Biz2Grow

Identifying Customer Objections
2024-07-16 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
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

With Karen Baldeschwieler of Zenagos
Dr. Baldeschwieler is a proven entrepreneur and intrapreneur, having founded or co-founded 7 stand-alone companies and launched 6 new business lines inside large education organizations. She served on the executive teams of two venture- and private equity-funded edtech start-ups, each of which raised more than $70MM. She planned the launch of Kaplan’s first online education programs and launched an online university that grew to over $800MM in revenue and is now part of Purdue University. As subject area expert, she sold multiple 8-figure deals to major universities, but is most proud of having built her own small businesses from inception to profitability. Dr. Baldeschwieler holds a BA from Harvard, an MA from UC Irvine, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a PhD in Education from Capella University. Her books and articles about education and career development include Newsweek’s “College without the Campus” and Professionalism, a textbook on career success.

Supporting Your Sales Team with Content
2024-07-15 13:30 - 15:00
You know the importance of content creation, but do you know how to generate that content specifically to support your sales team? Join us for this Ask the Expert to gain insights on how to support your sales team through strategic content creation and distribution. Learn about equipping your team with the tools they need to craft compelling content, ultimately boosting your business’ sales. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your sales strategy! Sign up now.
With Christie Bayer-Sanchez of Hello Bare Marketing
Christie resides in the Sunshine State and brings a touch of humanity back to marketing, helping entrepreneurs and small business owners align their vision for business and life with actionable flow. Christie believes anything is possible with the right tools and mindset, no matter your age, status, or experience.

Peer Learning
2024-07-11 14:00 - 15:00
Community Connects are opportunities to meet with other like-minded small business owners. These peer learning events allow you to make connections in your community, industry or to branch out and meet new peers facing the same challenges and triumphs as you.
Join your peers on for the next Community Connect Event. Designed to authentically connect you with your peers.
Register now to ensure your spot.

Date: July 11
Time: 2 PM ET

Mobile Security Unlocked: Protecting Your Business in the Digital World
2024-07-10 14:00 - 15:00
Join us for an in-depth webinar on mobile cybersecurity, where we’ll explore the latest threats in mobile phishing, mobile device management, wireless security, and more. Learn how to safeguard your devices and data and equip yourself with the knowledge to protect your business. You will also learn about product solutions and services Verizon offers to keep your business safe in an increasingly connected world.
Meet this event’s expert: Richard Stein
Rich is a Senior Security Product Partner dedicated to Verizon small business customers nationally. He has over 18 years of experience in the Wireless and Cybersecurity fields and has been a contributor to a number of Verizon publications on cybersecurity. Prior to his time in technology, he worked for a number of microenterprises, including a time operating his own business. More recently, Rich has been the Board President for a nonprofit educational institution and is very active in his community. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Seton Hall University and currently resides in Ohio with his wife Julia and their 4 children.

Measure and Maximize ROI
2024-07-08 13:30 - 15:30
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
How do you know the big ticket items for your business are good investments? ROI (return on investment) is a metric that applies to advertising, increases in staffing, big purchases like equipment, research and development, and so much more. In this Ask the Expert session, we’ll hear from an Expert how to calculate whether that next step is a winner or not. You don’t want to miss this!
Coach Nic is a performance coach, instructor, and inspirational speaker for small businesses and business professionals. His company, COACH NIC DC, is based in the historic Eastern Market corridor of Washington D.C. He has a passion for improving the performance results of entrepreneurs and the people that they employ.
To get the most out of this session, users should have:
A functioning website with Google Analytics installed
Social media pages for their business.
Accounting software in use for their business.

Date: July 8
Time: 1:30 PM ET

E-commerce: The Fundamentals of Selling Online
2024-07-01 11:30 - 13:30
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the small business community. Those that were able to grow online sales generally fared better than those that did not. Selling online creates an opportunity to reach more people and enables you to do business from anywhere with computer and internet access. While there are a lot of e-commerce platforms and tools, selecting the right one(s) and getting set up can feel overwhelming. In this Ask the Expert session, we will provide an overview of the most widely used platforms, walk through the fundamentals of selling online, and discuss the path to profitability through e-commerce. Whether you are new to selling online or looking to expand your online sales, this session is a must. Sign up now!

Date: July 1
Time: 11:30 AM ET

Digital Marketing 101
2024-06-27 12:00 - 14:00
Are you clueless about SEO? Does content marketing seem overwhelming? With 4.5 billion internet users out there, it’s clear that reaching people online makes sense because that’s where people are. But the “how” is what keeps many small business owners scratching their heads. In this session, you will learn digital marketing basics including what SEO is and how it works, how to select the channels that make sense for your business, and the essential tools that you need to reach your audience online. We’ll discuss how to measure the effectiveness of your digital marketing so that you stay on track toward your sales goals. In this fast moving digital first world, don’t let your business get left behind. Sign up now!

Maisha Walker is the President of multiple-award-winning digital marketing agency Message Medium. She helps successful brands leverage digital to acquire new customers, build, implement and maintain a cohesive digital strategy and achieve aggressive growth. She has been in the industry for more than 25 years. She predates Google in the industry by 2 years and Facebook by 8 years.

Date: June 27
Time: 12 PM ET

Connect with Customers: Authenticity Leads to Sales
2024-06-13 11:30 - 13:00
Discover the power of authentic connection to drive sales in this Ask the Expert session. Alongside our expert, you will delve into the art of establishing genuine relationships with customers, focusing on the shift from transactional to relational interactions. Gain valuable insights into understanding and meeting customer needs, fostering loyalty, and driving sales through authentic engagement. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your approach and propel your business forward – sign up now!

Who should register:
This is an intermediate level class and should be attended by those defined above.

To access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Connect with Customers: Authenticity Leads to Sales.’

Preparation:
To get the most out of this session, users should have:
A business website
A customer or client email list
Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

Date: June 13, 2024
Time: 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Digital Doors Overview and Digital Presence 101
2024-06-12 18:00 - 19:00
As a small business owner, having strong digital assets – from website design to payment systems – can be a game-changer for driving traffic and sales. In this webinar, Colleen Galvin from Mastercard will provide an overview of Mastercard’s Digital Doors program, which provides education, tools and resources to help small businesses thrive online. Martin Guererro from Block (Square) will share ways for small business owners to maximize their online presence. This session covers website design and branding, online payment infrastructure, best practices for product photography and website content, and social media strategies. Martin will also share what questions entrepreneurs should be asking to inform a digital strategy and metrics to measure success.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/AkNpVLiXxdP9ivP2jpj0BGKFpuZAn1dCT1FuGXIezT5ZE0Mxhsri~Akhm7J5sQvmrBmAg7y_KyWoTM2Whs-gMOUmsZ0Khz68keXe7fxM7idEvFw?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=webinar&utm_campaign=ahcnm&utm_content=digitaldoors
We would greatly appreciate your attendance, and your support in raising awareness among your small business network.

Selling to Colombia: Insights & Resources for Women-Owned Businesses
2024-06-12 14:00 - 15:00
Join SBA and Colombian American SBA Women Business Center counselor Martha Jimenez for a FREE virtual training on “Selling to Colombia: Insights & Resources for Women-owned Businesses”, on June 12, 2024, at 2:00 pm (ET).

Whether you are preparing your market entry strategy or looking to expand, register for this webinar to hear insights on opportunities in the Colombian market, considerations for U.S. women-owned businesses on doing business in Colombia and information on programs and services available from both the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce to support you.

Click Here to Register.
No cost to attend.

Business Plan Bootcamp
2024-06-12 12:00 - 14:00
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 access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Business Plan Bootcamp.’

Preparation:
Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

*If you are unable to attend, you must unenroll at least 48 hours before the event date. If you no-show, the system will not allow you to sign up again.

Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

Writing Compelling Content
2024-06-11 12:00 - 13:30
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 access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Writing Compelling Content.’

Preparation:
Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

Date: June 11, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. ET

Navigating the $10,000 Digital Ready Grant Opportunity
2024-06-06 13:00 - 14:00
Join this session to learn about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR) platform and best practices in applying for the $10,000 grant opportunity!

We’ll walk you through: – How to register to access the FREE online learning platform – How to unlock the $10,000 grant application – Best practices on how to submit your grant application on the platform
This grant cycle closes June 28! Don’t miss your opportunity to help grow your business.
Date: June 6, 2024
Time: 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

Click here to register.

Social Media Questions, Answered. Stories, Posts, Feeds, Hashtags, and More!
2024-06-06 11:30 - 13:00
Navigating the landscape of social media marketing is complex for any business. Which platform is right for your business? How many posts do you need to make each week? Should you really bother with hashtags, reels, and stories? In this Ask the Expert Session, our expert will give you valuable insight into crafting engaging posts and stories, optimizing hashtags, and elevating your feed. You will leave with actionable strategies to enhance your social media presence and drive business growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the potential of your business’ online presence. Sign up now.

Who should register:

This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined above.

To access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Social Media Questions, Answered. Stories, Posts, Feeds, Hashtags, and More!’.

Preparation:
To get the most out of this session, users should have:
A business website
Social media channels for your business in place

Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

Date: June 6, 2024
Time: 11:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET

Pitch Practice
2024-06-05 18:00 - 19:00
Have you created a 10 minute presentation for investors? Are you looking for seasoned experts to review your pitch and give honest feedback BEFORE you make your big ask? In this group session, we will give you 10 minutes to pitch with your deck and give you feedback that you will need to make your presentation perfect.

To access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Pitch Practice’.

Preparation:
To get the most out of this session, bring your pitch deck, talking points, and best game face.

Who should register:

Business owners that are getting ready to pitch for capital.
Business owners who want to refine an elevator pitch for networking purposes.
Note: Login from a laptop or desktop is preferred; sign on 15-minutes before the start time

Date: June 5, 2024
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. ET

Local Resources to Grow Your Business
2024-06-04 12:00 - 14:00
There’s a little-known secret in your town – hidden within universities, libraries, trade associations, and many other local groups, teams are ready to help you grow your business with special resources, guidance, and programs. Learn what these local resources typically have to offer, how to find them in your area, and how to get started. In this Ask the Expert session, hear from a small business expert who has worked with local groups, schools, and associations to create lasting, impactful partnerships. Sign up now!

To access this course:

Create a free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Once logged in, search events for ‘Local Resources to Grow Your Business’.

Preparation:
Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.

Date: June 4, 2024
Time: 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET

Attract and Retain Employees with Affordable Benefits
2024-05-23 14:00 - 15:00
Attract and Retain Employees with Affordable Benefits: Innovations and Opportunities
This webinar is the fifth in a series of dialogues about job quality with small employers. The webinar series combines the Department of Commerce’s Job Quality Toolkit with the Public Private Strategies Institute’s research, insights and business owner engagement. This session will focus on benefits, including innovative solutions for small employers.

Time: 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024

Click here to register

Cybersecurity - How to Prevent Cyberattacks
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:00
While cybersecurity may seem like a less-urgent priority for small businesses, it’s critical to be aware of and prepared for online threats; 46% of cyberattacks impact businesses with less than 1,000 employees.
We invite you to join Mastercard’s Cyber & Intelligence Solutions team for a review of the most common cyber/fraud threats for small businesses; how to inventory your devices, apps and accounts, software updates & business security, creating strong passwords/two-factor authentication and protection against phishing and malware.

Date: May 15, 2024
Time: 6 pm ET / 3 pm PT
Click here to register
Featured Speaker: Gina Ganahl, Mastercard

Navigating the $10,000 Digital Ready Grant Opportunity
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:00
Join this session to learn about the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready (VSBDR) platform and best practices in applying for the $10,000 grant opportunity!

We’ll walk you through: – How to register to access the FREE online learning platform – How to unlock the $10,000 grant application – Best practices on how to submit your grant application on the platform
This grant cycle closes June 28! Don’t miss your opportunity to help grow your business.
Date: May 15, 2024
Time: 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT

Click here to register.

Digital & Financial Empowerment Taught by Mastercard
2024-04-10 14:00 - 15:00
Hope2Women invites you to attend a LIVE virtual training session in partnership with Mastercard on April 10 in recognition of Financial Literacy Month.
Join Mercedes Garcias and Jimmy Chow from Mastercard’s Community Relations team, as they review personal finance best practices for business owners, the importance of digital presence and accepting digital payments, tips on how to choose a digital payments processor, and more about how to grow and protect your business.

Date: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. PT / 2:00 p.m. ET
Click here to register for the FREE event.

3rd Annual Women's Business Summit
2024-03-26 09:00 - 17:00
Join us for the Third Annual Women’s Business Summit on March 26th to empower and inspire women entrepreneurs from all walks of life!

Welcome to the Women’s Business Summit, where innovation meets opportunity and women entrepreneurs take center stage to maximize their resources and opportunities and maximize the resources and opportunities for all women entrepreneurs — an empowering gathering where trailblazing women come together with government leaders to celebrate achievements, foster collaboration, and inspire the next generation of female leaders.

Join us in our live-streamed event of thought-provoking discussions, engaging workshops, and impactful keynote sessions led by influential women who have carved their paths in various industries. Discover a wealth of resources, guidance, and networking opportunities tailored to fuel your business growth. With seasoned experts, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, we will collectively navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes unique to women in business.
Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned business owner, or someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, the SBA Women’s Business Summit is your gateway to valuable insights, strategic connections, and the tools needed to propel your business forward.
Stay tuned in the coming weeks for the list of headline speakers and expert panelists!

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Click here to register for the FREE event.

How to Start a Nonprofit
2024-02-21 14:00 - 15:00
How to Start a Nonprofit: Your step-by-step guide to success
Have you been thinking about turning your passion into a nonprofit?
Join the HOPE2Women team and featured speaker, Christy Dauer, Executive Director of the North Dakota Women’s Business Center to learn how to get started and establish a successful nonprofit organization.
During this training, we’ll discuss the world of nonprofit organizations, exploring how startups can leverage this unique sector to drive social change, amplify your mission, and foster sustainable growth.

Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET

Click here to register.

Digital Defense: Protecting Your Small Business
2024-01-30 14:00 - 15:00
Are you interested in learning resources and tools to protect your small business? Implementing best practices and standards for cyber security for your small business can protect you from so many unexpected expenses or issues that may affect your business. In this live workshop, you will learn best practices and the importance of protecting your business enterprise through cyber security.
Join Mastercard and the HOPE2Women team for a one-hour virtual training on January 30 to ask questions and learn from subject matter experts.

Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. PT / 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Click here to register.

Those who join may choose to be visible on camera and unmute to ask questions to the facilitator.

Overview: GDEI Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia
2024-01-04 14:00 - 15:00
Are you dreaming of exploring how to export your products or services? Have you been interested in attending a Global Trade Mission but not sure if the investment will help your business?
Join the information session on January 4 to learn about the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia from March 10-15, 2024, that will include the Opportunities for Woman-Owned Businesses in the Americas Conference in Panama City, Panama on March 10-11, 2024 and learn about qualifications and expectations to attend.
This business conference is organized by the United States Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration is the most affordable opportunity to attend a global trade mission which will have a focus on tools, and resources to help women entrepreneurs and executives accelerate their exporting journey. There will also be prearranged one-on-one consultations with U.S. commercial officers and diplomats representing 15 countries in the Americas.
U.S. Embassies participating in the event are from the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

Overview session: Thursday, January 4, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT / 2 – 3 p.m. ET
Click here to register.

*Please note: Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready U.S. companies, including small businesses, trade associations and other exporting organizations that meet the established criteria for participation in the mission. ITA is seeking to improve outreach and representation of businesses with owners and/or leaders from underserved communities, including through the GDEI. This webinar will provide an overview of the Trade Mission and Business Conference.

HOPE2Women Live Training : Small Business Digital Ready
2023-12-05 12:00 - 13:00
Join HOPE2Women for a Live Training on Tuesday, December 5 to learn how to effectively use resources from the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform!
In this interactive course, you will:

Learn how to apply for a $10,000 grant, which runs through December 20.
Get hands-on support on how to register and receive custom tailored content.
Be guided through a demonstration of resources offered on the platform, including expert coaching, peer mentorship and a robust library of video content.

Date: Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. PT / 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET
Click here to register.

Overwhelmed, Overstretched, and Over it!
2023-11-14 13:00 - 14:00
HOPE2Women invites you to attend a virtual training session on the topic Overwhelmed, Overstretched, and Over It!
With the holidays around the corner, are you feeling more stressed than usual? Are you busier than ever, yet at 5pm left wondering, “What did I get done today?”
This workshop will be taught by expert Productivity Coach & Trainer, Mridu Parikh who understands the daily demands of your time in a world full of increased distractions, limited resources, and simply too much to do.
Join this motivational talk that will leave you inspired to use tools, strategies, and insights to:

Avoid distractions and beat procrastination
Focus on revenue-generating activities
Reach and surpass your goals

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. PT / 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET

Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
2023-11-08 16:00 - 17:00
Hope2Women invites you to attend a virtual training session in partnership with Grow With Google on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET.
Do you want your business to be found online? Need to figure out how to manage your business on Google Search and Maps?
If so, then join us to learn about verifying and managing your Google Business Profile, a free tool for local businesses who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. We will highlight the importance of verifying and how to use your Google Business Profile effectively.
In this session, we’ll show you how to:

Create or claim your Business Profile on Google
Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers
Tips, tricks, and what’s new!

Date: November 8, 2023
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. ET
Click here to register.
