If you haven’t checked out and signed up for February’s workshops, it’s not too late! See the line up below. As always, we offer free small business resources and services, including finance and legal support. If you’re interested, or know someone who could use these services, click the button below to apply!
Ask An ExpertLanding Your Product in Major Retail StoresWEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 20256PM ET/3PM PT
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Are you a small business owner with hopes to see your product on major retail shelves? Join us for this insider’s session on breaking into big box retail! This FREE 90-minute event features two expert entrepreneurs who have not only landed their products on the shelves of major stores, such as Whole Foods and Target, but also continue to drive successful sales in these major retailers!Whether you’re creating food products, personal care items, or home goods, this panel discussion will provide you with practical insights into the retail entry process. Come learn the critical steps for retail readiness, understand the financial and operational considerations, and gain strategies for making your product stand out on crowded shelves. Our panelists will share their personal journeys, revealing the challenges they overcame and the strategies that led to their success in major retail partnerships.
Featuring experts:Ehime Eigbe-Akindele is the founder and CEO of Sweetkiwi, an award-winning consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand transforming frozen desserts with nutritious and functional offerings. Inspired by her health journey, she scaled Sweetkiwi to nearly 2,000 stores, including Whole Foods and Walmart. A McKinsey Black Executive Leader and Tuck alumna, Ehime has earned numerous accolades, including the Sara Blakely X Spanx Grant.Viviana Hurtado is the founder and CEO of Viviana Luxury, a sustainability-focused soy wax candle brand sold at Whole Foods. A former Emmy-winning broadcast journalist and Edward R. Murrow award recipient, she launched the company to honor her immigrant and First Gen roots while caring for her father with advanced Parkinson’s. Viviana is passionate about transforming spaces into places of belonging and helping diverse entrepreneurs thrive through B2B opportunities.
Secure Your Small Business:Cybersecurity Essentials WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12, 20254PM ET/1PM PT Protect your small business from cyber threats by joining our webinar, hosted by Start Small Think Big in partnership with attorneys from Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and MetLife. Learn why cybersecurity is essential, how to recognize common threats like phishing and ransomware, and practical steps to safeguard your business. Our experts will also guide you on creating effective cyber incident response plans and adopting secure online practices. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable insights and fortify your business’s digital defenses. In collaboration with:
Small Business Majority;Harlem Business Alliance;LCCRSF;Working Solutions CDFI; andMinority Business Development Agency.
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Tax Considerations for Childcare WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 202512PM ET/9AM PT Take the stress out of taxes with this upcoming workshop. This session covers everything from federal tax essentials and accurate tax calculations to payroll management and hiring considerations. Learn to navigate Schedule C, calculate self-employment taxes, and manage payroll with confidence, guided by expert speakers. Gain practical tips and resources to streamline your tax obligations and empower your business for financial clarity. In collaboration with
:Internal Revenue Service (IRS);Working Solutions CDFI;Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF); and Small Business Majority.
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Introduction to Bookkeeping and Financial Statements WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19, 2025 4PM ET/1PM PT Take control of your business finances with our free workshop for small business owners! Learn essential bookkeeping skills and how to use financial statements like income statements, cash flow, and balance sheets to make smarter decisions. Discover tips for separating personal and business finances and choosing the right bookkeeping system for your needs. Come strengthen your financial foundation and gain the confidence to guide your business toward success.In collaboration with:
Citi;Working Solutions CDFI; and San Jose Minority Business Development Agency.
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Commercial Leasing Basics for Small Business Owners THURSDAY, FEB. 20, 2025 4PM ET/1PM PT This workshop, in collaboration with Davis Polk & Wardwell, covers the basics of commercial leasing for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Topics include the key vocabulary of commercial lease provisions, tenant rights, lease termination, tips for negotiating with landlords, and securing access to space. Gain the insights you need to navigate leasing confidently and effectively!In collaboration with:
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
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Brand Protection and Trademark 101:Legal Basics for Small Businesses TUESDAY, FEB. 25, 2025 4PM ET/1PM PT Your brand is more than just your name or your logo—it’s your overall identity in the marketplace. But how do you protect it from misuse and ensure you’re building a strong, distinctive brand? Join us for this first session in a two-part workshop series on Navigating Intellectual Property Pitfalls as a Small Business. This session will cover the essentials of brand protection, including information about trademarks, logos, and taglines, plus strategies to safeguard your brand from unauthorized use. In collaboration with:
Small Business Majority; Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC);NYPACE; andSan Jose Minority Business Development Agency.
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Understanding Cost of Goods Sold: Improving Profit Margins and Profitability WEDNESDAY, FEB. 26, 2025 4PM ET/1PM PT Maximize your business profitability with our workshop on mastering Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Learn how to calculate, track, and optimize your COGS, set realistic sales targets, and manage cash flow effectively. This hands-on session will equip you with practical tools to improve your profit margins and includes an interactive Q&A. In collaboration with:
Citi;New Voices Foundation; San Jose Minority Business Development Agency; andWorking Solutions CDFI.
Register Here
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