Events/Workshops

This hands-on (laptop provided during class) workshop will help beginners learn how to use QuickBooks Pro 2011 software; however, people interested in this class should already have business bookkeeping knowledge. Using this software will help with the effectiveness of running your business with accurate financial information. This 4 hour workshop will give you a strong financial foundation for working with QuickBooks. Topics covered include: Getting Started How QuickBooks Works Accounting 101 Mastering Naviation Basics Setting up a New Company Working with Lists Working with Bank Accounts Using Other Accounts in QuickBooks QuickBooks classes are small--only 10 attendees per class, so there is plenty of time for one-on-one with the instructor, and plenty of time to get all of your questions answered.

This 4 hour, hands-on QuickBooks Pro 2011 Intermediate workshop is designed for current QuickBooks users and laptops are provided during class for each attendee. The class will cover some of the many functions and options that make this application so popular. Learn what you are doing right and what you can improve upon. Become familiar with how QuickBooks stores information and discover alternative ways of quickly retrieving transactions. Each participant will receive a detailed step by step manual referencing all the topics we cover in class. Topics will include: How QuickBooks Works Entering Sales Information Receiving Payments & Making Deposits Entering & Paying Bills Analyzing Financial Data Tips & Tricks: Importing information from Excel, Designing reports for your business

This three hour workshop provides details of writing an effective and realistic business plan. It covers the 4 c's of credit for borrowing money to start your business. The topics include: Business Plan components such as Executive Summary, Marketing Plan, Operations/Management Team, and Financials, along with how to approach a bank for lending.

Ever wonder why some businesses get federal contracts while others don't? The PTAC of Delaware is conducting a free, two-hour informational session on this topic. This course is for existing business owners only.

RFP is Request for Proposal, but what does that mean and what do you need to do to submit your bid to the federal government? This workshop is designed to take you inside the organization of a proposal to understand the federal government bidding process. You will learn the structure of an RFP, how to understand every section and its requirements. You will learn how to identify required resources, and hands-on exercises to show you how to perform as a proposal manager and/or key team member to plan, develop, write, review, and deliver a complete, compliant, and compelling bid response to the federal RFP. We will also review the federal government language (ACRONYMS). Limited to 15 companies, one attendee per company.

Speaker: David A. Baldini and Juanita H. Beauford

The University of Delaware Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Delaware (PTAC) presents this FREE government contracting class. Come learn about: Free Federal Contracting Assistance (PTAC of DE), The 8(A), HUBZone, and Service Disabled Veterans Programs (SBA), Office of Minority & Women Business Enterprise Certification (OMWBE), Doing Business with the State of Delaware, Doing Business with the City of Dover, DelDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, Doing Business with Delaware National Guard. When registering, please make note of the time(s) scheduled for the session(s) below. Your registration grants you entry into ALL three sessions. Join us for the session(s) that interest you, or pack a lunch and spend the day with us (no refreshments will be served). 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Local Government) 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (State Government) 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Federal Government)

Speaker: Procurement Technical Assistance Center of Delaware, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Minority & Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE), State of Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), City of Dover, Delaware National Guard

FREE business research at University of Delaware. The University of Delaware offers an undergraduate business course titled "Small Business Management - BUAD 444" that allows business owners to work with a team of students to solve a business problem in their business. The business owners will invest one hour/per week for 5 weeks. In return they will receive a 15 page written report, along with a presentation of the UD student's team suggestions on strategies to improve their business. If you would like to participate in this course, please contact the Carla at STBDC at carla@udel.edu.

Creating a profitable business that works for you is about changing the way you look at your business and how you run your business. We have brought together 3 international coaching organizations (ActionCOACH: www.actioncoach.com , E-Myth Worldwide: www.e-myth.com, The Alternative Board: www.thealternativeboard.com) to deliver an action-packed, 6-session group coaching program that is guaranteed to bridge the gap between frustration and fruit-bearing business. Application is required to join this high-powered group of motivated business owners. Limited to 12 businesses. Apply early for best chance to be selected. Only one business per business sector is allowed (i.e. architect or accountant) so that participants can share ideas freely. Other criteria: at least 3 years in business, at least $100,000 in revenue. In order to be considered you must fill out the online application and submit it. First 6 qualified businesses receive 100% scholarship from Wells Fargo. Remaining qualified businesses receive 80% scholarship and pay only $100 for $600 program, so act quickly and apply now! For additional questions or for a paper application contact Carla at Carla@udel.edu.

Speaker: Action Coach, The Alternative Board, E-Myth Worldwide

Sales isn't about selling. It's about meeting customer’s needs. We provide a refreshing approach that delivers the what-to-do and how-to-do for win-win seller/buyer situations. This 2 hour workshop will cover three important components of successful selling - recognizing a sales opportunity, the “Client Centered” sales process, and where “closing the sale” should really takes place. Our presenter, Mark Weiss, President of Mark Weiss and Associates, will help the participants understand how to connect their product’s benefits to their customer’s needs. You will get fundamental sales skills training that you will use from when you first engage with a prospect through to closing the sale. In short, this sales training workshop teaches people how to get information, give information, put together win-win solutions, and handle natural resistance. Whether your business sells products or professional services, you will benefit from developing the core sales skills covered in this workshop.

Speaker: Mark Weiss, President of Mark Weiss and Associates

Far too often, people are so eager to start a new business or product that they end up skipping some very important considerations. This is very likely one of the major reasons that so many new businesses fail within the first five years. This workshop will help you to ensure that you're really ready to start your new venture. This 3 hour workshop will help future entrepreneurs to plan for success. Business plans, market research, funding options, and resources available to assist individuals in starting a business will be discussed. You will also complete an assessment that will determine your stage of development and based on the assessment you will be aligned with the appropriate business resource partner that will provide assistance.

Far too often, people are so eager to start a new business or product that they end up skipping some very important considerations. This is very likely one of the major reasons that so many new businesses fail within the first five years. This workshop will help you to ensure that you're really ready to start your new venture. This 3 hour workshop will help future entrepreneurs to plan for success. Business plans, market research, funding options, and resources available to assist individuals in starting a business will be discussed. You will also complete an assessment that will determine your stage of development and based on the assessment you will be aligned with the appropriate business resource partner that will provide assistance.

Presented by SBIR experts, the SBTDC, and the Delaware SBIR Gateway, this two-day program is designed to provide tips, tools, and insight on what it takes to win an SBIR award. Don't be left out. Learn how you can get your share of the $2.5 billion in federal funds to support, encourage, and develop new and innovative technologies. Selected applicants attend a required two-day workshop and then receive one-on-one consultations with SBIR experts, free of charge. Applicants are required to complete a Delaware SBIR Gateway Application in order to determine if the technology or innovation could be eligible for an SBIR/STTR award. The technology must be both commercializable and a topic of interest to one of the participating federal agencies. Apply early for best chance to be selected. Other criteria: In addition to federal SBIR and other guidelines, applicants must have a business in Delaware and have some rights to the proposed technology or access to innovative technology. Mandatory SBIR/STTR Proposal Preparation Workshop will be held February 13 & 14, 2012 in Newark, DE. For additional questions or for an application contact Gary Simon at simong@udel.edu.

Speaker: Lisa Kurek, Biotechnology Business Consultants

ATTENTION FIRST-TIME CEOs, TECH VENTURE FOUNDERS, AND MANAGEMENT TEAMS: Learn how to lower your risk and attract technology investors at this half-day seminar featuring Delaware based leader of innovation and technology, David Pensak--distinguished DuPont Scientist and serial entrepreneur. Dr. Pensak's most recent company, Vaporiety, was ranked by the Kauffman Foundation as one of the top 50 start-ups for 2011 in their global start-up competition. There are three parts to this seminar: I. TECHNOLOGY VALIDATION STAGE: Does the technology work? Part one of the seminar will cover IP basics and valuation; definition and examples of "disruptive" technology; importance of strategic partners; and how to attract tech investors. II. BUSINESS VALIDATION STAGE: Is it operational in its first market? Discussions in this segment will be on cofounders and partners; lean start-ups; how to think about markets, technology, and products; knowing your market trends; value proposition development; business model innovation; competitive landscape; strategic partnerships; and mentors vs. angels vs. VCs. III. SCALING THE BUSINESS STAGE: Sales Growth? Hiring? Execution? The third part of this seminar covers the value of a business plan; recruiting the best hires for a start-up; operational metrics; reducing the complexity of sales processes; attracting investors; regional differences; and how to know when it's time to raise money. Testimonials about this program: " As an entrepreneur and first time CEO, I found the information to be invaluable"--Suzanne Martinelli, CEO, Bombshell Beauty "The SBTDC seminar was time well spent...great interaction...information was uselful and interesting. I would definitely recommend this for any business owner seeking to grow their business."--Matt Bader, CEO, Exam Master "The session was great and it offered a lot...the interaction from the participants was very helpful. Great job!"--ET Jaxxon, CEO, PBTV Audio "Your seminar made it very clear to me what our company needs to accomplish after our launch next week."--Steven Kramer, CEO, Lorikeet Learning