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Coffee & Conversation

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

Register Agenda: 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker: AngelCon 2024 Investor Panel 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking Hear from three Angel Investors as they share their experience being part of AngelCon 2024. An angel investor (also known as a private investor, seed investor or angel funder) is a high-net-worth individual who provides financial backing for small startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for ownership equity in the company. While most people know AngelCon as a pitch competition that happens once a year; becoming an investor is a year-long training process that leads up to the main event. A panel of AngelCon 2024 investors will share what the process was like, what they seek in a startup, and hold open Q&A for attendees.

Customer Development: Crafting Your Business Edge

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

Register 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. He is deeply involved in the startup ecosystem, serving as a mentor and advisor with the SBDC, and has significantly contributed to the success of numerous high-growth startups and established companies. Workshop Highlights: Crafting a Powerful Value Proposition: Learn the art of defining and communicating the unique value your business offers, making your product or service irresistible to your target market. Forming and Testing Assumptions: Discover strategies for developing informed assumptions about your customers and how to test these hypotheses in real-world scenarios efficiently. Identifying and Engaging Potential Customers: Master techniques for finding the right customers to speak with, ensuring you're gathering insights from those who matter most to your business. The Art of Inquiry: Equip yourself with the skills to ask compelling, insightful questions that elicit valuable responses, moving beyond superficial answers to uncover deep customer needs and motivations. […]

Cómo Emprender Su Negocio (Spanish Business Start Workshop)

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

Ser propietario de un negocio puede ser una empresa estimulante, exigente y lucrativa, pero no es para todo el mundo. Un elemento clave del éxito es la capacidad de planificar el presente y el futuro. Cuanto más planifiques, más informado estarás, lo que a su vez te ayudará a centrar tus prioridades y a tomar grandes decisiones en el proceso. José Huitrón es un pilar de la creación de capacidad empresarial en la Costa Central desde hace mucho tiempo, habiendo lanzado varias empresas que abarcan la creación de contenidos, el marketing digital y la activación del acceso al capital para fundadores subrepresentados. Opciones de asistente en persona e híbrido

SBA Loan Programs and How to Apply

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

Register   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. 7(a) Loans - A group of SBA loans which guarantee portions of the total amount, cap interest rates, and limit fees. 504 Loans - Long-term, fixed-rate financing to purchase or repair real estate, equipment, machinery, or other assets. Microloans -The smallest loan program, providing $50,000 or less to help businesses start up and expand.

Coffee & Conversation

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

Register Agenda: 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   Join us for this month's Coffee & Conversation featuring Kristin Tara Horowitz, CEO of The Pad Climbing and a recognized community leader. Kristin will share her entrepreneurial journey from being an English professor to leading a nationally acclaimed indoor climbing community, offering insights into building a business centered on community and inclusivity. This event includes a keynote address, a Q&A session, and the chance to network with fellow attendees over complimentary coffee. Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners, this workshop provides a unique opportunity to learn from a successful woman entrepreneur and to connect with others in the community. Mark your calendar and join us for a morning of inspiration and valuable networking in a supportive environment!

Federal Grants – How to Find Them and Apply

872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo & Virtual

Join us for an informative workshop led by Matt Hutton, an expert with over a decade of experience in R&D fundraising. With a BS and MS in Environmental Engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Matt has successfully helped numerous companies navigate the complex world of government funding. This workshop will guide you through the process of identifying relevant federal grants, understanding the requirements, and crafting compelling applications. In this session, Matt will share 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. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your grant-seeking skills and take your projects to the next level.

Coffee and Conversation

872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 872 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Register Agenda: 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, featuring keynote speaker Stephanie Stackhouse, Owner of The Center SLO. The Center SLO is the largest yoga studio on the Central Coast of California. Stephanie embarked on this journey to create a space that fosters personal growth, health, and community connection. She began with a clear vision to integrate her corporate expertise in market research and strategic planning with a dedication to holistic well-being. As a small business owner, she is involved in all facets of business operations—from strategic planning and financial management to staff recruitment and program development. Stephanie’s unique blend of professional acumen and personal passion has driven the success of The Center SLO over the past decade. This event is an excellent opportunity to gain insights from Stephanie’s entrepreneurial journey and to network with like-minded members of the business and entrepreneurial community. Engage in stimulating conversations, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections that could benefit your own ventures. Plus, enjoy free coffee as you mingle with other attendees!

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.