EDUCATIONAL CLASSES
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
Complete 2 Courses to be eligible for exclusive $10,000 Grant Opportunities
Registration is free and Courses are self-paced
Every Registration with completion of 1 quick video (any length) helps support MCSC Women's Business Center
También disponible en español.
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EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
MCSC offers weekly workshops on a wide variety of subjects. In addition to providing a networking platform among attendees, classes are designed to increase understanding of important and current business topics and trends. Workshops are open to the public.
Cómo iniciar un negocio de comida - Taller de 4 sesiones
Presentador: Gabe Quiroz
Este es un taller dividido en cuatro sesiones. Fue diseñado específicamente para personas que tienen en mente vender su comida, o abrir un restaurante.
Queremos que el pequeño negocio que piensas iniciar, tenga las herramientas para que pueda ser exitoso
Tome su idea desde el concepto a un realidad.
Sesión #1: Estudio de mercado
Sesión #2: Logística y legislaciones
Sesión #3: Administración de su negocio
Sesión #4: Operaciones
Miércoles 2-23 de abril
8:30-10:00am por Zoom
FROM INBOX TO IMPACT
PRESENTED BY: ANDREA LAROSA
In today’s digital world, content is king—but only if it reaches the right audience. This interactive 90-minute workshop will teach you how to craft compelling blog posts and strategic email campaigns that engage, convert, and grow your business. Whether you're struggling to find your brand voice, unsure how to build an email list, or simply want to maximize your content’s impact, this session will equip you with the tools and strategies to succeed.
What You’ll Learn:
The key elements of an effective blog post and how to write content that keeps readers coming back How to use email marketing to nurture leads, boost engagement, and increase sales
The art of crafting subject lines and blog headlines that grab attention
How to repurpose blog content for email (and vice versa) to maximize reach
Best practices for growing and maintaining an engaged email list
Tools and automation tips to streamline your workflow
Friday, April 4
9:00-10:30am via Zoom
Digital Branding Dynamics: Thriving in an Online World
Presented by: Gina Cinardo
Join us to explore key aspects of building and sustaining a brand in the digital ecosystem. Learn how to leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and customer loyalty. Defining your brand consistently helps customers recognize and remember who you are and what you have to offer!
Tuesday, April 8
9:00-10:00am via Zoom
AI Tools & Techniques for Marketers
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
Learn how to harness the power of AI to transform your marketing efforts. This workshop covers AI-driven tools and insights to optimize campaigns, personalize customer experiences, and streamline your workflow. Walk away with actionable strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.
What You'll Learn:
Crafting Marketing Campaigns with AI: Use ChatGPT prompts to generate ad copy, email campaigns, and creative slogans tailored to your audience.
AI for Customer Insights: Learn how AI tools can analyze customer data and behavior to deliver hyper-personalized marketing strategies.
Streamlining Marketing Workflows: Explore automation tools powered by AI to save time on repetitive tasks like scheduling, tracking performance, and reporting.
Tuesday, April 15
9:00-10:30am via Zoom
Instructions:
Zoom Link Sent After Registration
Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans: 3. Selling Goods and Services to Caltrans
Presented by: Richard Myerscough
Join us for “Selling Goods and Services to Caltrans” the third presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.
The CAL-Card, a streamlined Caltrans purchasing process.
Commodities and services Caltrans procures.
Cal eProcure, California’s government marketplace.
Caltrans internal purchasing processes.
Required forms to do business with Caltrans.
DSBLs and their role in procurement.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the information directly with Caltrans and to get your questions answered in a live Q&A with Richard.
Wednesday, April 23
12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
QuickBooks for Small Businesses
Presented by: Ali DeRoche
Are you new to Quickbooks or deciding what accounting software is the right fit for your business? This is the class for you!
Choosing the right QB Software
Navigating QuickBooks Online
Setting up your company
Intro workflows - Adding customers, vendors and transactions
Wednesday, May 7
10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom
The World of Online Sales: Ecommerce Startup Blueprint
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
Ready to turn your idea into a thriving online business? In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you'll learn exactly what it takes to launch a successful e-commerce store from scratch—without the overwhelm.
We’ll cover:
Choosing the Right Product & Niche – What sells, what doesn’t, and how to stand out
The Best E-Commerce Platforms – Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or Amazon? Find the best fit for you
Setting Up Your Store Like a Pro – From product listings to payment processing
Marketing & Branding Basics – How to attract customers through social media, SEO, and ads
Avoiding Common Pitfalls – Learn from the mistakes that cost new e-commerce sellers thousands
Whether you're launching your first store or need a roadmap to finally get started, this workshop will give you actionable steps to confidently build and grow your online business.
Leave with a step-by-step game plan and the tools to launch within 30 days!
Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners looking to expand online.
Thursday, May 8
9:00-10:30am via Zoom
Legitimize Your Side Hustle
Presented by: Stacey Aragon
Are you balancing a passion project alongside your day job? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your side hustle into a legitimate business with a clear roadmap and actionable steps.
Key Takeaways:
Why turning your passion into a business could be your best move—and what it takes to succeed.
When to take the leap from side hustle to business, and how to recognize the right time.
How to legalize and formalize your business for long-term growth.
Who is this workshop for? Has your side hustle earned some money?
If so, you are ready to legitimize your side hustle! Sign up for this workshop to begin a successful entrepreneurial journey!
Thursday, May 8
12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
¿Estás listo para empezar tu negocio, pero no sabes como? Sesión 1
Presentador: Gabe Quiroz
Una guía paso a paso para empezar tu negocio
Taller de 2 sesiones
Estas sesiones te enseñaron las claves que necesitas para empezar un negocio exitoso
Te darán los pasos básicos y consejos para empezar bien desde el principio y evitar problemas a futuro.
Cubriremos:
Permisos y licencias
Come puedes nombrar tu empresa
Los Documentos Oficiales
La importancia de tener un plan de negocio
Las sesiones son para cualquier tipo de negocio: food truck, taller mecánico, limpieza de casa, jardinería, salon de belleza, cuidado infantil, el que sea
Sesión 1
martes 13 de mayo de 2025
8:30-10:00am por Zoom
Instructions:
Taller de 2 sesiones que te ayudarán a tener éxito en tu negocio.
Enlace de zoom para seguir despues del registro.
¿Estás listo para empezar tu negocio, pero no sabes como? Sesión 2
Presentador: Gabe Quiroz
Una guía paso a paso para empezar tu negocio
Taller de 2 sesiones
Estas sesiones te enseñaron las claves que necesitas para empezar un negocio exitoso
Te darán los pasos básicos y consejos para empezar bien desde el principio y evitar problemas a futuro.
Cubriremos:
Impuestos
La importancia de tener una cuenta bancaria separada para su negocio
El mantenimiento de registros
Registro de ventas y gastos para determinar pérdidas o ganancias
Las sesiones son para cualquier tipo de negocio: food truck, taller mecánico, limpieza de casa, jardinería, salon de belleza, cuidado infantil, el que sea
Sesión 2
martes 20 de mayo de 2025
8:30-10:00am por Zoom
Instructions:
Taller de 2 sesiones que te ayudarán a tener éxito en tu negocio.
Enlace de zoom para seguir despues del registro.
Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans: 4. Understanding Caltrans Procurement and Service Contract
Presented by: Richard Myerscough
Join us for “Understanding Caltrans Procurement and Service Contracts” the fourth presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.
Certifications at-a-glance.
Differentiate between goods & services.
Where to search for previous Caltrans purchases.
Basic overview of procurement methods.
How this information can help your business.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the information directly with Caltrans and to get your questions answered in a live Q&A with Richard.
Wednesday, May 28
12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Back to the Drawing Board: How Failure Can Lead to Success
Presented by: Brant Myers
Defeat gives you a chance to pivot your business ideas into a better chance at success. This course will help turn your resilience into a more powerful leap forward as you navigate the world of entrepreneurship. More than just a pep talk, in this course you will learn:
What parts of your past business venture can be carried into your new vision
How your hands-on experience and knowledge direct your future decisions
When to switch course if you’re not seeing the results you expected
Be prepared to share real-world examples and receive coaching specific to your needs.
Tuesday, June 3
9:00-10:30am via Zoom
Bookkeeping Made Easy: Keep Calm & Get Organized
Presented by: Ali DeRoche
Join us and take control of your business finances today!
Bookkeeping for Small Business Workshop
What is Bookkeeping?
Is it accounting, tax preparation, or financial organization? The answer is YES. Find out how bookkeeping ties all these elements together to keep your business on track.
Why Should You Care?
Organized finances offer clear advantages—improve your financial accuracy, make informed business decisions, and get ready for tax season with ease.
Take Action: 7 Steps to Success
Learn seven actionable steps for effective bookkeeping, including how to properly pay yourself!
Methods + Software Comparison
We'll break down popular bookkeeping methods and software options to help you choose the best solution for your business
Wednesday, June 4
10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom
Budgeting Like a Boss - Small Business Strategies
Presented by: Ali DeRoche
Do you really need a budget? Yes, you really do!
Learn all about the importance of budgeting for small businesses.
Wednesday, July 2
10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call MCSC Program Director at 805-595-1357. MCSC is an equal opportunity provider. MCSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.