SCORE Bucks County is offering six free webinars in May in a continued effort to keep the local business community informed. These include the kickoff of a new monthly learning session with Amazon.
“Cybersecurity for Small Businesses – What You Need to Know” takes place May 2. Led by Richard Zweig, owner of CMIT Solutions, the webinar will provide an overview of the cybersecurity environment and how it impacts small businesses. Zweig will share insight on: cybersecurity; security concerns for small businesses; what business owners need to protect; steps to take immediately to improve security.
“How to Get Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Certified” takes place May 9. Colleen LaCoss, the certification manager with the Women’s Business Enterprise Center, leads the session, which focuses on how women can open doors to a network of thousands of other women entrepreneurs and hundreds of corporate and government partners looking to work with women-owned businesses. LaCoss will discuss: the eligibility requirements; the process, costs and documents needed and what to expect; the benefits and opportunities available to certified women-owned businesses.
“The Process to Negotiate Buying a Business” takes place May 16. The workshop is led by SCORE certified mentor Steve Wolfson, who, prior to retiring, created a new wholesale distribution division for an existing manufacturer by starting 13 warehouse locations in the construction industry and growing operations from $0 to $50 million in five years. Wolfson will outline what’s needed on a business-buying checklist and will cover the following: how to be prepared financially ahead of time; the importance of undertaking a detailed review of the seller’s financials; how to investigate all aspects of the seller.
“How to Obtain Bank Financing” takes place May 23. This webinar is led by SCORE certified mentor Richard Kroger, who worked for 30 years in the business financing industry. He will discuss: the 5 Cs of credit; the different sources of funds for a capital contribution; the usual components of a business plan; traditional banking and alternative sources of business funding.
On May 24, at noon, Amazon will offer the first of its monthly, hour-long information sessions, “Office Hours with Amazon.” The session is geared for businesses interested in selling in Amazon’s store. Abby Malchow, of Amazon’s Small Business Empowerment Team, will answer questions about e-commerce and fulfillment methods.
“Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business” takes place May 30. This webinar is led by SCORE certified mentor Joseph Lutes, who spent 10 years as the finance director for three local nonprofits. He will explain how a nonprofit is an actual business and should be managed like one. Lutes will share insight on: why management reporting is just as important as financial reporting; how boards and fundraising go hand in hand; taxes and regulations to remain compliant.
With the exception of the Amazon discussion, all webinars are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information and to register, visit score.org/buckscounty. All webinars are offered free of charge.
