Biz2Grow

Funding Q&A Session: Ask Your Funding Questions
2025-05-16 13:00 - 13:30, 2025-05-20 17:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York)
HOPE2Women Funding Center Q&A Open Sessions are open to anyone that is exploring funding for their small business and have questions about the process.
Our team is ready to talk with you about all things capital, from loan types, business plans, financial projections, or getting connected to a Women’s Business Center. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find you someone who does! All are welcome.
Register Here

Charla de pequeñas empresas: Events By Yudy
2025-05-16 15:00 - 16:00
Únase a nosotros para una charla inspiradora e interactiva sobre pequeñas empresas en la que cada sesión reunimos a un nuevo panel de innovadores, solucionadores de problemas y pequeñas empresas como usted para compartir sus viajes personales y las soluciones que dieron forma a su negocio.
Estas conversaciones desentrañarán los desafíos a los que se han enfrentado, las estrategias que han empleado y las lecciones que han aprendido en el camino.
Esta sesión cuenta con Yudelka (Yudy) Carrera de Events By Yudy, enfocado en la planificación de eventos y catering.
Esta serie está diseñada para generar nuevas ideas, conectarlo con sus colegas de pequeñas empresas y fomentar el pensamiento creativo para ayudarlo a abordar los desafíos con una nueva perspectiva.
Sintonice para conversaciones sinceras, historias inspiradoras y conclusiones prácticas.
¡Regístrese ahora y sea parte de la conversación!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Writing Grants - Part 2 of 3
2025-05-19 15:00 - 16:00
Thinking about pursuing grants for your small business and not sure where to start? This session is designed to equip entrepreneurs and business owners with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure grant funding. In this Ask the Expert session, we will cover the fundamentals of grant writing, including identifying appropriate grant opportunities, understanding eligibility criteria, and crafting compelling proposals that highlight the unique value and potential of their businesses. You don’t want to miss this!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Understanding Sales Metrics (KPIs)
2025-05-20 11:00 - 12:00
Know your numbers! This webinar offers a comprehensive overview of financial, operational, and customer-related metrics, explaining how each one impacts the business. Participants will gain insights into tracking revenue, profit margins, customer acquisition costs, churn rates, and other vital metrics. In this Ask the Expert session, small business owners will learn how to identify and interpret the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics essential for assessing their business’s overall health and performance. We will also cover tools and techniques for accurate data collection and analysis. By the end of the session, business owners will be able to leverage these insights to make informed decisions, drive growth, and ensure long-term success. Sign up now!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Going Global: How to Scale with EXIM Bank
2025-05-20 13:00 - 14:00
Join the Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC), EXIM Bank, and HOPE2Women for an educational webinar that will guide you through the essential tools and resources for expanding your business internationally.
Learn best practices and strategies with Nada Allie, Business Development Specialist at EXIM Bank on how to access market research, find international buyers, secure financing, and more. Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to scale globally, this valuable session provides insights to help your business thrive in global markets.
Date: Tuesday, May 20
Time: 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Click here to register

$10,000 Small Business Grant: Tips & Best Practices Info Session
2025-05-22 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:00
Interested in applying for the $10,000 small business grant on Small Business Digital Ready? Join this session to learn all of the best practices to give your application the best shot at being a grant winner!
Register Here

Identifying & Addressing Customer Objections
2025-05-22 14:30 - 15:30
Are you worried that you’re not selling as much or as well as you could? You are not
alone. Many entrepreneurs know they have a wonderful product or service offering, but they lack confidence in persuading others to buy it, and they fear rejection. But this, like many skills, can be improved with knowledge and honed with practice. You can develop your sales craft! You don’t want to miss this!
To get the most out of this session, users should have:

Your existing sales pitches
Business sales data to refer to
Common objections your customers pose after a pitch

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Practical AI for Small Business: Sales and Lead Generation
2025-05-28 18:00 - 19:00
AI can help small businesses find the right customers, follow up efficiently, and close more deals. In this session, Jacqui Jones, CEO of One Degree Marketing, will walk you through practical AI tools that can:

Identify high-potential leads to focus your efforts where they matter most
Automate follow-ups to keep prospects engaged without extra work
Improve conversion rates by personalizing outreach at scale

This session is part of Mastercard’s Practical AI for Small Business, a four-part series focused on practical AI applications for small business owners.
Register Here

Common Social Media Mistakes
2025-06-10 16:30 - 18:00
You may be actively marketing your business using social media, but are you getting the results you want? Are you making the most of your social media activity? In this Ask the Expert session, we’ll discuss the most common social media mistakes that will prevent you from growing an engaged audience and strengthening your online presence. We will share strategies for using social media to effectively market your business. If you are a newbie when it comes to using social media for your business, this session is for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your social media to the next level. Sign up now!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Writing Compelling Content: What Not to Write
2025-06-12 11:00 - 12:30
In this digital age, business owners must be storytellers and story writers, too. To engage prospects before they click away, you must communicate clearly and descriptively on websites, social media, advertising, and printed materials to compel readers to become customers and fans. We all know great writing when we see it, but what are some of the speedbumps to creating compelling content? What are some of the common mistakes when we write about our businesses, products, and services? In this Ask the Expert session, learn the best practices from a professional content creator. Sign up now!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Conceptualize, Build, and Launch Your App
2025-06-17 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for this “Ask the Expert” session, tailored for small business owners aiming to develop their own app. Learn essential strategies from ideation to launch as our seasoned expert shares insights, best practices, and tools to navigate the app development journey. Gain clarity, overcome challenges, and plan for success in this dynamic event designed to enhance your entrepreneurial goals. Reserve your spot now and take the next step towards realizing your app aspirations. Don’t miss out—secure your place today!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Understanding Business Funding: Loans, Grants & Where to Start
2025-06-17 13:00 - 14:00
Explore the full spectrum of funding options available to small business owners—from grants, loans, and lines of credit to venture capital and angel investors. This webinar will help you understand the pros and cons of each, how to align funding types with your business stage and goals, and whether you’re truly ready to seek capital. We’ll also introduce tools from the Hope2Women Funding Center to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
REGISTER HERE

Business Plan Bootcamp
2025-06-25 13:30 - 15:30
The process of thinking about and crafting your business plan provides clarity and a “north star” for your business, while also demonstrating a solid understanding and vision for the operating model. Your business plan helps prioritize what is important, critical tasks, as well as a timeline. With growth, the business plan offers a common understanding of the vision to new team members, potential investors, financial institutions, etc. After spending close to two decades building businesses with the banking industry, Cate Luzio founded Luminary. She wrote a business plan in a week and launched 8 months later. Cate will be hosting this Business Plan Boot Camp, breaking down each point and the basis for eight essential elements founders should include in a business plan, and why they matter.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Black Friday - Are You Ready?
2025-07-14 17:00 - 19:00
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Prepare yourselves, entrepreneurs! As the clock ticks closer to Black Friday, the starting gun of the most pivotal two months in the marketing calendar, it’s imperative to arm yourselves with readiness. Anticipate the surge, harness the frenzy, and pave the way to unprecedented profits!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Angel Investing 101: What Business Owners Need to Know
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00
Curious about angel investing and how it could support your business? In this
webinar, we’ll break down what angel investing is, how it works, and what investors are
really looking for. Whether you’re actively seeking funding or just exploring your options,
this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate early-stage investment with
confidence.
Register Here
We’ll cover:
● What angel investing is and how it differs from other funding sources
● What investors look for in early-stage businesses
● How to position your business to attract angel investors
● Common red flags that turn investors away
● Practical tips for pitching your business and building investor relationships

About the Speaker:
Liz Sara is a successful businesswoman with more than 30 years of experience in the national entrepreneurship community. Most recently, she served as President of the SCORE Foundation and prior to that, was a presidential appointee as Chair of the National Women’s Business Council. Liz ran a successful marketing agency in the DC area, providing executive leadership to nearly 100 early stage tech companies for more than 20 years. Liz has been an angel investor for several years and a regular speaker at industry conferences and podcasts focusing on startups, entrepreneurship and access to capital.

The Best Conversions: Email marketing, lead magnets, and landing pages
2025-07-17 14:00 - 16:00
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Did you know that email marketing, over any other digital marketing niche, converts more viewers into sales. That’s more than social media or advertising. You are missing out on sales if you are not building an email list of customers and fans. Email marketing starts with a list that you own and control. Join us for a concise yet comprehensive exploration of email marketing best practices and strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, this session has something for you! Don’t miss out – sign up now and unlock the full potential of your digital strategy!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

KIVA Information Call: Learn How to Access 0% Interest Loans
2025-07-23 14:00 - 15:00
REGISTER HERE
Looking for capital to grow your business—without high interest rates or a lengthy approval process? Join us for a free KIVA Information Call to learn how you can access 0% interest, no-fee microloans up to $15,000 through the KIVA platform.
We’ll walk through who qualifies, how to apply, and how this unique crowdfunding model helps entrepreneurs like you gain visibility and support. Whether you’re just starting out or need a boost to expand, this session will help you decide if KIVA is the right fit.
Perfect for:

Startups and early-stage businesses
Entrepreneurs who need capital but may not qualify for traditional loans
Business owners with community support and a growth mindset

Bring your questions—we’re here to help!

Subscription-ready: Transform your website for predictable revenue
2025-07-31 12:00 - 14:00
This is an advanced-level session that requires prerequisites: a built ecommerce website, and an email campaign application.
Consistent leads for your website are one of the main ways to increase your revenue as a small business owner. When clients stay in the loop on your business, you’ll have more consistent conversions and sales. Ready to step up your website game to boost your revenue? Sign up today!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

2025 Leadership Conference
2025-09-22 08:00 - 2025-09-24 17:00 | Washington, DC, 400 New Jersey Ave NW, Washington, 20001, United States
Spend three days networking, learning, and connecting with fellow small business owners, industry experts, top brands, executives, and more!
Hear from inspiring keynote speakers, dive into breakout sessions on the topics that matter most to you, and enjoy evening receptions and mingling events.
This event will leave you feeling energized and excited to continue your entrepreneurial journey!
Learn more about the event here
Purchase Tickets Here (This link will redirect you to our host site. Scroll down and choose a “small business” ticket.)

AI and Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business While You Grow
2025-12-10 13:00 - 14:30
Explore how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape, both for attackers and defenders. Walk away with practical steps to safeguard your business, plus learn how Verizon solutions can help you stay protected as you adopt new AI tools.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit biz2grow.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

The Cash Flow Masterclass
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:30
Are you stressed about managing your business’s cash flow? Join us for an in-depth masterclass where we’ll demystify cash flow and provide you with actionable strategies to keep your business running smoothly. We will cover how to speed up payments, manage expenses, and use financial reports to make smarter decisions. You’ll also see how QuickBooks can automate these processes, freeing up your time to focus on growth.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit biz2grow.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Pitch Deck Building and Practice
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00
This session is designed to help business owners prepare for capital-seeking opportunities. Participants work in two groups: one for building a pitch deck (a slideshow sales presentation required for seeking investment partners or loans) and one for practicing an existing pitch. We will explore what must be included in a 10-minute pitch, how to present compelling stories and metrics, and identify what finance professionals seek. Those who practice their pitch will receive 10 minutes to present and receive necessary expert feedback.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit biz2grow.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Get Paid Faster: Simple Systems Every Solo Business Owner Needs
2026-02-03 13:00 - 14:00
You didn’t start your business to chase invoices, juggle payment apps, or wonder where last month’s money went.
In this practical, no-fluff training, we’ll walk through simple systems that help solo business owners get paid faster, look more professional, and reduce day-to-day financial stress — without hiring help or learning complicated software.
REGISTER HERE
You’ll learn how to:

Set up easy, client-friendly payment options that actually get paid

Use invoices, payment links, and deposits to reduce late or missed payments

Create a clean paper trail that makes tax time and bookkeeping easier

See your sales and cash flow at a glance — even if you “hate numbers”

This session is designed for one-person businesses, freelancers, and independent operators who want their payment systems to work for them, not against them.

The New Rules of Being Found Online
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00
This webinar is held in partnership with Thryv, a leading marketing and sales platform that offers marketing solutions for small businesses. Customers are searching for businesses like yours every day—but showing up takes more than just having a website. In this session, we’ll share key statistics and commonly overlooked tactics related to Google Business Profiles, online listings, social presence, websites, and customer reviews, and how getting these right can directly impact discovery, bookings, and growth.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Cybersecurity: More Than Just Passwords!
2026-03-19 12:00 - 14:00
This is a must-attend session for every business owner trying to navigate security in a digital-dependent economy. The discussion covers topics such as phishing, malware, identity theft, and public misinformation campaigns.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Contracting 101
2026-03-31 12:00 - 14:00
This Ask the Expert session will provide a deep dive into the legal necessity and structure of contracts. The discussion will cover what goes into creating a legally binding contract and how to keep from getting burned. Our experts will explain the key ingredients required for a contract to hold up in a courtroom.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Strategies for Building Business Credit
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00
Join Mastercard and Dun & Bradstreet for a one‑hour session designed to help small business owners understand how business credit works, why it matters, and the practical steps needed to build a stronger financial foundation. They’ll break down the key factors that shape your business’s credit profile, how lenders view your credibility, and what you can do today to unlock better financing options.
REGISTER HERE

From this session, you’ll come away with:

Strategies for building business credit so your company is set up with a strong and credible foundation.
How to monitor your Delinquency Predictor Score and Failure Score, and why these scores influence your ability to access capital, rates, and terms.
Actionable steps to strengthen legitimacy and improve creditworthiness so you can secure the financing needed for sustainable growth.

Forecast Your Financial Future
2026-04-20 12:00 - 14:00
This is a hands-on, working session (not a lecture or a webinar) designed to help you build a clear financial roadmap (financial projections). You will work directly with a financial expert in a small classroom to plug in your own numbers.
To register:
Create a FREE account at biz2grow.org/verizon
Navigate to the “events” tab to find the class and register
