SOMERVILLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

& FINANCIAL LITERACY WORKSHOPS - 2008
 

The City of Somerville in partnership with East Somerville Main Streets and Union Square Main Streets and with the assistance of other groups including ACCION and the Somerville Chamber of Commerce presents this series of business development workshops and networking events. These educational programs assist Somerville aspiring entrepreneurs, and existing businesses to build business skills, advance economic development, and expand networking opportunities within our community.

Space in these workshops is limited. Participation is open to all in the Somerville community.

While the business workshops are structured to meet the needs of companies in different stages of development, attendance is open to any Somerville business or entrepreneur.

 

    Schedule of Workshops for:

              Residents

                Two Financial Literacy Workshops at the Mystic Learning Center, 530 Mystic Ave

              Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Start-Ups

                Second Tuesday Evening Workshops at SCAT, 90 Union Square

              Existing Businesses

                First Wednesday Networking Breakfast Workshops at SCAT, 90 Union Square

 

Download the one-page printable version of workshop calendar.

 

Have an idea or suggested speaker for a future workshop?  Contact Mimi Graney at mimi@unionsquaremain.org or Carrie Dancy at carrie@eastsomervillemainstreets.org

  
Tuesday Evening Series  Especially Designed for Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Start-Ups
Workshop Title Presenter Date & Time
Understanding Markets and Somerville's Business Districts

 

 Somerville Local First

Union Square Main Streets 

 Tuesday, June 10,

6:30 - 8:00 pm

 
Getting Started in Business

MA Small Business Development Center at UMass Boston

 Tuesday, July 15,

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Special 2-hour session with earlier start time. This workshop takes place at the West Branch of the Somerville Library in Davis Square

Note that this workshop is free to all.
Navigating Requirements for Licensing and Permitting City of Somerville Tuesday. August 12,

6:30 - 8:00 pm
Starting a Business: Components of the Business Plan Awilda Irizarry, Business Advisor at Small Business Development Center, Salem State College Tuesday, September 9,
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Lending Basics and Commercial Financing Options TBD Tuesday, October 7,
6:30 - 8:00 pm
Financial Fundamentals of Running a Successful Business  

This workshop will discuss financial management tools that will help you to better understand your business’ financial health.  We will also cover several business survival strategies given the current economic slow-down.

In this workshop you will learn to:

- Efficiently organize business records

-  Better assess your financial health using key financial tools such as break-  even analysis, cash flow analysis, income statements, and balance sheets

- Incorporate effective marketing principles to build awareness of your    business and allow it to grow.

 

The workshop will be taught by Sherri Lane, a Loan Officer for ACCION USA’s New England office.  Sherri has a strong background in business and works daily to help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, obtain funding and access financial literacy services. 

 

 Tuesday, November 11,
6:30 - 8:00 pm
   

All Aspiring Entrepreneur and Start-Up Workshops meet in the SCAT Conference Room, 90 Union Square.

Cost is $10, free for members of ESMS & USMS.

To register for the Tuesday evening workshops for Aspiring Entrepreneurs contact: David Guzman at dguzman@ci.somerville.ma.us or call 617-625-6600 x 2546

  

 
Wednesday Morning Series Especially Designed for Existing Businesses
Workshop Title Presenter Date & Time
Local Commercial Lending
 		 Century Bank

Winterhill Bank

 Wednesday, May 7,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Legal Issues for Businesses Michael Radin of Tarlow Breed, Hart & Rogers

 

 Wednesday, June 4,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Marketing and PR Dorie Clark of Clark Strategic Communications Wednesday, July 9,
8:00 - 9:30 am
City of Somerville's Business Assistance Programs City of Somerville Wednesday, August 6,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Negotiation Skills Scott Loring of Cooperative Coaching and Mediation Wednesday, September 10,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Managing Your Retail Inventory for Optimum Profitability Stella Downie, founder of StellaBella Toys

 

 Wednesday, October 1,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Business Taxes and Insurance Leonel Ramirez, CPA Wednesday, November 5,
8:00 - 9:30 am
Payment Processing Strategies

CANCELLED

 Ray Zonghetti, Heartland Payment Systems CANCELLED

Wednesday, December 3,
8:00 - 9:30 am
   

All Existing Business Networking Workshops meet in the SCAT Conference Room, 90 Union Square.

The morning workshop includes continental breakfast.

Cost is $10, free for members of ESMS & USMS.

To register for the Wednesday morning workshops for Existing Businesses contact: David Guzman at dguzman@ci.somerville.ma.us or call 617-625-6600 x 2546