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.

Sign Up Here: Register Now

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.

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

The Power of S.E.O. - Dominate Local Search & Map

Presented by: Jackie Clendenen

Search Engine Optimization can be a powerful tool for bringing in customers and clients. Join us with Jackie Clendenen for this presentation on how to increase your reach and supercharge the online presence of your business by utilizing S.E.O. tactics and best practices. 

Learn about:

• How to make your business listing a priority for local searches

• Where to place keywords on your website

• What is NAP consistency and why it matters

Thursday, June 5

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Registration will be limited to In-Business Entities who have an existing Website as this course covers advanced material.

*THE RECORDING FOR THIS WORKSHOP WILL ONLY BE SENT OUT TO ATTENDEES

Instructions: 

Zoom Link Sent After Registration.

Please be sure to list your Business Name and Website in your Client Profile.

How to Get WOSB Certified and the Advantages for Your Business

Presented by: Angela Watson, Golden State APEX Accelerator

Learn about the value of the SBA Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification and its components.

Join us with Angela Watson from Golden State APEX Accelerator as she details:

• The Purpose of SBA’s WOSB Program & Definitions

• Current Regulatory Overview

• Eligibility Requirements

• Application Process

• How to Identify & Compete for WOSB Contracts

Get your questions answered at the end of the session and let us help you with this important aspect of building your business!

Ideal for Woman-owned Small Businesses pursuing Local, State, or Federal Market Opportunities

Wednesday, June 11

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Small Business Entity Essentials: Structuring Your Business for Success in California

Presented by: Catherine Mineo, Attorney

Choosing the correct legal structure for your business can be confusing. Between Sole Proprietor, LLC, Partnership, S-Corps, and C-Corps, you want to make an informed decision and avoid complications down the road. Join us with Cat Mineo, Attorney at Law, for a breakdown of small business entities and how they can limit your personal liability. Learn about:

• Types of Business Entities

• Filing Requirements 

• Ongoing Governance and Related Documents 

Thursday, June 12

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Design Like a Pro with Canva

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Ready to level up your branding, marketing, and content creation without hiring a designer?

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to confidently use Canva to create stunning graphics, professional presentations, engaging social media content, and more—even if you’ve never designed a thing in your life.

We’ll cover:

• Canva basics

• Time-saving pro tips

• Canva’s newest features

• Tools to make your visuals look polished and on-brand

This workshop is held live over Zoom, but come prepared with your laptop or smart device—you’ll be working inside the app, designing in real time, and playing with new features as we go!

Perfect for: Small business owners, content creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to stop feeling intimidated by design and start having fun with it.

Let’s turn Canva into your favorite creative tool—no design degree required!

Tuesday, June 17

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Defining Your Audience: The Power of Buyer Personas

Presented by: Patty Ross

What is a Buyer Persona? A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer based on market research and real data about your existing customers.

Marketing to everyone the same way doesn’t work anymore. These in-depth personas help us relate to your customers uniquely and as real humans. Buyer personas can help you better understand who your customers are and how to best market to them.

The goals of this hands-on workshop include developing clear definitions of your typical buyers, a clear sense of the customer journey that customers take, and how to generate marketing strategy to start marketing to the right people.

Wednesday, June 18

9:00-11:00am via Zoom

Business Protection Essentials: Demystifying Commercial Insurance

Presented by: Lesley Santos

Would you like to completely understand all your company’s commercial insurance needs and costs in less than 60 minutes? Every business has several unique variables and risk factors (years in business, management experience, driving records of your employees, location of your store/office… to name a very few) that will determine what insurance coverages are necessary to properly protect your business, which insurance carriers will provide that coverage, and what that coverage will cost. So, while we can’t teach you everything you need to know about your business’ individual insurance needs in a 60-minute class, we can and will teach you:

· The surprising ways commercial insurance differs from personal insurance.

· A basic understanding of the types of commercial insurance available.

· A few key strategies for minimizing insurance premiums.

Wednesday, June 18

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Business Credit 101

Presented by: Jeanette Vierra

Join us with Jeanette Vierra as she breaks down the intricacies of Business Credit and prepare yourself for this important aspect of growing your small business!

• How Business Credit differs from Personal Credit

• Why it is important to use Business Credit to protect your Corporate Veil

• How to establish your Small Business as a Credit-Worthy Institution

• What Lenders look for when you are ready to apply for a line of Business Credit

Tuesday, June 24

5:30-6:30pm via Zoom

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans 5: Know Your Small Business Resources

Presented by: Richard Myerscough

Join us for “Know Your Small Business Resources” the fifth presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• Assess and determine your firms Goal(s).

• Learn how to provide goods and services to Caltrans.

• Identify resources inside and outside of Caltrans, after certification.

• Free resources available from Caltrans partners.

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, June 25

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Aprende a Hacer Publicidad Visual para tu Emprendimiento

Presentador: Marissa Hernandez

¿Eres emprendedor y quieres que tu negocio se vea profesional sin gastar mucho?
Entonces este curso es para ti.

Te invito a una clase práctica de donde aprenderás a usar Canva, una herramienta gratuita y fácil de usar, ideal para crear diseños increíbles para tu negocio: publicaciones para redes sociales, flyers, logos, menús, tarjetas y mucho más.

• No necesitas experiencia

•  Diseños listos en minutos

•  Perfecto para promover tu marca y atraer más clientes

viernes 27 de junio de 2025

9:00-10:30am por 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

The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Join us for an engaging 90-minute workshop where we’ll unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way small businesses operate and how entrepreneurs can leverage AI for growth and innovation. Whether you’re an AI newbie or curious about the next steps, this session is packed with actionable insights, tools, and strategies tailored to your needs.

You'll learn:

• The benefits and risks of adopting AI in your business.

• Real-life success stories and what they mean for you.

• Tools and techniques to make AI work for you – no tech background required!

Plus, you'll leave with a step-by-step checklist to start implementing AI today.

Wednesday, July 9

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans 6: How to Make Your Certification Work for You

Presented by: Richard Myerscough, Caltrans

Join us for “How to Make Your Certification Work for You” the sixth presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• Utilizing Caltrans resources for your certification needs.

• Goals and benefits of certification.

• Cal eProcure, California’s government marketplace.

• How to network and navigate through Contractors Corner.

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, July 23

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

How to Use AI for Social Media

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Discover how artificial intelligence can revolutionize your social media strategy. From content creation to audience engagement, this workshop will teach you the best AI tools and techniques to save time, boost creativity, and grow your online presence. Perfect for beginners and seasoned social media pros alike!

What You'll Learn:

• AI-Powered Content Creation: Use tools like ChatGPT to craft engaging captions, create content calendars, and brainstorm viral post ideas with ease.

• Audience Engagement Made Simple: Discover how AI can analyze audience behavior and recommend the best times and strategies to post for maximum impact.

• Visual Content and Editing with AI: Explore AI tools for creating eye-catching graphics, videos, and reels to elevate your brand’s aesthetic.

Wednesday, July 30

9:00-10:30am 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, August 6

10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans 7: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Overview

Presented by: Richard Myerscough

Join us for “Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Overview” the seventh presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program Overview.

• Benefits of Certification.

• California Unified Certification Program (CUCP).

• Eligibility Requirements.

• Applying for DBE Certification.

• FAQs and Resources.

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, August 27

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

AI Tools and Techniques for Marketing

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.

*Recording will only be sent to live attendees of this event.

Monday, September 15

9:00-10:30am via Zoom