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 usar la IA para mejorar tu pequeño negocio
Presentador: Marissa Hernandez
¿Tienes un negocio o quieres emprender y no sabes por dónde empezar con la tecnología?
En esta clase práctica y sencilla aprenderás cómo usar herramientas de inteligencia artificial (IA) para ahorrar tiempo, atraer más clientes y hacer crecer tu negocio, ¡sin necesidad de ser experto en computadoras!
Ideal para emprendedores. No necesitas experiencia técnica
En este taller, aprenderás:
1. ¿Qué es la inteligencia artificial?
2.Que puede hacer la IA por tu negocio
Marketing y redes sociales
Atención al cliente
Administración
Innovación y crecimiento
3.Heramientas de IA fáciles de usar para tu negocio.
4.Demostración práctica de cómo usar la IA
5.Ética, seguridad y límites de la IA
Instructions:
el enlace de Zoom se enviará después del registro.
jueves 1 de mayo
12:00-1:30pm por 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.
Brainstorm, Write, Refine - Using AI for Creative Writing
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
AI is revolutionizing the way we brainstorm, write, and refine our ideas. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, need help organizing your thoughts, or want to accelerate the book-writing process, AI can be your secret weapon. In this engaging 90-minute workshop, we’ll explore creative and practical ways to use AI in every stage of writing a book—from ideation to publication.
Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, you’ll learn how AI can:
Generate ideas and outlines
Develop engaging characters and narratives
Refine and edit your writing
Enhance creativity without losing your unique voice
Streamline research and fact-checking
Create marketing content for your book launch
By the end of this session, you’ll have tangible strategies and AI-powered tools to bring your book to life—faster, smarter, and with less frustration.
Wednesday, May 14
9:00-10:30am via Zoom
Summer Marketing Success – Blending Traditional, AI, and Social Media Strategies
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
Three-Part Workshop: Summer Marketing Success – Blending Traditional, AI, and Social Media Strategies
This workshop will help businesses and entrepreneurs craft a well-rounded summer marketing strategy by integrating traditional marketing techniques, AI-powered tools, and social media strategies while incorporating strategic planning for long-term success.
Part 1: Traditional Summer Marketing – The Timeless Strategies, 5/15/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM
Part 2: AI & Social Media – Modern Tools for Maximum Reach, 5/21/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM
Part 3: Strategic Summer Marketing – Building a Plan That Works, 5/28/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM
¿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
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.
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
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
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.