The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) will be holding several trainings throughout this month. Sign up for one today!

The Nanette Philibert Business of Art Symposium

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 | 10:00 am to 2:00 pm | Free in-person or virtual event

This annual professional development event highlights resources, issues, and practical concerns that artists and other creatives may need to navigate as they develop and maintain their professional practice. Participants have the opportunity to hear from art professionals from around the region as they discuss opportunities and challenges that pertain to the business side of their profession. MSSU design students will also have an opportunity to participate in a separate breakout portfolio review session.

This event is being held in the MSSU Connor Ballroom, located on the second floor of Billingsly Student Center. Interested participants may also attend via Zoom. There is no charge to attend this event.

To learn register to attend in person, click here. To receive a Zoom link to attend virtually, click here.

Joplin Regional Innovation & Technology Summit 

Friday, November 5, 2021 | 7:00 am – 4:00 pm CDT 

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, James River Church – Joplin, Stronghold Data, and a community committee are excited to announce the inaugural Joplin Regional Innovation & Technology Summit, a showcase of local innovation-and-tech-centered businesses. The summit will take place from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, November 5, 2021 at James River Church – Joplin.

The all-day summit will focus on technology-related issues and topics with an emphasis on cybersecurity. The event will feature pitch competitions and breakout sessions covering a variety of topics, including e-commerce, cybersecurity, and the development of our digital workforce. Breakfast, lunch, and several networking opportunities will be offered throughout the day.

Buy your tickets here.

QuickBooks Desktop: Utilization, Tips, and Tricks 

Monday, November 8, 2021 | 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm CDT | Free event

This training will include a demonstration of QuickBooks Desktop and a discussion on how to best utilize the program and its features. This training will be a free, one hour training via Zoom. You will be sent a link to Zoom after you register for the event.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link to participate virtually. Find out more and register here.

Starting a Small Business: The First Steps 

Tuesday, November 9, 2021 | 10:30 am – 11:45 am CDT | Free event

In this workshop, participants will discover their target markets and gain a better appreciation of why businesses need to understand their customers. Participants will also learn about the process of registering their business with federal, state, and local agencies. Topics will also include the basics and importance of cash flow projects and various funding alternatives.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link to participate virtually. Save your spot here.

Where Will Your Business Be in 2024? 

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm CDT | Free event

2024 will be here before you know it, and now is the time to prepare for growth and profits. This workshop will give participants the tools to assess their current reality and decide where they want to be in the next three years. Assessment sheets will be provided to attendees after the program.

This is a virtual event, and only registered attendees will receive a Zoom link to participate. Click here to register and receive yours.

Entrepreneurship: Voices from the Trenches 

Thursday, November 11, 2021 | 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm CDT | Free event

This roundtable forum will be comprised of three local entrepreneurs who will share their stories as well as the ups and downs from their experiences in launching and growing their small businesses. There will be time for an open question-and-answer forum at the end.

Want to learn more or register for this virtual event? Click here.

Utilizing Social Media for Your Target Market 

Friday, November 12, 2021 | 10:30 am – 11:45 am CDT | Free event

In this free, virtual workshop, participants will learn about the different social media platforms and how to utilize them for their individual marketing needs.

Register here.

Ideas for Growth: International Trade

Wednesday, November 17, 2021 | 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm CDT | Virtual event

Are you part of a small business that is seeking growth? Have you considered international trade?

Join us and our co-host the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce for this event with guest speakers Joshua Kaplan and Rebecca Nace as they discuss the resources for international trade.

Joshua Kaplan is the Office Director of the U.S. Commercial Service, Kansas City Field Office. He will be discussing:

1. An introduction of federal government resources available for exporters;
2. An overview of the U.S. Commercial Service Kansas City office;
3. Research tools available through the Rural Export Center; and
4. Upcoming events and programs, both virtual and in-person.

Becky Nace is the assistant Director and Project Manager for Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center. She will be discussing how to access Technical Assistance using cost share funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administrations Trade Adjustment for Firms Program. This program is a no payback, cost share funding for up to $150,000.00 in eligible projects.

Save your (virtual) seat here.

Basics of Succession Planning 

Thursday, November 18, 2021 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT | Free event

Don’t wait until it’s too late to understand the value of succession planning. This informative workshop will introduce participants to the basic information necessary when individuals are both looking to either buy or sell an existing business. Topics will include: exit strategies, success rates of business succession, reasons individuals both buy and sell a business, documents typically needed in a business transaction, transition, and determinants of business value.

This workshop is not intended to give legal or tax advice and it is recommended that individuals consult first with an accountant and lender before deciding on either buying or selling a business.

Registered attendees will be sent a Zoom link to participate virtually. To register, click here.

Why Export to Japan? 

Thursday, November 18, 2021 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm CDT | Free event

Missouri exported over $469 million worth of goods and services to Japan in 2020 and Japan was the United States’ fourth largest goods export market in 2020, representing numerous opportunities for Missouri businesses. Japan is a larger market, importing over $102 billion in United States products and services per year.

With trade agreements and favorable economic policies, Japan is a country worth exploring. Learn about the many opportunities an assistance available for any business interested in exploring international trade with Japan.

Join this virtual event as part of MSSU’s themed semester. Register here.

Looking for something different?

Webinars are being offered by all Missouri SBDC centers located across the state. Check out our events page to find more training that fits your business needs.

Visit the Missouri SBDC website, sbdc.missouri.edu, for more about their centers and training offerings.