrence - Deputy District Director U.S. Small Business Administration

This free 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 entrepreneurship readiness, writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, and small business resources.

Speaker: Lauren Titus & Phillip Russo, LSBDC Business Consultants

This presentation is a guide for small businesses or nonprofits who have been using Facebook for social media marketing, but need some tips to take them to an intermediate level. You’ve thought about what social networks to use for your business or nonprofit, and you’re ready to take the next step. Where do you go from there? This seminar will give you a closer look at the popular social media networks – Facebook. We’ll show you the benefits of using Facebook, how other organizations are marketing with it, and some dos and don’ts. Facebook is changing constantly! This seminar will share with you the most up to date information with tips on how to tell if your social media activity is working. Core concepts introduced include: • A closer look at Facebook • How to tell if it’s right for your business • What kind of content to create and post • Etiquette • How to tell if your content is working • Suggestions on what to do next • Why social media & email marketing must be used together

Speaker: Kim Walker - 5 Stones Media

Business Certifications give businesses access to opportunity in contracting, funding and grant programs. There are a variety of federal, state and local certification programs that can enhance your chances to not only get a contract but also to expand and grow! Learn how your business can benefit from CERTIFICATION as a Louisiana SMALL AND EMERGING BUSINESS. Benefits of free SEBD Certification include: Business developmental assistance, entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, industry-specific assistance and increased procurement opportunities. Learn more about SEBD and other business certification programs. Plan now to attend this free seminar.

Speaker: Tina Langlois, SBDC 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 entrepreneurship readiness, writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, and small business resources. Please register online at www.lsbdc.org/msu under Training, call 337-475-5529, or email us at lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org so that we can prepare for your attendance.

Speaker: Susan Thibodeaux, Business Consultant

Business Certifications give businesses access to opportunity in contracting, funding and grant programs. There are a variety of federal, state and local certification programs that can enhance your chances to not only get a contract but also to expand and grow! Learn how your business can benefit from CERTIFICATION as a Louisiana SMALL AND EMERGING BUSINESS. Benefits of free SEBD Certification include: Business developmental assistance, entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, industry-specific assistance and increased procurement opportunities. Learn more about SEBD and other business certification programs. Plan now to attend this free seminar.

Speaker: Wayne Aucoin, SBDC Consultant

As a business owner/manager, the primary value of QuickBooks, or any accounting software, is to provide you with the financial and management data that will help you effectively manage your business. Additionally, it should provide you with consistently accurate data for the preparation of any tax or compliance forms required by government or industry agencies. Whether you are using an outside accountant, an internal bookkeeper, or doing the bookkeeping yourself, you need to have a fundamental understanding of how the accounting software generates the numbers that make up your financial and performance reports and understand how the daily bookkeeping processes categorize the data that is used in the reports. It is also vitally important that businesses are familiar with the reports that are important to their industry. Join us for an introductory overview of QuickBooks most commonly used features and how to properly use the software for your daily business operations. Topics to be discussed include: •Accounting Principals •Financial Statements •QuickBooks Online-Work from anywhere and can Share with your accountant •Connecting Bank Accounts for Less Data Entry by downloading transactions •Setting up chart of accounts •Set up customers •Set up Vendors •Invoices/forms •Attaching receipts to transactions •Receiving Payments and deposits •Entering and paying bills •Sales Tax •Inventory •Payroll •Reconciling your accounts

Speaker: Mark Weinbrener Clear View Accounting Solutions

Bring your laptop. We will walk you through completion of your SAM registration. The System for Award Management is the primary database for vendors doing business with the federal government. This registration is sometimes referred to as "self-certifying" your small business. Federal Acquisitions Regulations (FAR) require all prospective vendors to be registered in SAM prior to the award of a contract, basic agreement, basic ordering agreement, or blanket purchase agreement. SAM is also a marketing tool for businesses. SAM allows Government agencies and contractors to search for your company based on your ability, size, location, experience, ownership and more. 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. IMPORTANT: BECAUSE YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS, YOU MUST BE ABLE TO ACCESS YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT. To complete the SAM Registration, you will need: 1. Your company D&B (Dun and Bradstreet) DUNS number. If you do not have a DUNS Number, you can request your DUNS number online at http://fedgov.dnb.com/webform. Once on the D&B website, click the link: Click here to request your D-U-N-S Number via the Web OR You can click the link in the menu box to the left of the page for “Begin D-U-N-S Search/Request Process”. If a DUNS number does not exist for your business location, it can be created within one (1) business day. If you prefer, you can call D&B at (800) 333-0505 or (866) 705-5711 to request your DUNS Number. NOTE: You do not have to pay to request/receive a DUNS number from D&B. If you are offered additional services for a fee, you should advise D&B that at this time you are an entity interested in doing business with the US Federal Government and you are interested in obtaining your DUNS number to complete your SAM registration. 2. Your company Tax Identification Number (TIN)/Employer Identification Number (EIN). If you do not have your EIN you can apply online at www.irs.gov and click “Apply for an EIN Online”. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you have questions regarding your EIN, please call IRS at 800-829-1040. 3. Your company Commercial and Government Entity Code (CAGE Code). The CAGE Code is a five-character ID number used extensively within the federal government, assigned by the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The CAGE code is used to support a variety of mechanized systems throughout the government and provides a standardized method of identifying a given facility at a specific location. The code may be used for a facility clearance or a pre-award survey. If you do not have a CAGE code, one will be automatically assigned to you as a part of your entity's registration in SAM. 4. Your banking information. All payments made by the Federal Government are now made by way of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). a. ABA Routing Number for your bank b. Account Number and Type, or Lockbox Number c. Automated Clearing House (ACH) point of contact d. Remittance point of contact e. Accounts Receivable point of contact It is important that you verify these numbers with your financial institution before registration in SAM. 5. Statistical Information about your business You will be required to provide: a. The receipts of your firm (Average Annual Receipts for the past three years, including all affiliates). b. The number of employees of your firm (Average Number of Employees including all affiliates: The average number of persons employed for each pay period over the firm's latest 12 months, including persons employed by the parent organization, all branches, and all affiliates) II. http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/search/dsp_dsbs.cfm SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) – SBA Profile At the end of your SAM registration there will be an opportunity to “Register or Update your SBA Profile.” This is a separate database than the SAM database and a place where all Small Business firms want to be sure and get registered. SBA’s DSBS is a site that most all Federal Contracting Activities as well Large Business Prime Contractors use for market research when looking for a particular small business firm or sector of small business firms when making decisions on whether or not to use small business set asides. Be sure to complete this section in full detail to include the “Capabilities Narrative.”

Speaker: Jo Lawrence, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration

This workshop is recommended for those interested in starting a business. At the end of this workshop, you will have a thorough understanding of the process of starting a business and will be able to implement a required checklist to start your business. The following topics will be discussed during this workshop: determining the feasibility of a business idea, planning to start a small business, required licenses, writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up, expansion and small business resources. Please feel free to bring laptops!

When starting a new business, one of the most important decisions is choosing the entity the business will operate as. Key issues to consider in the decision include taxation, state law treatment, nature of the assets, transferability, estate planning, limiting liability, and retention of control. This course provides a general overview of the different business forms, including the issues related to their formation, management, dissolution and taxation. Also, this course will discuss the necessary things one should do and avoid doing when starting a new business.

Speaker: Michele M. Echols, LL.M., JD, MBA Echols & Associates, L.L.C.

This workshop is designed to educate bankers on how they can utilize SBA and LED Guaranty Loan Programs to help meet their lending needs. Representatives will be on site from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, U.S. Small Business Administration and Louisiana Economic Development to discuss new programs and initiatives.

Speaker: Truvander Kennedy, FDIC and Vallery Brumfield, SBA Lead Lender Relations Specialist

This class is retailers and all business owners alike! Whether you have street traffic or do business online, know how to keep your business safe during the holiday hustle and bustle! The workshop will cover shop lifting, parking lot safety, holiday closures, violent customers, alcohol consumption, and how to properly train your employees. The workshop will also include special events and promotions as well as monitoring your website traffic.

Speaker: Virendra Chhikara, LSBDC at ULM Center Director

State Sales and Use Taxes are imposed on all retail sales, taxable services, and leases and rentals of most goods. Don’t miss this informative workshop where you’ll receive information and tips for collecting and remitting Louisiana Sales and Use Taxes. Seating is limited! Register online: www.lsbdc.org/msu Call: 337-475-5529 Email: lsbdc.msu@lsbdc.org

Speaker: Bryan Peters, LDR

Learn the basic uses and features of QuickBooks including: • Setting up & Getting Started, • Print Forms/Checks/Invoices • Create Bank Accounts • Receive Customer Payments • Creating Monthly Reports • Learn AP and AR • Create Customers and Invoices • Receiving payments, • Create Vendors and Bills • Print Checks This class is most suited to daily use of QuickBooks to record transactions and maintain the business accounting system on the desktop version not the online version.

Speaker: Richard Melancon, CPA / Business Consultant

The holidays present an enormous opportunity for you to succeed with your own promotions during a time when your customers are primed and ready to buy. Attend this seminar to find out how to successfully engage your audience in the inbox and on social media so you can increase your sales this season. Topics to be covered will include: • Ways to make your promotion stand out in a crowded inbox • Creating an email campaign and editing a template • Tracking results and what to do with this information • Permission-based email marketing and becoming a trusted sender • Email list building • Increasing deliverability and open rates • How email and social media marketing work together to achieve goals • Branding your emails with your logo, colors and photos • Creating content that people want to receive and read ADDED BONUS! Small Business Saturday Tips! Small Business Saturday is a national event that is held the Saturday after Black Friday each year (November 26th). At this workshop we will share information specifically related to developing a campaign to help your business get the most out of Small Business Saturday. Topics will include social media marketing, email marketing, event marketing and more!

Speaker: Kim Walker - 5 Stones Media

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.

Speaker: SBA

This workshop is recommended for those interested in starting a business. At the end of this workshop, you will have a thorough understanding of the process of starting a business and will be able to implement a required checklist to start your business. The following topics will be discussed during this workshop: determining the feasibility of a business idea, planning to start a small business, required licenses, writing a business plan, sources of funds for start-up, expansion and small business resources.

Speaker: Sonia E. Wilson

CPAs, Accountants, and business owners who want to be informed of tax updates going into 2017 should attend this workshop. Representatives from the Louisiana Department of Revenue and the Internal Revenue Service will address recent updates affecting how tax preparers and practitioners do business. Topics will include: * 2016 Federal Tax Law Changes & Updates * 2016 Louisiana Department of Revenue Updates * 2016 Louisiana Tax Amnesty * LDR Tips for Practitioners to Avoid Errors Questions and comments are encouraged. 8:30 - 9:00 Registration 9:00 - 10:15 Updates - LA Department of Revenue 10:15 - 10:30 Break 10:30 - 12:00 Updates – IRS **Certificates of Attendance Will Be Issued** Lunch will be served.

Identifying and securing the financing you need to grow your business can be a scary and difficult task when you don't know what to do. A winning funding proposal can make a huge difference between getting "No" and getting a "Yes"! In this seminar you will learn what you need and what to do before approaching a lender to finance your business's funding needs. When you know what a lender is looking for and the questions the lender needs answered, you will greatly improve your chances of obtaining the financing that your business needs to start, grow and expand! In this seminar, you will learn: · To identify and assess the financial needs of your business · To identify sources of capital · How to prepare the essential documents for a lender or investor · How to answer the key questions lenders ask You should attend this workshop if you are a business owner: · Who is seeking financing to start or expand their business · Who has been told by a lender to develop projections and a business plan before applying for the loan · Who has been declined for a loan by a bank

Speaker: Michael Pennison, Business Consultant

Creating a proposal that addresses all of the solicitation requirements can be a challenge. However, with a clear understanding of how to properly prepare, it does become easier. After this seminar, you will have a better understanding of the overall process. Topics to Be Covered Include: -RFP Planning: The first considerations -Evaluations of a Proposal: How they are evaluated and award determined -Proposal Preparation: What steps to follow -Proposal Content: Format, the written word, graphics, what to say and what “not” to say -Style: The elements of style -Actions After Submitting the Proposal -Review and discussion on a Request for Proposal

Speaker: Cindy Carrier - Louisiana PTAC

Business Certifications give businesses access to opportunity in contracting, funding and grant programs. There are a variety of federal, state and local certification programs that can enhance your chances to not only get a contract but also to expand and grow! Learn how your business can benefit from CERTIFICATION as a Louisiana SMALL AND EMERGING BUSINESS. Benefits of free SEBD Certification include: Business developmental assistance, entrepreneurial training, marketing, computer skills, accounting, industry-specific assistance and increased procurement opportunities. Learn more about SEBD and other business certification programs. Plan now to attend this free seminar.

Speaker: Tina Langlois, SBDC Consultant

This workshop is highly recommended for all individuals interested in • Determining the feasibility of their business idea, • Planning to start or have just started a small business, • Expanding their business, • Seeking a small business loan, or • Wanting to learn more about planning. Topics of discussion will include business feasibility, business planning, sources of funds for start-up and expansion, small business resources, and required licenses. There is no charge to attend the workshop, but pre-registration is requested.

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

Your brand is your key to being recognized in a sea of competitors. How you present yourself via digital media is a crucial part of your business’ marketing strategy. As more and more people gravitate towards the Internet to do business, it is important to stake your claim in this new territory and get your brand out there. “Internet Brand Basics” takes a look at how you can use your Website Content, Social Media, Search Engine Optimization and various other tools to market your brand online. This class will give you an overview of how the Internet can increase sales through recognition of your brand as a provider of products or solutions. We will cover why content is important, how social media can generate sales, what search optimization is and how you can bring your business online with little or no cost, aside from your time. "Internet Brand Basics" is the starting point for growing your business’ presence in a growing digital world.

Speaker: Erik Waters, Business Consultant

Professional Selling Skills for Every Business is designed to help you, the business owner, take command of your personal and business sales efforts and increase your successful conversion rate! In today’s highly competitive market, every entrepreneur, business owner, and organization is seeking to secure a greater share of the market. At the same time the consensus of the general public is to avoid pesky salespeople at all costs. Why is this? The reasons are many people don’t trust salespeople, they are viewed as aggressive and pushy, and they try to sell you products and services that are not wanted or needed, just to name a few. Small wonder people don’t like salespeople. There’s a better way…the right way to sell the products and services you provide. It’s called Professional Selling. This seminar will equip you to rise above conventional selling and position yourself (or organization) as a trusted provider that satisfies your customers’ needs. This seminar will be a game changer for all who attend.

Speaker: Ron Markham, Business Consultant