Events

Protect Your Business: Legal Considerations Every Small Business Owner Should Know September 15 | Small Business Legal Conversation Starting and growing a business comes with important legal decisions. Are you taking the right steps to protect your business, your ideas, and yourself? Whether you are just getting started or already operating a business, this session will help you better understand common legal issues entrepreneurs should consider as they build and grow. **Topics will include:** * Choosing the right business structure * Contracts and agreements * Protecting your business and intellectual property * Common legal issues and potential pitfalls * Knowing when it’s time to seek legal guidance Bring your questions and join the conversation!

Have a Business Idea? Put It to the Test! Idea TestLab – Turn Your Idea into an Opportunity Have an idea for a business but aren't sure what comes next? Idea TestLab is designed to help aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs explore, test, and strengthen their business ideas before investing significant time and money. During this interactive program, participants will move beyond “I have an idea” and begin determining whether that idea has real potential. Through guided activities, conversations, and hands-on learning, you’ll explore: Your Customer – Who needs what you are offering? The Problem – What problem are you really solving? Your Value Proposition – Why would customers choose you? Customer Discovery – How do you test your assumptions with real potential customers? Your Business Model – How could your idea become a sustainable business? Your Next Steps – What should you do after the program? You Don't Need a Business — Just an Idea You do not need an LLC, a completed business plan, or all the answers to participate. Idea TestLab is about asking the right questions, testing assumptions, and learning before you invest. Come with an idea. Leave with greater clarity, valuable feedback, and a plan for what comes next. Ready to test your idea? Join the next Idea TestLab cohort!

Funding Your Future: Understanding Business Financing Have a great business idea or plans to grow—but need financing to make it happen? Understanding your funding options can be one of the most challenging parts of starting or growing a small business. Join us for a practical conversation about business financing facilitated by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Whether you're preparing to launch, looking to expand, purchasing equipment, or simply want to become more financially prepared, this session will help you better understand the financing landscape and what lenders may be looking for. During this session, we'll explore: Financing options available to small businesses SBA loan programs and how they work What lenders consider when reviewing a loan application Steps you can take to become funding ready Common financing mistakes and how to avoid them Resources available to help you navigate the process Don't Just Look for Funding—Prepare for It. Knowing your options and understanding what it takes to qualify can help you make stronger financial decisions for your business. Bring your questions and join the conversation with the SBA to learn how to prepare, position, and finance your business for what's next.