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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.

Coffee & Conversation

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

Register Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, a dynamic event where entrepreneurial minds come together to network, share, and learn. This month, we’re thrilled to welcome Aaron Bergh, the mastermind behind Calwise Spirits and one of the youngest master distillers in the world. Aaron’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With a family legacy rooted in the Prohibition era’s moonshining adventures, Aaron faced his own legal challenges in college for brewing spirits in his dorm. Today, he channels this rebellious spirit into Calwise Spirits, creating premium beverages that capture the essence of his coastal California home. Calwise Spirits is Aaron’s tribute to his renegade heritage and a celebration of the Golden State. His spirits are infused with native ingredients, offering a pure taste of liquid California. Don’t miss the chance to hear Aaron’s captivating story, gain insights into the world of distilling, and ask your burning questions. Enjoy free coffee and engaging conversations with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners!

Coffee & Conversation Workshop: AngelCon Investor Info Session

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

Coffee and Conversation Join us for this month’s Coffee & Conversation, where we’ll dive into the exciting world of angel investing and unveil the launch of Fund 8 for AngelCon 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about angel investing and discover how you can participate as an investor in this transformative program. Hear from: Seasoned investors from previous years as they share their experiences and valuable insights into their investment journeys. Welcome the winners of AngelCon 2024, Nexstera Tech and Mense, who will update us on their impressive progress since securing a collective $215,000 in investment! View last year’s event here . Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the concept, you’ll gain invaluable knowledge and have the chance to ask questions directly to experienced investors. Enjoy complimentary coffee while networking with fellow attendees who share your interests. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about angel investing and get involved with AngelCon 2025*.   *AngelCon Fund 8 is only open to accredited investors

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.