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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!

Coffee & Conversation

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

Register Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, featuring James Fazio, Co-Founder and CTO of Flume Water, a leading innovator in water management technology. James will share his journey of building Flume into a successful startup and offer insights into scaling a tech company focused on sustainability and impactful change. Flume Water created a groundbreaking product that has tracked over 15 billion gallons of water usage. Customers have been able to reduce their water consumption by an impressive 15% on average, while cutting damaging leaks by 70%. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear how he turned a vision into a water-saving reality, while networking with fellow business professionals over free coffee!

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

AngelCon Applications Open!

Elevate your startup with over $100K in equity-backed funding! AngelCon is a culminating event that brings together Central California tech-based startups who receive training and mentorship through the SBDC and dedicated angel investors who participate in the evaluation, due diligence, and selection process of AngelCon applicants leading up to the live event. Participating startups are seeking investment in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt to help grow their businesses. Applications Open Nov 1, 2024 - Jan 15, 2025 at 11:59pm Link to Application: https://bit.ly/sbdcwebsite   

Empowering Veterans: Navigating Business Resources and Opportunities

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

Register Join us for an insightful workshop tailored for veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs, featuring Morgan Boyd, MPP, U.S. Army Veteran, and Veterans Services Officer. As the Department Head at the County of San Luis Obispo, Morgan will guide you through the various resources available to support veteran-led businesses, including broader services for veterans such as health, education, and housing assistance. Learn about funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships that can help you overcome common challenges and thrive in the local business community. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your venture, this workshop will provide valuable guidance to help you navigate your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.

Year-End Tax Prep for Success: QuickBooks and Beyond

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

Register Navigate the complexities of year-end tax planning and reporting. Explore key tax strategies that can maximize deductions, minimize liabilities, and ensure smooth financial transitions into the new year. We will also focus on effective utilization of QuickBooks for tax preparation and planning, providing you with practical tools to streamline your reporting and keep your records accurate and audit-ready. Whether you’re looking to optimize your tax return or simply prepare for year-end filings, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need for a successful financial year-end. Damon Watkins, the Director of Finance & Operations for Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, is a motivated, personable business professional with a 15+ year track record in multiple aspects of financial control, management and policies/procedures.  

Design Thinking Essentials: Unleash Your Innovation Potential

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

Register Design thinking is a human-centered, solution-focused approach to problem-solving that has rapidly gained recognition as a powerful tool for innovation. In this hands-on workshop, you will discover the fundamental principles and methodologies of design thinking and learn how to apply them to various challenges, from product development to process improvement and beyond. Led by Tim Clark, a seasoned product expert and founder of A Human Thing. During the training, we will: Present a refresher on the design thinking methodology Simplify the methodology in an easily remembered framework Establish the benefits of user-driven insights Share tools for boosting innovation, capturing new markets, and crafting compelling stories. Take away a clear repeatable process Whether you're new to design thinking or you're looking for a refresher course, this workshop will introduce you to the framework's benefits and methods. You'll learn the process and take away practical tools to deepen your innovation practice. Beneficial for product, experience, and service solutions.

Coffee & Conversation

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

Register 8:30-9:30AM - Keynote Speaker 9:30-10AM - In Person Networking   This month, we are joined by the winners of AngelCon 2024: Mense and Nexstera Tech. Gain insights into the remarkable journeys of these innovative startups as they provide updates on their companies since their outstanding performance at the competition. Mense ($50k Investment): Dedicated to destigmatizing conversations related to reproductive health and creating modern, leak-proof menstrual products. Nexstera Tech ($165k Investment): Using AI-enhanced radar technology to detect hazardous materials, primarily lithium batteries, in waste bins and proactively prevent environmental disasters. Engage in stimulating discussions, sip on delicious coffee, and foster valuable connections with like-minded individuals in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur seeking inspiration, an investor scouting for promising opportunities, or simply someone who appreciates the power of entrepreneurship, join us for a great morning of learning, connection, and collaboration.

What You Need to Know: Essential Insights for Small Business Owners in 2025

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. Gain critical insights into the key challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in finance, HR, and accounting. Our expert panelists will provide actionable advice on what you need to know to navigate the evolving business landscape:   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. HR Essentials: Discover the latest trends and compliance updates that every small business owner should prioritize. 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.