U.S. Small Business Administration Releases Its January Event Calendar
The U.S. Small Business Administration has released its event calendar for January with its resource partners. These webinars and in-person training sessions will help you start or grow your business.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (In-person)
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. CST
NBDC: SourceLink Nebraska Business Connect-Resource Coaching-Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce
Description: SourceLink Nebraska Business Connect provides personalized, face-to-face support for Nebraska entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their journey. While SourceLink Nebraska primarily delivers virtual services, we understand the value of in-person connections when discussing your business goals and exploring available resources. Whether you’re launching a startup or growing an established business, SourceLink Nebraska Business Connect is here to help you navigate the path to success.
What We Offer:
• One-on-one resource coaching during local office hours
• Customized resource plans for starting or expanding your business
• Direct access to Nebraska’s entrepreneurial support network
• Information about local, regional, and statewide business training events
Location: Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, 609 W. Norfolk Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: Scott Asmus, sasmus@unomaha.edu, 402-554-6250
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61656
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CST
SCORE: Business Development Essentials
Description: This workshop will provide some terrific guidance on the basic components of building your business. We’ll focus on understanding what product or service you want to take to market, who’s your customer, who’s your competition and how you’re unique. We’ll then look at what action plans to consider, understanding basic finance and funding and what resources are available to help in your journey. Join us – this is a great opportunity to get a firm idea of what it takes to start a business or rethink your business focus!
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: SCORE, twincities@scorevolunteer.org, 952-938-4570
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/60129
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST
SCORE: How To Start A Business Using A Free SCORE Mentor
Description: Starting a small business can be challenging, especially if you lack business experience. At SCORE, we provide free expert mentors dedicated to helping you ignite your passion, overcome obstacles, and achieve your dream of small business ownership. In this webinar, you'll hear real success stories from SCORE clients as well as the SCORE mentors who helped them. You'll learn about:
• How a SCORE mentor can help you start and grow your business
• How to find the right mentor for your business using SCORE's extensive, nationwide network of business experts
• How SCORE mentorship works and how having a SCORE mentor on your side sets your new business up for success
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61481
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (In-person)
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CST
SBA/NBDC: NEW YEAR~NEW BUSINESS ~ Everything You Should Know Before Starting a Business
Description: Session 1: Everything You Should Know Before Starting a Business! Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Nebraska Business Development Center and begin the year by learning the fundamentals of business ownership and embark on a new career. This is a four-session series, join one or all, whatever fits into your schedule. *Separate registration for each course.
• Session 2: Business Plan Basics for Your Small Business - 1/16/25 @ noon-1:30 PM
• Session 3: Financial Foundations for a Startup - 1/23/25 @ noon-1:30 PM
• Session 4: Obtaining Financing for Your Small Business 1/30/25 @ noon-1:30 PM
Location: Nebraska District Office ~ U.S. Small Business Administration, 10675 Bedford Avenue, Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68134
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: Jo Eckert, jo.eckert@sba.gov, 402-221-7200
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/60536 - Note: Event registration has closed, as it is at maximum capacity.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. CST
SCORE: Understanding the 5 Most Common Legal Forms of Business
Description: Choosing the right legal form for your business is a critical step that impacts your operations, taxes and liability. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or looking to restructure your business, understanding the pros and cons of each form of organization is essential to making informed decisions. In this webinar, our expert presenters will guide you through the five most common forms of business organization: sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation and S corporation. You’ll gain clarity on the legal and tax implications of each structure and learn how to evaluate which one aligns best with your business goals. Learning Objectives:
• Understand the basics of the five most common forms of business organization
• Compare and contrast sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, corporations and S corporations
• Analyze legal and tax considerations for each business structure
• Learn how to determine which form best suits your business objectives
Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording.
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61483
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST
APEX Accelerator: Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Cost Reimbursement Series - Part 1RP
Description: The Nebraska APEX Accelerator and the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) are excited to announce the upcoming Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series. Part 1 of the Cost Reimbursable Requirements Series includes Accounting System Requirements and Real Time Labor Evaluations. Prior to being awarded a cost reimbursable contract, federal government contractors need to ensure their accounting system is adequate for determining costs applicable to federal contracts. This is accomplished when DCAA conducts a Pre-Award Accounting System Audit at the request of a federal agency. During this training, DCAA will discuss the federal regulations that define an acceptable accounting system, evaluate the minimum requirements of the SF 1408 criteria, and how small businesses can prepare for this type of audit. Experts from DCAA will differentiate between direct versus indirect costs, define total contract costs, provide an overview of indirect allocation bases, and learn how FAR Part 31 clauses describe allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. Once awarded a cost reimbursable contract award, contractors are eligible for floor check audits, otherwise known as "real-time labor evaluations". Join DCAA as we discuss what is a real- time labor evaluation, why DCAA performs them, and how small businesses can prepare for these audits.
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: Charles (Chuck) Beck, cwbeck@unomaha.edu, 402-690-4986
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61620
Thursday, January 9, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST
SCORE: Google Analytics for Small Businesses - How to Improve Your Website Traffic
Description: To maximize your business website's return on investment, you need to be able to track its performance. Tools like Google Analytics allow you to see where your website traffic is coming from, identify your top-performing channels and gain insight into your visitors' behavior. In this webinar, you’ll learn the basics of Google Analytics, how to track your website's performance and how to turn these insights into action. Finally, you’ll learn how to increase leads and sales using your collected data. Learning objectives:
• How to set up Google Analytics for your website
• How tracking conversions can guide your marketing strategy
• Which analytics reports you should focus on
• How to enhance both your website and marketing campaigns using the data you’ve collected
Live attendees will receive the slide deck and a link to this webinar recording.
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61484
Thursday, January 9, 2025 (Online Webinar)
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. CST
GROW Nebraska's Women's Business Center: Make Your Website Work for You ~ Unlocking Its Full Potential with Google Search Console Insights
Description: Discover how to build a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports your goals! This workshop will guide you through practical tips and tools, including how to use Google Search Console, whether you’re launching a new site or refreshing an existing one. Key Takeaways:
• Learn how to create a website optimized for search engines.
• Understand how to use Google Search Console to monitor and improve performance.
• Gain actionable insights to drive user engagement and achieve your goals.
Can’t attend? Register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording!
Location: Online
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: Eden Butler, eden@gnwbc.org, 402-300-8170
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61503
Thursday, January 9, 2025 (In-person)
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. CST
Nebraska Enterprise Fund: B.A.I.L. (Banker Accountant Insurance Legal) – Your Dream Team to Small Business Success!
Description: Every business owner needs to have a firm foundational team of experts that set up and guide them throughout their business journey! Come and visit with our B.A.I.L. expert panel that will share insights on banking, accounting practices, insurance needs, and most important all things legal you need to consider as a business owner! Come prepared to interact with the expert panelists, asking any questions or concerns you might have! Get to network with other entrepreneurs, business owners, and experts. Seating is limited, so we encourage you to get registered today!
Location: Nebraska Enterprise Fund, 2112 N 30th Street, #103, Omaha, NE 68111
Cost: FREE
Questions contact: Emmalee Scheibe, emmalees@nebbiz.org, 402-685-5500
Register: https://www.sba.gov/event/61539