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

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.

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

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

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

Monterey WBC provides one-on-one no cost small business consulting. With an elite team of consultants with expertise in marketing, organizational development, finance, management, etc. Small business consulting is offered as an individual service, or supplementary to our entrepreneurial training courses. Consulting is available in English and Spanish.

Monterey WBC offers “Explore, Design, & Launch” - small business training program for startup entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources needed to start and/or grow your business. The outcomes of these courses are a tangible business plan and fine-tuned business pitch. “Empezando” is our Spanish equivalent.

Interested in keeping up-to-date with our Monterey WBC expansion, small business training, and free webinars? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.