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SBA Certifications: Unlocking Business Opportunities Workshop

Zoom Webinar Online, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Speaker: Victor Bribiesca (SBA) Learn how you can leverage small business certifications to diversify your revenue stream and improve your bottom line.   Government contracts can offer significant opportunities for small businesses, but selling to the government requires a very different approach than selling to the commercial sector. This presentation provides an understanding of the various certifications impacted by SBA and discusses eligibility criteria and the application process. SBA small business certifications document a special capability or status that will help you compete in the federal marketplace. 8(a) BusineSs Development HUBZONE Contracting Program Women Owned Small Business Veteran Owned

Building a Sales Funnel: How to Harness the Power of Community

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Discover the power of community marketing in transforming your overall marketing strategy with Matt Bennetti. With over 20 years of experience in enterprise software and expertise in Go To Market strategies, Matt will share practical steps and insights to help you successfully adopt CLG. This workshop will guide you through implementing a Community Led Growth (CLG) marketing approach. This strategy not only drives demand for your sales teams but also creates valuable content that engages both customers and prospects. Drawing from real-world examples and his extensive experience at Salesforce, Matt will demonstrate how to build programs that enhance the relationship between marketing and sales. Learn how to use community engagement to increase brand loyalty, encourage customer advocacy, and develop a rich content ecosystem that propels your business forward. This workshop is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to make community marketing a central element of your success.

Mastering Restaurant Customer Service

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Join us for an informative and hands-on workshop led by local restaurateur Ben Arrona, who will guide you through the essential steps to deliver exceptional customer service in your restaurant. With years of experience in the restaurant industry, Ben will share his expertise on effective communication techniques for engaging with guests, best practices for both in-house and to-go service, and strategies for responding to customer complaints with grace and professionalism. This comprehensive workshop will equip your team with the skills needed to create memorable dining experiences that keep patrons coming back for more. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your customer interactions and elevate your restaurant’s service standards.

Efficient Restaurant Operations: Time Management and Multitasking Strategies

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles + Zoom 1345 Park St, Paso Robles, California, United States

Join us for a focused workshop on time management and multitasking in the restaurant industry, led by Ben Arrona, a seasoned hospitality expert with over 25 years of experience. This session will cover key topics like prep and lead times, fire times (cook time), and practical multitasking techniques to help your restaurant run efficiently and on time. Ben, the owner of Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club in SLO, brings his extensive knowledge of managing successful restaurants, including his experience with a commercial kitchen supporting caterers and pop-up restaurants. With a background in teaching and ongoing studies at the University of Oxford, Ben is well-equipped to share actionable insights that can make a real difference in your day-to-day operations. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true industry professional.

Optimize E-Commerce: SEO Techniques

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Unlock the power of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to drive organic traffic and boost your e-commerce store’s visibility without relying on costly ads. While SEO takes time and consistent effort, it offers long-lasting benefits that far surpass the temporary gains from paid advertising. This intermediate-level workshop assumes you’re already familiar with key concepts like SEO, SERP, CTAs, landing pages, and conversions. Ideally, you’ve also used tools like Yoast SEO, Google Analytics, Search Console, or Merchant Center. What you’ll learn: • How Googlebot works in SEO • Proven strategies for optimizing SEO on product pages • Advanced keyword research and list-building techniques (featuring Rob’s exclusive methods) • Crafting perfectly optimized pages—titles, meta descriptions, categories, images, H tags, and beyond • Real-world examples of successful products dominating SERPs Join us to gain actionable insights and hands-on techniques that will elevate your SEO game and give your products the visibility they deserve!

Unlock Media Success with Compelling Press Releases & Digital Press Kits

The Launch Pad, Grover Beach + Zoom 391 Front St, Suite E, Grover Beach, CA, United States

Register Curious about how press releases can grow your business? Need a Digital Press Kit for a product launch or to attract stakeholders but unsure where to start? Join Becky Mosgofian, SBDC Advisor, for an informative workshop packed with practical tips on crafting effective press releases and building your Digital Press Kit. Learn what to avoid, saving you time and resources, and hear about her PR successes from decades of experience. You'll leave with a clear roadmap for earning media and Becky's writing templates to help you get started.

$20.00

What You Need to Know: Finance & Accounting for 2025 Success

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Stay ahead of the curve in 2025 with this must-attend panel discussion tailored for small business owners! Our expert panelists will provide actionable advice to help you navigate the evolving business landscape in finance and accounting:   Financial Strategies: Learn from Chloe Feingold about essential financial considerations to ensure your business remains resilient and thrives in the coming year. Chloe is a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones and specializes in helping individuals and businesses prioritize, plan, and achieve their life goals, from starting a company to buying a home. With a background in entrepreneurship, Chloe focuses on supporting businesses at every stage, from early ideas to multi-million-dollar growth or exits. Accounting Insights: Understand how to streamline your accounting processes and stay on top of critical deadlines with Alana Maxwell. Alana specializes in tax planning and compliance for individuals and businesses across various industries, with expertise in multi-state and international tax research, corporate reorganizations, and IRS communication. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your business with expert guidance in these vital areas!

Mastering Restaurant Time Management and Operations

CIE HotHouse + Zoom 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Join us for an interactive workshop focused on improving time management and operational efficiency in the restaurant industry. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies to streamline your daily operations, including techniques for managing prep and lead times, optimizing fire times (cook time), and juggling multiple tasks effectively to keep your restaurant running smoothly and on schedule. The workshop is led by SBDC Advisor Ben Arrona, owner of Benny’s Pizza Palace & Social Club in San Luis Obispo. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ben has successfully navigated the challenges of running a thriving restaurant while also managing a commercial kitchen that supports caterers and pop-up restaurants. His hands-on expertise and proven strategies make this a must-attend session for restaurant owners and employees looking to elevate their efficiency and productivity.

The Customer Connection: Service Essentials for Restaurants

The Launch Pad, Grover Beach + Zoom 391 Front St, Suite E, Grover Beach, CA, United States

Register Great customer service is the secret ingredient to a thriving restaurant. Join us for an interactive workshop with seasoned restaurateur Ben Arrona, who will share insider strategies to enhance guest interactions and build lasting customer loyalty. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn: Proven communication techniques to engage and delight guests Best practices for seamless in-house and to-go service How to handle customer complaints with confidence and professionalism Whether you’re a restaurant owner, manager, or front-line staff, this workshop will equip your team with the tools to create memorable dining experiences that keep customers coming back. Don’t miss this opportunity to refine your service skills and set your restaurant apart!

Unlocking Modern Marketing: From Mad Men to AI

THE SANDBOX Paso Robles + Zoom 1345 Park St, Paso Robles, California, United States

Register Marketing has transformed dramatically over the past century, evolving from traditional advertising methods to today’s AI-driven strategies. This interactive workshop gives small business owners a hands-on opportunity to explore how marketing tactics have adapted over time and how to apply these insights to modern business growth. Through real-world case studies, expert insights, and collaborative challenges, participants will learn how to reach their target audience, maximize limited resources, and stay competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The session culminates in a practical exercise where attendees will develop a scalable AI-powered marketing strategy tailored to their own businesses. Whether you’re launching a new venture or looking to refine your existing marketing efforts, this workshop will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the future of marketing with confidence.