Small Business Development Center Training

The Small Business Development Center offers the following seminars. Training is offered on a variety of topics at no charge and most events are held online. For additional information on any of the following training, please contact Kaitlin Muldoon by email or at 978.542.7369. All times listed are ET.

Upcoming Training and Events:

How to Start a Business

Wednesday, January 7, 12-1 pm | Online

Are you looking to start a business but don’t know where to begin? This workshop will guide you through the essential steps of launching your business. We’ll cover key business fundamentals, from start-up considerations and business structure options to creating a strong business plan. Participants will also learn how to identify effective marketing strategies and explore potential funding sources to support their goals. Whether you’re just beginning to brainstorm or ready to take the next step, this session will provide the tools and confidence to move your business idea forward.

The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Digital Marketing Professional of the MA SBDC Northeast Office

Small Business Credit: What Every Owner Needs to Know

Tuesday, January 13, 12-1 pm | Online

Understanding credit is essential for every small business owner, whether you're just starting or looking to expand. In this webinar, participants will learn how credit works, why it matters, and what steps business owners can take to strengthen their financial foundation.
This session will cover:
• What factors impact credit scores the most, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
• Why credit is essential for small businesses, including its role in securing financing, leases, and vendor relationships.
• How a strong credit score benefits your business, from lower interest rates to improved cash flow and growth opportunities.
• Whether you're building credit from scratch or working to repair it, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to take control of your business credit and position your company for long-term success.

The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist of Cambridge Savings Bank.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners

Tuesday, January 27, 12-1 pm | Online

You’ve likely heard this acronym many times, but what does it mean for your small business? This webinar will provide an overview of SEO fundamentals including: how search engines work; the importance of keyword research; on- and off-page optimizations; and how to use metrics to measure performance.

The speaker will be Rosa DiVirgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor and Certified Digital Marketing Professional of the MA SBDC Northeast office.

Small Business Cash Flow Essentials

Wednesday, January 28, 12-1 pm | Online

Cash flow is the heartbeat of every small business, and understanding how to manage it effectively can determine whether your business survives or thrives. This webinar covers the fundamentals of cash flow management and is designed to help entrepreneurs enhance their financial stability and plan for long-term growth.
During this session, participants will learn:
• How focusing on cash flow can help your business grow, make smarter decisions, and avoid common financial pitfalls.
• How improving your cash flow can increase your chances of securing financing, including what lenders look for and how cash flow impacts approval.
• What tools and systems can help streamline cash flow management, from simple tracking templates to user-friendly digital platforms.
• Whether you're experiencing cash flow challenges or simply want to optimize your financial operations, this workshop will offer practical strategies and real-world tools you can begin using right away.

The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist of Cambridge Savings Bank.

Financials 101

Tuesday, February 3, 12-1 pm | Online

Every Small Business should know how to keep detailed records of the daily transactions involved in their business. They create reports that allow management, stakeholders and regulating authorities to have insight into the financial health of the organization. As the business owner, you need to understand the metrics that are reported in the cash flow and income statements, and balance sheets and how they relate to each other. This workshop will go over all three of these topics and show examples of each one.

The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist of the SBDC Northeast Office.

Small Business Taxes Part 2

Tuesday, February 10, 12-1 pm | Online

Part 2 of the Small Business Taxes Webinar Series will be about Managing and Growing — Staying Compliant and Informed.

Topics in this session will include:

Setting up IRS payment plans, how to choose a qualified tax professional, common small business credits and deductions, and understanding business use of your home.

This session will dive into ongoing compliance, maximizing available tax benefits, and best practices for managing your business finances.

The speaker will be Jeffrey Latessa IRS Communications & Liaison and Stakeholder for the Internal Revenue Services.

Space is Limited! Register for this event.

Understanding the Business Loan Process

Tuesday, February 17, 12-1 pm | Online

Do you have a great idea for a business and the only thing standing in your way is the money to give it some legs? Or, you already own your own business but could use some extra capital to take things to the next level? You have come to the right place! In this presentation, you will learn the ins and outs of business loan proposals.

The following topics will be covered:

5 c's of credit: Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, and Conditions. In addition, How to obtain a loan for a start-up, How to obtain a loan for an existing business, and How to obtain a loan to buy a business.

The speaker will be Awilda Irizarry, Senior Business Advisor and Financial Specialist of the MSBDC Northeast Regional Office.

Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners

Wednesday, February 18, 12-1 pm | Online

Planning for retirement isn’t just crucial for individuals—it’s a powerful tool for strengthening and growing your small business. This webinar will guide entrepreneurs through the essential components of establishing a retirement plan, helping you make informed decisions that support both your long-term financial security and your business’s success.
In this session, participants will learn:

The key benefits of having a retirement plan for your business including how it helps attract and retain employees, improves financial stability, and supports long-term planning.
How different retirement options compare, such as SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, and traditional 401(k) plans—along with the pros and cons of each
How to learn more about the tax advantages of retirement accounts, including deductions, credits, and strategies to reduce taxable income.
Whether you're a sole proprietor, growing a small team, or planning for future expansion, this workshop will provide straightforward guidance to help you choose the retirement plan that works best for your goals.

The speaker will be Eddy Desir, Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Specialist of Cambridge Savings Bank.

Training Policies

Massachusetts SBDC training events are supported by federal taxpayer funds. By registering, you certify that you are legally authorized to receive services funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, in accordance with applicable federal law and regulations.

In the event of a workshop cancellation by the Massachusetts SBDC, registrants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. Any fees paid will be fully refunded.