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Attend an upcoming workshop or seminar to learn entrepreneurial, financial, and business management techniques.
  • Contract Essentials for Small Businesses
    Thursday, May 8 at 11:00 AM

    Join us for a one-hour webinar designed for entrepreneurs who are just starting out or looking to formalize and protect their business. Attorneys from the Penn State Dickinson Law Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic will guide participants through key considerations when selecting a legal structure and explain how that choice can impact your business contracts.

    This session will emphasize the importance of having clear, customized contracts in place—whether you’re working with clients, vendors, or collaborators. The legal team will walk through commonly recommended contracts for different types of small businesses and explain key provisions to include in each.

    You’ll also get practical advice on when to seek legal counsel, and how a well-drafted contract can help you avoid costly disputes and protect your business from liability.

    This webinar is hosted by the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and offered as a live virtual session.

    Register Here
  • The First Steps to Small Business Success
    Tuesday, May 13 at Noon

    Join us for our monthly seminar/webinar designed for people who are thinking about starting a business or are in the early stages of starting. Our small business experts will share the key aspects of starting a business and help you determine if you’re ready to start a business. The First Step to Small Business Success is being offered as an in-person program with an online/streaming option.

    Topics covered include:

    • Business structures
    • How to assess the feasibility of your business idea
    • Legal and tax implications of owning a business
    • How to develop a business plan
    • Funding options and how to compile a bank-ready financial package
    • How to market your product or service
    • Health and safety regulations that may apply to your business
    • Where to find other resources that may help you succeed

    Training sessions will be offered as a pre-recording with the opportunity to ask live questions throughout with a Penn State SBDC business consultant.

    Register Here
  • Managing Your Business on Google Search and Maps
    Wednesday, May 14 at 10:00 AM

    Penn State SBDC has partnered with digital marketing expert Joshua Miller to host “Managing Your Business on Google Search and Maps,” an in-person event on April 22, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in State College, PA. Joshua has over two decades of experience workingwith small business owners throughout the United States, helping them take full advantage of digital tools and equipping them with the skills and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive online marketplace.

    In today’s digital landscape, visibility on Google Search and Maps is paramount for business success. Ensure your business is discoverable and provides accurate, up-to-date information to potential customers, regardless of the device they’re using. This workshop goes beyond the basics of setting up a simple profile. We’ll explore how a well-managed Google Business Profile can be a powerful tool for growth.

    This session will empower you to:

    • Establish Your Presence: Learn how to create or claim your Google Business Profile and optimize it for maximum visibility.
    • Control Your Narrative: Understand how to effectively manage your business information across Google Search and Maps, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
    • Unlock Growth Potential: Discover the full range of features within your Business Profile—beyond the basics—and learn how to leverage them to connect with potential customers, drive traffic, and boost your bottom line. We’ll delve into strategies for utilizing these features to enhance your online presence and achieve business growth.
    Register Here
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