Events/Workshops

This fee-based seminar introduces the attendee to the economic and compliance issues of starting a restaurant. Learn the conceptual and practical business requirements of starting a restaurant, and the city and county requirements in transferring ownership or developing a new restaurant. This workshop is in collaboration with Tri-County Health Dept. Contact the Aurora SBDC for payment options.

Speaker: Santos Blan, Small Business Specialist and Tri-County Health Dept.

This FREE class is a prerequisite for start-ups to schedule a counseling session at the Larimer SBDC. Explore the basics of business ownership, including entrepreneurship, planning for a profitable business, pitfalls to avoid and how to reach your customers.

Speaker: Andrea Grant

As a business owner, you may not feel that you have time to make a business plan. Why do you need to? Well, for one, lenders will require a business plan if you’re seeking outside financing. But more importantly, a business plan gives you a goal to aim at and a roadmap for how to get there. In this seminar, you will learn why you need a business plan and what goes in it. How Will You Benefit: • Understand what financial documents you need • Learn how to realistically determine your start-up costs • Take home a sample business plan of your own

Speaker: Jayne Reiter, Denver Metro SBDC Jayne Reiter is our business consultant at the West Metro Satellite SBDC. In her role as a business counselor, she guides SBDC clients through start-up issues, marketing, alternative financing and business plan development. Reiter has more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing. In her career, she has owned and operated her own retail and sales business. She is dedicated to helping small business owners achieve their goals in growth and expansion. Reiter holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in adult education.

As a business owner, you may not feel that you have time to make a business plan. Why do you need to? Well, for one, lenders will require a business plan if you’re seeking outside financing. But more importantly, a business plan gives you a goal to aim at and a roadmap for how to get there. In this seminar, you will learn why you need a business plan and what goes in it. How Will You Benefit: • Understand what financial documents you need • Learn how to realistically determine your start-up costs • Take home a sample business plan of your own

Speaker: Jayne Reiter, Denver Metro SBDC Jayne Reiter is our business consultant at the West Metro Satellite SBDC. In her role as a business counselor, she guides SBDC clients through start-up issues, marketing, alternative financing and business plan development. Reiter has more than 20 years experience in sales and marketing. In her career, she has owned and operated her own retail and sales business. She is dedicated to helping small business owners achieve their goals in growth and expansion. Reiter holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in adult education.

Learn about legal structures, registration, licenses, market research, business planning, obtaining financing, insurance, taxes, employer responsibilities, and sources of assistance.

Speaker: North Metro SBDC

This class is a prerequisite for start-ups to schedule a counseling session at the Larimer SBDC. Explore the basics of business ownership, including entrepreneurship, planning for a profitable business, pitfalls to avoid and how to reach your customers.

Speaker: Nelia Harper

A 2 1/2 hour overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your company including business licensing requirements, the business planning process and business financing options.

Speaker: Julie Morey, SBDC Director

Do you understand the nitty gritty of what it takes to start your business? This helpful overview seminar covers the necessary steps to successfully launch your new business venture. Bring your questions about launching your business and meet others who are doing the same! How will you benefit? • Learn about legal structures, licenses and forms, and tax requirements • Uncover potential financing considerations

Speaker: John Green

This workshop will cover common legal issues when starting a small business, including legal entities, business licenses and taxes, contracts and leases, marketing and advertising practices, Consumer Credit and debt collection, employment practices, intellectual property protection and bankruptcy. This is a great workshop for current small business owners, or for those who are thinking of starting a small business and struggle with the legalities of owning your own business. You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below.

Speaker: Kevin Hancock, attorney

Introduces the state of entrepreneurship in the current economy. Attendees will learn the elements of successful entrepreneurs, idea and opportunity generation, spotting trends, positioning for market opportunities, profiling your target customer, learning from the competition, marketing strategies and promotion, financing resources and feasibility analysis.

Speaker: Chuck Hahn, Small Business Specialist

Learn about legal structures, registration, licenses, market research, business planning, obtaining financing, insurance, taxes, employer responsibilities, and sources of assistance.

Speaker: North Metro SBDC

Durante este seminario, usted aprenderá procesos acerca de cómo empezar su proprio negocio en el estado de Colorado, incluyendo diferentes estructuras legales, licencias y formatos necesarios, impuestos, opciones de financiamiento, y más. Aliste sus preguntas para empezar un negocio y prepárese para conocer a otros empresarios.

Speaker: Rosy Aburto McDonough, Denver Metro SBDC

An early morning two-hour workshop that covers business registration and forms, business entity-type selection and other timely tips every prospective entrepreneur needs before starting a new business venture.

Speaker: Paul Matonis, EA

This workshop is designed for the entrepreneur with little or no experience in business accounting, and is taught by a local CPA. The workshop will cover functions of record keeping; cash versus accrual systems; recording transactions; revenue, expenses, and depreciations; and accounts payable and receivable. This seminar is great for both small business owners, or business assistants in charge of financial transactions and record-keeping. You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below.

Speaker: Patti Asher, CPA

A 2 1/2 hour overview of everything you need to know to start and grow your company including business licensing requirements, the business planning process and business financing options.

Speaker: Mariah Zerbe, M.B.A., SBDC Assistant Director

This class is a prerequisite for start-ups to schedule a counseling session at the Larimer SBDC. Explore the basics of business ownership, including entrepreneurship, planning for a profitable business, pitfalls to avoid and how to reach your customers.

Speaker: Andrea Grant

5 hour seminar on various aspect of starting a business including: registration issues, legal structure, business planning process, financing your business, etc.

Speaker: Joe Keck, Jack Llewellyn, Lindsey Nicholson, Chuck Fredrick, Brad Broyles

¿Habla español? Fundamentos de Negocio con Doña Inéz de ¡Arriba Mi Negocio! -- (303) 632-8245 jueves, 14 de junio, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, gratis 2nd floor Aspen conference room at the Aurora Municipal Center

Speaker: Doña Inéz de ¡Arriba Mi Negocio!

Learn about legal structures, registration, licenses, market research, business planning, obtaining financing, insurance, taxes, employer responsibilities, and sources of assistance.

Speaker: North Metro SBDC

Through this workshop, learn the basics of business taxes, including forms of different business entities, business use of home and car, record keeping, Schedules C, SE, and ES Form 1040 and more.

Speaker: Fran Coet, CPA, CVA, & CFP Coet & Coet PC

A Business Plan articulates the business concept, potential markets, financial requirements risks, problems and trade offs. Make the most of your resources and prepare yourself for success with the "Business Planning for Success" workshop.

Speaker: Deborah Moeck

Join us for this informative seminar that covers the basics of preparing a successful business plan. Topics to be discussed include: •The purpose of a business plan •What information your plan should contain •The financial documents you will need •How to determine start-up costs •Market research and its importance •What lenders look for

Speaker: Jayne Reiter, SBDC Business Consultant

This class will cover how to prepare a business plan. We will cover the essential components of a business plan and how to put these together. These components are: Marketing Plan, Management & Operations, Competition Analysis, product/Service Plan, Growth Plan, Operations and Contingency Plans. Participants will receive resources for additional support as well as templates for writing the plan. Please call us to register at 303-460-1032. Thank you. Instructor:

Speaker: Jesse Esparza

This workshop will assist you in knowing what the banks are looking for in a borrower. You will learn what issues the banks are dealing with on their side of the table and how to approach those challenges. Find out what type of loans fit your situation and how they can be used with an emphasis on Small Business Administration (SBA) lending. Discover what to provide and what to expect when you approach a financial institution to meet your company's capital needs. Money, you need it to get started, you need it to establish yourself, and you need it to grow, so learn what's involved with borrowing it!

Speaker: Todd Guymon, SBA Expert

This is a brief update on the SBA supported loan programs. It includes information on the terms you can expect and how to best approach the bank.

Speaker: Bob Martin, Small Business Administration

Adequate funding is essential to every early stage company. Adequate cash flow (Working Capital) is necessary to maintain operations, develop and launch new products and services, and meet payroll. Without historical financial records, debt funding may not be an option. Alternative financing, including equity based funding ( using your 401k as a funding source), may be the only solution. Sources, such as, venture capitalists and angel investors, strategic partnerships, and alternative lending sources such as factoring (leveraging your Accounts Receivables and Purchase Orders) will be discussed. The workshop will focus on the appropriateness of the source, qualifications, what the investor expects from the applicant.

Speaker: Jones/Welsch/Wittenberg

Join us as representatives from local lending institutions discuss the various lending options available for small businesses and what you need to obtain this funding. You will also have the opportunity to ask whatever questions you may have when it comes to finding the money you need to start or grow your business. Panel of Lending Experts to include: •Colorado Business Bank •Colorado Enterprise Fund •Accion •Colorado Lending Source •All Credit Lending Solutions •Liquid Capital of Colorado •U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Don’t miss out on this chance to get all the information you need about funding your small business!

How do you negotiate a fair price for your services without pricing yourself out of a job? In today’s economy, negotiating skills are critical to achieving your personal and business goals. In this seminar, learn key goal setting skills, the process for successful negotiating, and how to attain results through strategic negotiation. How Will You Benefit? • Learn six winning negotiation strategies. • Identify three negotiation techniques to avoid. • Put your ideas into practice.

Speaker: John Benitez, Moye White LLP

What would be a fair listing price for a business and how is it determined? Will a lender finance the acquisition? Does selling a business within the industry provide opportunity to command a premium price? Join us in learning about the roles of market analysis and business evaluation in developing a realistic business worth assessment.

Speaker: Julie Morey, SBDC Director

The Colorado Leading Edge Presents: NxLeveL™ for Entrepreneurs, a 12-week, intensive business planning course designed for existing entrepreneurs seeking knowledge and practical skills for managing and/or growing their business. Participants graduate with a fully executed business plan! Topics covered include: •Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial Essentials •Organizational Matters: Management & Legal Structure •Marketing: Market Research, Analysis & Understanding •Advertising: Strategies, Tactics & Implementation •Financial Overview: Books, Records & Controls, Financial Planning •Managing Your Money: Developing and Using Cash Flow Projections, Budgets & Assumptions

Speaker: Chuck Hahn and Stefanie Dalgar, SBDC Consultants & Certified NxLeveL Trainers

More businesses will be sold in the next 10 years than ever before. Whether you are starting your business today, or have been around for 30 years, at some point YOU will exit your business. Are You prepared. What determines your business valuation? How can you ensure you receive the most from that asset called your business? Join us for the opportunity to understand what YOU need to do to be prepared. You can register by calling (719) 255-3844 or by clicking on the link below:

Speaker: Co-facilitated by Janna Hoiberg, ActionCoach and Charlie Jones, First Business Brokers

The Colorado Leading Edge Presents: NxLeveL™ for Entrepreneurs, a 12-week, intensive business planning course designed for existing entrepreneurs seeking knowledge and practical skills for managing and/or growing their business. Participants graduate with a fully executed business plan! Topics covered include: •Planning & Research: Entrepreneurial Essentials •Organizational Matters: Management & Legal Structure •Marketing: Market Research, Analysis & Understanding •Advertising: Strategies, Tactics & Implementation •Financial Overview: Books, Records & Controls, Financial Planning •Managing Your Money: Developing and Using Cash Flow Projections, Budgets & Assumptions

Speaker: Chuck Hahn and Stefanie Dalgar, SBDC Consultants & Certified NxLeveL Trainers

Can you answer the following questions? • What happens to my business if my sensitive business information falls into someone else’s possession? • What would it cost me to be without some or all of my sensitive business information? • Could I recreate lost sensitive business information and what would be the cost? • What would be the implications to my business if I could no longer trust the accuracy or completeness of my sensitive business information? If you cannot answer these questions, this workshop is for you! The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a seminar to help small business owners increase information system security. Learn from Richard Kissel, Senior Information Security Analyst for NIST, different techniques and procedures for guarding your valuable information. This workshop will take place on Thursday, May 31, 2012 from 9:00am-1:00pm at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce (2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 342, Centennial, CO 80122). There is a $10 fee to register, and space is limited! To reserve your seat, visit www.scoredenver.org.

Speaker: Richard Kissel, Senior Information Security Analyst for NIST

Can you take a one-month, stress-free vacation from your business? If not, it doesn't have to be this way. You can learn how to put your business on auto-pilot. This seminar will start you on the path to achieving independence from your business. How Will You Benefit? • Create a clear 2–3-year vision for putting your company on auto-pilot. • Develop a 90-day action plan to move forward toward independence from your business. • Build accountability to track progress and correct and update your goals for business independence.

Speaker: Derek Miller, The Growth Coach

Do you find yourself letting distractions get in the way of your actions—even actions that will ultimately help you? Distractions cost us valuable time and money. In this productivity workshop, you will learn to identify those time saboteurs, prioritize your tasks, improve your time management skills, and consistently set and achieve goals. How Will You Benefit: • Increase productivity and motivation. • Understand how and why we get distracted. • Learn time management tools and techniques to stay on task.

Speaker: Stephanie Wachman, Life in Balance LLC Gordon Miller is a nationally recognized executive coach and workplace expert. He has appeared in over 100 business publications, including Wall St Journal, Fortune, and Kiplinger. He is the best-selling author of two books. Miller has appeared nationally on CNN several times, appears weekly on Denver television as The Career Coach for the last eight years, and has trained over 700 professional to build powerful relationships with powerful people.

This fee-based seminar introduces the lay business owner to the issues and complications of doing business as a social agency. Learn about entity selection, issues related to purchasing a business, uses of non-disclosure agreements and confidentiality agreements, types of financing and security agreements, use of employment agreements, and cessation of business. Contact the Aurora SBDC for payment options.

Speaker: Dave Rich, Attorney At Law, a business attorney

Managing people is one of the most time-consuming and difficult aspects of any job. Whether you have one direct report or 20, the responsibilities loom large and finding the time to follow sound management practices in everything you do as a supervisor can be challenging. Documentation of performance and conduct issues often feels like one of the most burdensome duties, and unfortunately it is the one that usually gets put off the longest. If an employee is terminated and sues for wrongful termination, an employer will need the documentation as part of the legal defense. This interactive workshop will work with the small business owner and supervisor on how to document employee behavior in legal, ethical and appropriate.

Speaker: Karolynn St. Pierre SPHR

This is a great course for the small business owner, or for assistants, who primarily handle the finances! This interactive QuickBooks Pro - Part 1 introductory course will cover: 1. How the software works and how to navigate through the program; 2. How to create a new Company with QuickBooks including settings preferences, setting open balance, and entering customers, vendors, and accounts; 3. How to enter vendor information, as well as descriptions & prices for products and services; 4. How to work with registers, including opening registers, making entries, and reconciliation; and 5. How to handle bills in QuickBooks, including how to enter & pay bills; entering discounts from vendors You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking the link below:

Speaker: Len Martin, CPA

Since you've learned the basics of QuickBooks - Pro in Part-1, this class will build on that foundation to teach you more advanced processes within the software. This interactive course will cover: 1. Credit card accounts and transactions; how to create and track asset and liability accounts; and an introduction to equity accounts; 2. Sales and purchase forms; how to create a new invoice; the QuickBooks Item list and how to add new items; how to create invoice letters & sales orders; and how to track backorders; 3. How to record customer payments; how to handle customer discounts, partial payments, overpayments, or down payments; how to record a deposit, including cash back; how to process credit cards 4. Financial data tools: QuickReports, preset reports, and graphs; how to save reports in Excel or PDF format. You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below:

Speaker: Denice Tinsley, CPA

One of the biggest challenges in starting and running a small business is dealing with the finances. Most small business owners are not accountants, but still need to understand how much money they are bringing in and how that money is spent. This seminar will introduce you to Quickbooks, the most popular small business accounting software on the market, and show how it can help you manage your business and save you time. Topics Covered will include: It is Installed…now what? How to get through the Set-up Process Creating an effective Chart of Accounts Small Business Accounting 101: What every owner should know Strategies for Managing Cash Flow How to Make Paying Bills less Painful Incoming!!! Strategies for Getting Paid Faster Collections – Be the Squeaky Wheel Bookkeeping Basics: Payroll, Sales Tax, Bank Recs The Power of a good P&L

Speaker: Bethany McManus

Do financial statements seem intimidating? Let us make them easy to understand! This seminar is an advanced continuation of Basics of Bookkeeping, and is taught by a local CPA. The class will cover balance sheets, income statements, statement of cash flow, financial projections, and budgeting. (Basics of Bookkeeping is recommended as a prerequisite only if you've no prior experience in bookkeeping). You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below.

Speaker: Patti Asher, CPA

Avoid bringing your accountant a shoebox full of disorganized receipts. In this hands-on Introduction to QuickBooks, you will learn how accurate bookkeeping and the right software will make your life easier come tax season. How Will You Benefit: • Learn QuickBooks’s basic features • Understand what information to track • Practice entering that information to ensure accurate bookkeeping

Speaker: Alicia Nelson, EKSH

"For many people, money equates to stress!! A small percentage of people in the U.S ever become financially free. However there is more information than ever, but people's financial situations are worse off. The major root causes are being overlooked and most often never discussed. Come learn what really makes a difference from Chris & Marlow Felton. A couple with 21 combined years of experience in financial services. They are Co-Authors of Couples Money, a book which explains how they were able to double their business in 3 yrs during the great recession and overcome serious financial struggles. They share their money secrets as well as those of the numerous financially independent business owners they interviewed in the book. You will discover how to overcome financial limitations in a simple, no nonsense approach that has worked for many."

Speaker: Chris and Marlow Felton authors of Couples Money

Introduces the attendee to the practical issues of assessing and collecting sales and use tax. Attendees will learn about home rule, licensing requirements, sales tax rate application, how a nexus is formed for sales taxation, sales tax-exemption, use tax liabilities, using online services and appropriate sales and use tax forms.

Speaker: Caron Notarmuzi, Taxpayer Service Division Trainer, State of Colorado

This informative presentation will help you simplify some otherwise confusing tax issues such as tracking and paying business taxes, depreciation of home or auto use in business and other allowable business expenses.

Speaker: Pamela J. Belcher, CPA

The idea of navigating your taxes can make a small business owner nervous—how do you keep it all straight? In Business Tax 101, you will learn the basics of business taxes and specific Colorado Department of Revenue tax requirements. This is a great opportunity to get answers to all your tax questions in one place! How Will You Benefit: • Understand the differences in filing for different business entities; • Know how to claim your home, car, health insurance, and retirement for business • Discover which records to track • Understanding Schedules C, SE, and ES Form 1040

Speaker: Vonnie Hergett, EKSH Vonnie Hergett is a principal in the tax service area of EKS&H and has been involved in public accounting since 1987. She has extensive experience in all areas of taxation providing tax consulting and compliance services to individuals, corporations, trusts, partnerships and retirement plans. She services closely held businesses, professional service corporations and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Hergett has a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from the Montana University System - Billings. Hergett's professional affiliations include membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants.

THE Single Best Strategy Guaranteed to Make you Money! This presentation has helped businesses become more productive and profitable through focus. By gaining a better understanding, participants have been better able to strategically develop and implement solutions to increase efficiencies and profits within hours. This presentation teaches attendees how to strategically develop the most important piece of their Sales Cycle, the actual process they take from Handshake to Close. Unlock Your Organizations Potential to increased revenue, awareness, and customer service towards increased profits. While taking a “Back to the Basics” approach, we will touch on the foundational perspectives that often times get over-looked and under-developed. There are three developmental cycles within the “Sales” process: Promotion, Procedure, & Perfection! During this two hour presentation we are going to focus on the Procedural sales process from Handshake to Close, all while giving you the tools you need to develop it. Let’s Get Started! You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below.

Speaker: Mark E. Bittle, strategic business planner, owner of Progressive Impact

Participants who join the second part of "Internet Marketing on Autopilot: How to Build Your Own Lead Generation Machine" will: * Learn all the how-tos of proper keyword research, and will get it done for their own: - website domain, - website pages, and - articles to promote the website with in the future. * Get their new website domain registered, if they don't have any domain/website yet. * Have their new website installed on a hosting account that the instructor would provide free for a year. * Get their own lead generation system installed and configured on their new website.

Speaker: Mark Kreyman, Targeted Traffic Crew, LLC

What exactly is social media? In its simplest definition, social media uses online and mobile tools to communicate user generated content. Why is this so important? User driven means you and your potential clients can drive the conversation. The result? Connections with people that generate better information, better ideas, more directed sharing and better leads. Social media tools, such as: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, YouTube and Social Bookmarking are completely changing the way people are marketing their companies and themselves. Social Media IS NOT for everyone. It demands time, authenticity, integrity and humanity. But for those who are ready and willing to commit to a social media marketing plan, be prepared to experience powerful results from your efforts. You must have opportunity before you have success. Leveraging the resources of social media, social networking and web 2.0 technologies will allow you to take full advantage of this new world of opportunity.

Speaker: Amy Alcorn

30 Marketing Ideas in 30 Minutes 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22 At the Monte Vista Info Center A panel of advertising specialists treat you to 30 ideas in a fast paced, fun atmosphere. Free! Questions? Contact Donna Wehe at 589-3682

Speaker: Panelists include business owner Rob Glover, marketing director Ashlee Bratton, radio manager Gerald Vigil and newspaper editor Jennifer Alonzo

EVERY business has a brand, good, bad or indifferent. Once defined and fully understood, you can begin capitalizing on it to create and build your unique competitive advantage. LEARN… The SECRETS of how your customers REALLY make buying decisions. • Why the first 7 seconds of contact with your customers is integral to their buying decision and loyalty to you. • Why your employee team holds the secrets to your brand success! • How to enhance your brand’s overall customer experience without spending one dollar in marketing! • How do they do it? Follow best in class with these intriguing case study examples. Sign up now for this fun, experiential workshop to ignite your brand into WORLD-CLASS status.

Speaker: Susanne Tulien, Co Founder of the Brand Ascension Group

You know what your business is great at, but how do you sell that to your customers? This two-part, interactive seminar will take you through the steps of creating a solid sales strategy. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to close the deal! How Will You Benefit: • Develop a prospecting plan • Learn how to qualify your prospects • Gain an audience with the right decision makers • Learn how to close the deal! Part II is Wednesday, May 30 from 9-11 am.

Speaker: Steve Parry, Sales Productivity Consultants Steve Parry is president of Sales Productivity Consultants Inc., a sales development consulting firm working with both successful, established companies that wish to raise the bar and growing companies striving to achieve sales goals. Sales Productivity Consultants specializes in increasing revenues, sales efficiency and effectiveness through evaluations of sales processes, systems and people, business development strategies, and sales management training and consulting. Parry is an affiliate of Sandler Training and leverages his considerable education, business ownership and sales experience to practice the supportive, accepting and nurturing Sandler coaching alternative. He began developing his training and communications skills as a public school teacher. He has spent the past 27 years as a business owner and in industrial relations, operations, training, sales and management. His various roles have provided him the opportunity to speak before diverse groups across this country, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, Norway and Japan. He has expertise in areas ranging from sales and sales management strategies to human relations and communication skills.

This is a workshop for existing and start-up businesses. This workshop covers getting to know your customers, competition and industry, positioning your business for success, developing smart marketing strategies and developing a marketing plan.

Speaker: Bob Thilmont

This 90-minute live demonstration allows attendees to see how to set-up Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter accounts with some tips and tricks thrown in to make you stand out on each network.

Speaker: Nick Armstrong, Web Strategist

This class is designed to help business owners develop a logo for their business or refine an existing logo for a stronger brand presence. We will cover what a logo should encompass, selecting a proper typeface, color psychology and file types. At the end of the day, you will be able to recognize strong logos vs weak logos and what you need to do to get your artwork off to press. You can register by going to the link below: www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp

Speaker: Jewels Burdick of SuperFine Designs, Owner and Graphic Design Artist

Are you currently working with a web developer and want to take on that role yourself? Have you ever wished there was a way you could update your website yourself instead of paying loads of money and waiting weeks for your webmaster to do it? Do you want to learn more about website development so you can manage your web developer better? If you said yes to any of these, this class 4 week class may be for you. Create a Website Using WordPress – Basic is a 12-hour, four-part class where you’ll learn the tools and techniques necessary to create a beginning website using the WordPress Content Management System (CMS). Class Dates: June 1, June 8, June 15 and June 22, 2012 (NOTE: due to schedule conflicts the June 22nd class will start at 8:30 and end at 10:30. June 1, 8, and 15 will run from 9-noon. Here are some of the things you can expect to learn about: • Getting a domain name and setting up web hosting • The tools of the trade – various software you will need • Installing and configuring WordPress • Creating categories, posts, and pages • Building a navigation menu • Adding images, audio, and video to your website After taking this basic beginning class you will be ready to take your website to the next level in the Intermediate and Advanced classes where we’ll cover much more such as customizing your basic website to really give it a professional appearance. There’s really no better way to learn a subject like website development than getting in there and doing the work. And we want to make you aware this is a very homework intensive class. Classroom time will include lectures and hands-on experience but there just isn’t enough time during class to cover everything we need to cover, which is why there will be plenty of useful homework assignments and other learning aids that will help you make your website as useful as possible. This is not a graded course so no need to fear if you do not do the homework, it will only make it more difficult to take your website to the level you are looking for. However there are a few prerequisites! Prerequisites: Participants do not need prior website development skills, but participants must be proficient in using the Windows operating system, or something similar in order to keep with the pace of the class. You should also know how to use a web browser such as Firefox, Chrome, or Internet Explorer and be able to search for information on the internet. You should have an e-mail address and know how to send and receive e-mail. To do well in this class and create a great website, you do not need to know any programming languages. You do not need to be a computer wizard. And lastly, you do not have to be a writer or graphic artist, but you do have to do the work to get the end results.

Speaker: Curt Donohue ,Curt Donohue

"Springing Up Businesses Through Networking" Network and communicate with other business professionals in the Colorado Springs area in order to benefit your own business as well as connect with other businesses in the community. To participate with the theme, feel free to either wear and/or bring in spring-related items - be creative! You can register by calling (719) 255-3844, or by clicking on the link below.

Speaker: Scott Eaton

Master the great mysteries of search engine optimization and how to get leads on the internet. In this visual and interactive webinar, learn the difference between SEO and search engine marketing, and which is best for your business. How Will You Benefit: • Understand organic placement, directories, review sites, and what may work best for you • Register your website with Google Places • Check your on-line reputation and know what to do about bad reviews • Learn about pay-per-click advertising and what you can expect to pay • Discover what to look for if you decide to hire someone

Speaker: Kenny Marks, Get Found Fast LLC Brooke Hart began working as an entrepreneur in 2006. She began as a freelance writer and was quickly introduced into the world of search engine optimization. She then moved into a series of "bootstrap experiences" and trail-and-error setbacks of figuring out how the internet worked. These experiences included learning how to write SEO articles to get to the top of rankings, working with other marketers and professionals, and looking at the tried and true techniques of how to enhance a business on the internet. These experiences led Hart to become a professional member of the eMA and she became a Certified Internet Marketer. Today, Hart is the owner of On Target VA, a company which offers the complete package by ensuring online businesses succeed. On Target VA provides website development, internet marketing packages, and content and graphic design.

Learn which Federal and State angencies buy your products and services. This seminar will cover the following topics: • Past Purchases-Federal Procurement Data Systems-Next Generation (FPDS); and USA Spending • Present/Current Purchasing Requirements: GSAdvantage!, FBOs, FEDBID, & State Pricing Agreements/CO BIDS • Future Forecasting – Dept of Interior, Budgets, Acquisition.Gov • Using PTAC’s free Bid Match to find bid opportunities and then; • Marketing to government agency buying offices

Speaker: Kathryn Lobdell

The Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a training event focused on Federal Contracting Certifications for small businesses. This class will discuss the rules and requirements of these certifications: 8(a) Business Development Program, Small Disadvantage Business (SDB), HUBZone, and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB). Hosted by the Colorado Springs SBDC.

Speaker: SBA - Lonnie Koyama - Business Opportunity Specialist

The purpose of this FREE training session is to provide you with a general understanding of federal contracting terminology in order to equip you with the tools necessary to successfully do business with the government. Understanding this terminology will also help when bidding for contracts with universities, municipalities, private industry, etc. Registration includes print materials.

Speaker: Cathy Bond, Bond Construction & Consulting. Cathy Bond has years of experience working with government contracts, 8(a) certification and working closely with general contractors and government agencies around the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The wealth of knowledge she brings to the classroom adds value to each session with her. If you want to break the code of government contracting and RFP's join Cathy in this session and look for her other sessions coming soon!

City of Aurora and SBA procurement specialists will discuss the ins and outs of finding solicitations, establishing communication protocol, getting certifications and using resources to help land government contracts (seminar is at no charge).

Speaker: City of Aurora Procurement Specialist; SBA representative