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Digital Advertising Workshop

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

How to Test New Ideas QuicklyThis process utilizes paid ads from platforms such as Google, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Reddit; along with simple one-page websites that only the targeted customers will see. This method is very low cost and enables small businessowners to focus on features/benefits their targeted customers really care about. Speaker: Dan Weeks teaches Entrepreneurship at Cal Poly- San Luis Obispo and is the Entrepreneur-In-Residence for the CIE Hothouse. He is a serial entrepreneur that has started and sold companies.

$20

QuickBooks 101

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

Learn How to Set Up Your Company with QuickBooks Selling: invoices, sales receipts, payments, deposits, credit memos, and customer statements Buying: bills, bill payments, checks, bill payment stubs, and credit memos Inventory: purchase orders, receive items, adjust inventory Sales Taxes: set up, adjust, pay, and report sales taxes Damon Watkins is the Director of Finance & Operations for Cal Poly Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He is a motivated, personable business professional with a 15+ year track record in multiple aspects of financial control, management and policies/procedures. He prides himself on having strong communication skills, and is accustomed to working with sensitive and confidential records, always protecting and maintaining confidentiality.

$20.00

Coffee & Conversation

872 Higuera St San Luis Obispo & Virtual

Join us for an insightful event where Rich will share his extensive 22-year journey working in a rapidly expanding, environmentally conscious, and privately owned enterprise. Delve into discussions covering employee ownership, the integration of multiple bottom lines, fostering stakeholder engagement, effective leadership strategies, and navigating collaborations with entrepreneurs. Rich Boragno is the CFO of White Road Capital Management LLC and a partner at White Road Investments LLC, backing Clif Bar & Company founders.  White Road Capital is the family office, and White Road Investments is the venture capital fund focusing on emerging and mission-driven food and outdoor product companies. He also serves on The Honest Kitchen's board. Previously, he spent 22 years at Clif Bar & Company, serving as CFO for 13 years, overseeing accounting, financial planning, treasury, IT, and enterprise strategy.

AnglelCon 2024

Rod & Hammer Rock 855 Aerovista Pl, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Six innovative and disruptive startups compete for $100,000+ in investment funding to help grow their business. Cal Poly’s CIE SBDC will host six brilliant tech-driven startups from Central California in a pitch competition to win $100,000+ in equity-backed funding at the seventh annual AngelCon on Thursday, May 2nd at 5 p.m. The hybrid event will take place in person at Rod & Hammer Rock and stream on YouTube Live. Agenda: 5-6PM Dinner & Networking w/ Startups (in-person only) 6-7:15PM Startups Pitch 7:15-7:25PM AngelCon 2023 Winner Updates 7:30PM Winner Announcements - Audience + Investment Choice Tickets $20 - Virtual $75 - In person

$10 – $75

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.