Learn more about the various sources of investment capital for your business. We'll cover everything from venture capital to grants to traditional debt and alternative financing options and will provide the pros and cons of each. We'll also share what financial information you should be ready to provide to potential investors so they can understand your business and decide whether or not they will invest.

Topic: Financing/Capital

Speaker(s): Ms. Alisha Griffey, Founder & CEO, Daintree Capital, https://daintreecapital.co/

Co-Sponsor(s):

The event login instructions will be provided the day of the event.

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

A good business plan is a roadmap for the full-time business owner and, for those seeking capital, a clear and detailed tool to attract potential investors. The traditional business plan has given way to the “lean business plan” approach. This approach focuses on the most important points of the traditional business plan without extraneous information. The Business Foundation Series: Lean Business Plan webinar will walk attendees through a lean business planning approach that can be used as an internal roadmap and a vehicle for attracting capital investment. Attendees should have completed the Business Foundation Series: Concept and Assessment session as a prerequisite and have a startup or existing business in place. Attendees are encouraged to get advisory assistance from a DCSBDC business counselor to develop the concept and the lean business plan.

Speaker(s): DCSBDC Business Counselor staff

Co-Sponsor(s): DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, https://dlcp.dc.gov/

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register. Following your registration, you will receive logon instructions to register through WebEx before the webinar takes place.

Having a strong professional brand and a well-thought-out career story can open many opportunities for you, especially when it comes to pursuing your next job. In this workshop you’ll learn:

• How to position your career story in a compelling way

• • How to improve your online presence and build a solid network

• • How to answer the common interview question “tell me about yourself” to make a strong first impression

Topic: Marketing/Sales

Speaker(s): Mr. Sterling McKinley, DMV Digital Coach.

Co-Sponsor(s): Google / Grow with Google

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

The Department of Health requires a licensed food manager to be present during food operating hours. This in-person Food Manager course uses the ServSafe training model. Food safety risks and hazard reductions through the flow of food are presented in this 1-day course. The successful passing of the Food Manager’s exam (exam included in this course) will result in the certificate required by the Department of Health in Washington, DC to apply for the Food Manager license. Interested participants please read the Special Instructions below.

Speaker(s): Ms. Shelley Fleming, Owner of Food Safety Zone and DCSBDC Business Counselor

This is certificate course costs $60 and can be paid by company check (payable to Food Safety Zone) or by credit card the day of the course. Exams are available in English and Spanish. This course will be presented in English. Attendees must bring a picture ID document, a #2 pencil, wear a COVID compliant mask. Doors will close at 9:00 AM and attendees must stay for the entire course. Exam will be administered at the end of the course. Additional information on parking and lunch options will be provided the day before the course.

Fee: $60.00

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

You have a great idea for your new business and desire a simple yet effective process and method to go from an idea to an actual document. Creating a detailed, traditional business plan can be daunting, requiring extensive time, money, and effort. The good news is that there is a step after concept and assessment and not as intensive as the business plan: The Business Model Canvas. During The Business Model Canvas webinar, you will learn an effective process for moving your business idea from that idea to an actual document. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) is a way of describing your business idea into nine distinct fundamental business components using a visual process on one page. Consider this step as the organization and documentation towards developing a solid business planning foundation. This BMC session is targeted to micro and part-time small businesses. Doing this on your own takes an effort; as such, attendees are encouraged to get advisory assistance from a DCSBDC business counselor to work with you to develop your BMC.

Topic: Business Plan

Speaker(s): DCSBDC Business Counselor staff

Co-Sponsor(s): DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, https://dlcp.dc.gov/

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

The Summit is an exclusive opportunity to explore federal contracting opportunities with NASA and its partners while fostering collaboration with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The NASA and Partners Small Business and HBCU Summit is a dynamic event designed as the gateway for small businesses and educational institutions to forge valuable connections within the aerospace and technology sectors.

The Summit theme is "“Create, Connect & Collaborate”. Attendees can expect to directly engage with other “like-minded” industry counterparts, NASA representatives, and various small business experts. Attendees will also gain insight and participate in interactive sessions led by NASA procurement specialists, where you'll receive valuable information on navigating the federal contracting process in addition to curated breakout sessions.

Topic: Government Contracting

Speaker(s): NASA representatives

Fee: No Cost

The Spring semester is in session at Howard University. Limited metered parking is available on 6th Street on campus and in the surrounding area through Parkmobile. Vehicles parked WITHOUT a valid permit in PERMIT LOTS are subject to ticketing, towing, and or immobilization (at owner’s expense). For more information on parking options go to: https://auxiliary.howard.edu/services/parking-transportation/campus-parking.

Howard University shuttle service is available to the campus at street level at the Howard end of the Howard-Shaw Metro station.

Attendees are highly encouraged to use public transportation or ride services to the campus.

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

In honor of Women’s History Month, Howard University, and the DC Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC) present the 5th Annual Women's Leadership Forum Virtual Panel Discussion (dcsbdc.org). This forum aims to educate, inspire, and bring awareness to women entrepreneurs, existing and aspiring. This year’s theme is "Successfully Achieving the Five-Year Mark: Knowing When and How to Pivot in Your Small Business". The goal of this forum is to empower women entrepreneurs with actionable agendas. This unique forum will bring locally and nationally respected leaders together to discuss the significance of knowing when and how to adjust your existing plan, while also providing a platform for attendees to discover new ways in which to expand and contribute to their communities by turning existing supporters into dedicated clients.

Speaker(s): Panelists:

• Kimberly L. Carter CEO Company: Carter Consulting Firm

• Dr. Vikki Johnson Founder Company: Soul Wealth LLC

• Marilyn Patterson Chief Experience Organizer Company: Joyous Events LLC

Moderator:

• Dr. Darnita L. Payden Owner/Executive Director Company: Dr. DClutter Life Management

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

Get best practices for creating a YouTube Channel and compelling video content that promotes your products and services and drives engagement with your brand.

Speaker(s): Mr. Sterling McKinley, DMV Digital Coach.

Co-Sponsor(s): Google / Grow with Google

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

A good business plan is a roadmap for the full-time business owner and, for those seeking capital, a clear and detailed tool to attract potential investors. The traditional business plan has given way to the “lean business plan” approach. This approach focuses on the most important points of the traditional business plan without extraneous information. The Business Foundation Series: Lean Business Plan webinar will walk attendees through a lean business planning approach that can be used as an internal roadmap and a vehicle for attracting capital investment. Attendees should have completed the Business Foundation Series: Concept and Assessment session as a prerequisite and have a startup or existing business in place. Attendees are encouraged to get advisory assistance from a DCSBDC business counselor to develop the concept and the lean business plan.

Speaker(s): DCSBDC Business Counselor staff

Co-Sponsor(s): DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, https://dlcp.dc.gov/

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

Learn how to use YouTube and the power of video to promote your business or brand. This webinar will cover: - How to create a YouTube channel - Adding videos and organize your channel - How to promote your business with video ads

Speaker(s): Mr. Sterling McKinley, DC Digital Coach.

Co-Sponsor: Google

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

Are you an entrepreneur and run a profitable business? Do you want to grow a national footprint? Have you ever thought about turning your business into a franchise? In the part two of the masterclass, you will learn: • If your business is “franchise-able” • If franchising is the optimal growth strategy for you • The process of franchise development: turning your business into a franchise • The Success Stories of some of our clients (you probably know them & have done business with them!)

Speaker(s): Ms. Faizun Kamal, Principal, The Franchise Pros, https://thefranchisepros.net/

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

This session will focus on using Supported Decision-Making strategies to access and benefit from the supports and services available from various resources.   

 We’ll focus on best practices to empower and enable people with disabilities to maximize their employment and earning potential, including achieving self-employment. Topics will include using SDM to access needed resources and will include a panel of entrepreneurs with disabilities who have used SDM to start their businesses.

This workshop is brought to you by the Washington DC, Small Business Association & the National Disability Institute.

Please click on the link below to register. COST: FREE

Welcome to WOSB Workshop: Unleash Your Business Potential!

Discover the power of Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification in a dynamic, in-person workshop.

What to Expect:

1. Program Introduction: Explore the WOSB landscape and the incredible opportunities it offers.

2. Qualifications Made Simple: Decode the certification criteria with expert guidance.

3. Application Mastery: Navigate the application process seamlessly.

4. 13 Million Strong: Learn how 13 million women-owned businesses are shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.

5. WOSB Benefits: Unlock the perks and advantages that come with WOSB certification.

Empower Your Business: Engage, network, and leave ready to elevate your business to new heights!

Don't miss your chance to transform your business journey. Join us at "Welcome to WOSB" – where possibilities become realities!

This workshop is brought to you by the Washington DC, Small Business Association.

Please click on the link below to register. COST: FREE

Are you an entrepreneur and run a profitable business? Do you want to grow a national footprint? Have you ever thought about turning your business into a franchise? This is part one of a two-part masterclass series. In part one of the masterclass, you will learn: • Why the franchise business model continues to be the most proven and robust growth strategy in the world • Why so many entrepreneurs choose to franchise their business • The reasons for and benefits of franchising your business • The Case study of one of the most successful franchise brands in the world

Speaker(s): Ms. Faizun Kamal, Principal, The Franchise Pros, https://thefranchisepros.net/ Faizun Kamal is a nationally renowned public speaker, best-selling author and sought-after franchise coach. Her best-selling book, “The Right Franchise for You: Escape the 9 to 5, Generate Wealth, & Live Life on Your Terms”, is the guide that thousands of clients have used to find their “perfect fit” franchise!

Fee: No Cost

This event is in collaboration with the Washington DC Small Business Development Center.
Please click on the link below to register.

This session will introduce the audience to the theory and practice of Supported Decision-Making (SDM). When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family, and professionals so they can understand their choices and make their own decisions.  As a result, SDM can help people be self-determined, have better work and life outcomes, and avoid unnecessary guardianship!

This workshop is brought to you by the Washington DC, Small Business Association & the National Disability Institute.

Please click on the link below to register. COST: FREE