[:en]Mastering Outreach: Connecting and Converting for Entrepreneurs[:]
2023-07-07 12:00 - 13:00 UTC
For entrepreneurs early in their business journey, outreach can often cause undue stress. Cutting through the noise to capture the attention of potential customers or investors is a daunting task. In addition, balancing immediate tasks with the need to nurture long-term relationships can become a time management challenge. Not to mention, the need to maintain enthusiasm and motivation despite rejection is crucial for sustained outreach efforts. What can entrepreneurs do to make this process more manageable?
Join us for an insightful and actionable session with John Hill, Evangelist at Techstars, to learn how to maximize the impact of your outreach and follow-up efforts. Drawing from his vast entrepreneurial journey working with startups to build relationships, John will show you innovative and compelling ways to stand out from the competition and communicate your value proposition effectively. He’ll also guide you towards a deeper understanding of the ways capital can be used to achieve your primary strategic goals, like funding, talent, customer acquisition, and knowledge sharing. You’ll walk away with the adaptability and resilience to embrace outreach as a meaningful way to build connections for you and your business.
Key Takeaways:

How to identify the right target audience for your communication
How to establish initial connections and build a robust network
How to stand out and capture the attention of the right people
How to maintain a consistent follow-up strategy with limited resources
How to handle rejection and setbacks
How to navigate relational capital to meet your primary needs

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

John Hill
Keynote Speaker,TechStars

[:en]Discover Your Value[:]
2023-07-07 14:00 - 15:00
Understanding your worth in financial terms translates into more areas of your life than you may realize. If you do not understand your value around money, it can be difficult to manage well. In this two hour class we reflect on your current mindset with money, how your upbringing has influenced your money habits and discuss how these may be good bad or neither to change for your future money culture.

[:en]Amplify and Grow your Business and Personal Brand[:]
2023-07-11 13:00 - 14:00
LinkedIn has seen a significant uptick in utilization by businesses for marketing and sales purposes, and it’s no surprise why. With its expanding user base and robust professional networking features, LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful platform for connecting with targeted audiences and generating valuable leads that drive business growth. So, what can women entrepreneurs start doing now to leverage all that LinkedIn has to offer to continue leading their ventures to success?
Join us for an empowering session with Anne Stills, CEO and Founder of Smashing Daily, who will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to create a strong online presence, attract your target audience, and establish thought leadership in your industry on LinkedIn. You’ll walk away with a framework for understanding the needs, challenges, and interests of your target audience, what type of content resonates with them, and how to bring the two together to spark meaningful conversations.
Key Takeaways:

How to optimize your LinkedIn profile to reach All-Star status
How to grow your network and engage with your community
How to create content that attracts your ideal customers

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Anne Stills
Founder + CEO of Smashing Daily, LLC
Anne Stills is the Founder + CEO of Smashing Daily, LLC, a global image consulting and personal branding boutique firm established in 2014 in New York City. The firm specializes in image management, personal branding, and signature style consulting. She caters to ambitious modern female professionals who understand the significance of projecting a powerful authentic personal brand image and aspire to become dynamic communicators leading with confidence and impact. Anne has over 25 years of corporate experience in executive sales, marketing, and training across multiple industries such as airline, hospitality and financial services. Leveraging her extensive corporate background, she delivers deep value to clients and guides them to define and refine their executive presence, personal brand and leadership skills. She grooms today’s executives and tomorrow’s rising stars to create a unique, memorable, and sustainable personal brand image.

[:en]Capital Strategy: Find and Secure the Right Capital Optionality[:]
2023-07-13 13:00 - 14:00
One of the primary obstacles early-stage entrepreneurs face is the lack of awareness around the complex landscape of capital options. With limited exposure to sources of financing, early-stage entrepreneurs may struggle to identify which option aligns best with their business goals and growth trajectory. Additionally, the ability to build relationships with potential investors or lenders and demonstrate market potential and a strong value proposition can be difficult with limited resources and competition. For underrepresented entrepreneurs, these obstacles can unfortunately be greater. What can be done to overcome these challenges?
The Center is thrilled to be joined by Geri Stengel, President at Ventureneer, for an important conversation on capital strategy. Geri understands the unique capital challenges that entrepreneurs of all kinds face and has worked with thousands to help them align their vision with their strategic goals. Her insight will provide you with a framework to make informed decisions around your capital needs so that you and your business can remain on a sustainable trajectory of success. Join us to learn how best to assess your options and secure the capital your business needs to grow and succeed.
Key Takeaways:

Aligning your capital needs with your vision, your values and your ‘why’.
How to clearly identify your strategic goals before exploring capital options.
How to find and secure the right capital option for your business.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Amy L. Simmerman
A Wilson Sonsini Practice Leader
A leader of Wilson Sonsini’s Delaware office and governance practice
Comprehensive Experience in Delaware Law
Amy’s practice focuses on providing advice on all aspects of Delaware corporate law and related corporate governance issues, including fiduciary duties, mergers and acquisitions, stockholder activism, corporate formation, stock issuances, preferred stock investments, and various statutory matters
Amy Simmerman is a partner in the Wilmington, Delaware, office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Amy is a leader of the firm’s Delaware office and governance practice. Her practice focuses on providing advice on all aspects of Delaware corporate law and related corporate governance issues, including fiduciary duties, mergers and acquisitions, stockholder activism, corporate formation, stock issuances, preferred stock investments, and various statutory matters. Amy regularly represents special committees of boards of directors in mergers and acquisitions, internal investigations, and other matters, and she provides corporate advice in the context of governance litigation.
Amy frequently speaks and publishes on Delaware law and governance issues and has guest lectured at Harvard Law School, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and UC Hastings College of the Law. Within Delaware, she has served on a committee of the Council of the Corporation Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association to vet potential amendments to the Delaware General Corporation Law. Amy is also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Institute for Law and Economics at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.
Founder and President, Ventureneer
“A baby boomer with the heart and soul of a millennial” describes Geri best. She grew up believing that dedicated, thoughtful people can change the world by working together.
She is a believer still. In fact, Geri is even more committed to the possibility of meaningful change because she realizes that we have a huge, untapped resource: Women!
For the last few years, Geri has researched and written about the challenges women face in the entrepreneurial world and the success factors that help them break through barriers, whether they are starting a business or scaling to a multi-million dollar enterprise.
Geri’s passion to get women on the radar as leaders of mega-firms led her to write Forget the Glass Ceiling: Build Your Business Without One. To find out best practices for investment crowdfunding — a great alternative for women entrepreneurs! — Geri undertook a successful rewards-based crowdfunding campaign herself and published the results in Stand Out in the Crowd: How Women (and Men) Benefit from Equity Crowdfunding [add link]
Geri is a questioner and a builder, and is passionate about eliminating barriers to entrepreneurial aspirations.
Geri’s accomplishments include:

Mentor for WE NYC: 2016 to present
2015 Madam C.J. Walker Business Leadership Award from the National Minority Business Council.
2013 and 2012 Small Business Trends Small Business Influencer
Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at The New School
Facilitator, Kauffman Foundation FastTrac courses for entrepreneurs
Researched and published Ditch Digital Dabbling: How Small Businesses + Nonprofits Can Master Online Marketing
Former board member for the New York City Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Was on the board for eight years.

[:en]Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset of Success[:]
2023-07-18 14:00 - 15:00
You dream of being comfortable in your own skin. You dream of more influence, income, and success. Yet the constant doubt and nagging thoughts of what could go wrong are holding you back. Are there times when you feel overwhelmed by your inner critic and powerless to change your situation? Do you feel like you’re doing everything recommended to grow your business but you’re still not seeing the results you expect? Let’s get you a clear vision and compelling mission that becomes both your master plan AND your superpower.
Join us for an uplifting conversation with Meshell Baker, Founder and Owner of Meshell Baker Enterprises, who will show you how to cultivate a mindset that is focused and committed yet unleashed from the negative self-talk that’s limiting your progress. Meshell will share stories from her own business journey and others she’s witnessed to demonstrate how a confident mindset can lead to unparalleled outcomes. You’ll walk away with a universal framework for turning setbacks into opportunities so that you and your business can stay on a trajectory of success!
Key Takeaways:

Replace negative self-talk and become your own #1 fan
Repurpose mistakes as opportunities to learn
Respond and leverage problems as opportunities to grow

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Meshell Baker
Owner/Founder | Meshell Baker Enterprises
Meshell Baker the Chief Confidence Igniter has been described as “a breath of fresh air” and “the power of her story combined with her passion and enthusiasm is enough to make anyone want to tap into their potential.” She masterfully guides audiences to embrace challenges as new chapters that enhance their capabilities. Encourages moving away from “trying” to sell and towards value-add conversations that confidently communicate win-win for all involved!
Meshell is the gift of clarity empowering women around the globe to ignite confident belief and enable their people to develop high-performance resilience and unstoppable confidence. She is renowned for her value-based and no-nonsense approach to sales and business success. Meshell has phenomenal results, accolades, and awards and has compiled an incredible track record of raving recommendations with clients over the past 25+ years. She is on a mission to ignite “confident belief” in as many women as possible.

[:en]Unpacking Debt[:]
2023-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Mni Sota Fund, 817 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55415
Join us in exploring the difference of “good” vs ‘bad” debt, what types of expenses you may incur each month, and how to help yourself create a manageable debt load.

[:en]SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT TOOLS[:]
2023-07-26 09:00 - 10:00
Event Details
All of the emphasis on social media may leave you feeling like managing your brand is a full-time job! While it’s true, there is also another, sustainable way for you to part-time manage your social media presence without sacrificing too much of your time and energy. In this session, we’ll go over free or cheap tools that can help you save time in content creation and posting, as well as some best practices for maintaining a mentally healthy approach to social media.

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in ECDI event.

[:en]PRE- CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP[:]
2023-08-22 13:00 - 14:00
Event Details
The Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) is one of 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a nonprofit corporate membership organization that advances business opportunities for its certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connects them to its corporate members. One of the country’s leading corporate membership organizations, NMSDC was chartered in 1972 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in MSDC event.

[:en]FRANCHISING: A BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR CREATING WEALTH[:]
2023-10-02 17:00 - 18:30
Event Details
Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have the power to bet on yourself? Can you get out of your comfort zone and embrace change? We will answer many key questions about Franchising as a business strategy as well as the qualities that are most common to successful entrepreneurs.

Additional Information
Visit SCORE website to learn more!

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in SCORE event.

[:en]LOANS, GRANTS AND OTHER FUNDING OPTIONS FOR WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN 2023[:]
2023-10-05 12:00 - 13:00
Event Details
Join us for an empowering webinar dedicated to supporting and guiding women entrepreneurs on their journey to securing funding for their businesses.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:

Understanding the different funding pathways
Building a Compelling Funding Pitch
Overcoming Gender-Specific Challenges

Additional Information
Visit SCORE website to learn more!

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in SCORE event.

[:en]Enhance Your PR Outreach to Build Lasting Connections[:]
2023-10-10 10:00 - 11:00
About this event

Public relations is your opportunity as an entrepreneur and a business to build and maintain trust and credibility. But it’s easier said than done. You may ask yourself: How do I define a messaging strategy that will resonate with the right people? How should I initiate and nurture relationships with relevant organizations and media representatives? What can I do to stand out among potential competition?
Join us for an insightful discussion with AirBnB and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs to learn strategies around outreach, follow-up (and follow-through), and relationship building that you can leverage for public relations success. You’ll walk away with the guidance needed to seamlessly manage your public relations strategy no matter where in your business journey you find yourself.
Key Takeaways:

Outreach — Tailor your outreach messaging and leverage various media channels to connect with organization leaders and media representatives.
Follow-Up (and Follow-Through): Understand best practices and implement a feedback loop in your PR communications to help inform continuous improvement of your offering.
Relationship Building: Foster meaningful engagement long-term and employ continuous learning to improve PR strategy as market landscape evolves.

Special Guests:

James Oliver, Jr.
James Oliver, Jr. is a 3X founder and CEO of Kabila, a co-founder matching app focused on inclusion, and founder of the ParentPreneur Foundation, which empowers Black ParentPreneurs, so they can leave a legacy for their beautiful Black children.

[:en]Market Update: Selling to Enterprise[:]
2023-10-13 12:00 - 13:00
About this event

In 2022, corporations, businesses, investors, and governments realized the recession was going to last longer than expected. As a result, in Q1 2023, you saw massive layoffs of about 15% in order to adjust to inflation, spending, and market conditions. Then, AI sent shockwaves through the market and in Q2 2023 all non-core spending froze as the C-suite restrategized. Today, companies have a rough idea of where they want to go and have the budget to test new tech. How will you and your business respond when selling to enterprise?
The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to welcome back Whitney Sales, Operating Partner at Forum Ventures, Founder, and Creator, to discuss how entrepreneurs selling to enterprise can adjust to changing dynamics, break through the noise, and capture scarce spending from the right customers. You’ll walk away with the insight necessary to make more informed decisions when selling to enterprise given the current market landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to take advantage of the peak in the market!
Key Takeaways:

Key changes that are impacting enterprise decision-making
How to build your budget from nothing
How to map your marketing to your market’s rhythm

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Whitney Sales
Founder & Creator
Whitney is a four-time VP of Sales, all of which were on the INC5000 Fastest Growing Companies List. She is an experienced investor and advisor, with a deep understanding of the B2B SaaS market. Whitney ran Forum Venture’s HQ accelerator in San Francisco for 3, invested in 200+ B2B SaaS companies, and helped raise Forum’s first seed Fund. She has a proven track record of success in leading and managing high-performing sales teams. You might have seen her as a speaker at Saastr, Collision, or LAUNCH. She’s currently working as an operating partner at Forum, mentoring for HBS’s entrepreneurial sales course, and running a GTM advisory practice called The Sales Method.

[:en]PMO Mindset: Become Fulfilled in Your Work[:]
2023-10-18 15:00 - 16:00
About this event

1 hour
Mobile eTicket

Agile, Scrum, Lean: there’s a reason why Project Managers and PMOs implement these practices and so many others into their work each day. The result is a structured and systematic approach that leads to higher-quality outcomes and improved communication. But project management is about more than just results for the business; it’s also about implementing strategies that improve your personal workflow and even bring you joy in your work.
The Nasdaq Center is delighted to be joined by La Juana Chambers Lawson, Founder and CEO at Tacit Growth Strategies, for an uplifting yet practical discussion on the ways entrepreneurs can improve the way they work by implementing a PMO mindset. Drawing from her experience and leadership in the Project Management space as well as her extensive career supporting small businesses, La Juana will illustrate how you and your business can both benefit from implementing project management practices so that you can find greater joy in the work you do.
Key Takeaways:

Actionable insights on ethical decision-making, strategic planning, and Agile project development
Interpersonal skills to address ambiguity and managing ecosystem changes
Deeper understanding of project management, resiliency, values, and philosophies as they each relate to business growth

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

La Juana “The PMO CEO” Chambers Lawson
Founder and CEO, Tacit Growth Strategies
La Juana “The PMO CEO” Chambers Lawson, MPA, PMP, LSSGB, MRP is the Founder and CEO at Tacit Growth Strategies, a leading project management office (PMO) and management consulting firm that specializes in government contracting, grant and proposal writing, impact investment strategy, and comprehensive international business development consulting. La Juana has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Marquis Who’s Who in America (Texas Business Owners), is a San Antonio Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree (2022), and was a Finalist for the National Association of Women Business Owners San Antonio Chapter’s Women Business Owner Awards (2023). She is international best-selling author of “Master Grant Writing: A Project Manager’s Guide” published by River Walk Publishing, a comprehensive guide from the perspective of a grant writing and project management expert that demonstrates how to build and maintain a successful nonprofit or for-profit impact business. La Juana proudly serves as Vice President of the Fair Contracting Coalition | The Report Card Group, Board Vice President of the Bexar County/City of San Antonio U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Lead Continuum of Care (CoC) Agency the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless (SARAH), Community Advisory Board Member of the River City Federal Credit Union, Director-General of the Global Alliance for Angel Investor and Venture Capital Networks by the esteemed Global Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Mentor for Trinity University’s MIT Venture Mentoring Program, Mentor for Nasdaq Foundation’s Entrepreneurial Center. Additionally, La Juana is the co-host of Real Management Talk with LJ and Jocelyn, a podcast that is a one-stop-shop for all things nonprofit organization business. Notably, La Juana is the Former President & Board Chairman of the Alamo Project Management Institute (PMI) and Former President & Board Chairman of the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM). La Juana Chambers Lawson is licensed as a REALTOR® and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) with Phyllis Browning Company, San Antonio’s top luxury real estate agency and affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. La Juana’s favorite quote is:
“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.” — Audre Lorde

[:en]Expand Your B2B Offering Globally[:]
2023-10-19 14:00 - 15:00
About this event

Extending the reach of your B2B sales efforts on a global level is a significant step that demands meticulous planning and thoughtful deliberation. Maybe you’ve found validity in product-market fit, and you’ve reached a point of financial stability that allows you to expand or you’ve gained the team and resources necessary for expansion. No matter the circumstances you find yourself in, if you want to share your expertise beyond borders, you want to make sure you do it right.
Join us for an informative and actionable session with Kimberly Daniels, President at Mercantile Logistics & International Trade Inc., who will provide insight into the complications of international trade and how to avoid common pitfalls in export and import compliance. You’ll walk away with a deeper awareness of how to conduct global sales while protecting you and your business from potential issues when scaling up.
Key Takeaways:

Understanding international trade compliance
Best practices for engagement with suppliers and government authorities
Pitfalls to avoid with global sales

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Kimberly Daniels
President, Mercantile Logistics & International Trade Inc
Kimberly Daniels has more than fifteen years of professional experience in international logistics. As CEO of Mercantile Logistics & International Trade, Inc. she assists business owners with the importation and exportation of their goods to various distribution locations, including fulfillment warehouses and foreign trade zones. As a small business owner, she is keenly aware of the needs of other small businesses to operate efficiently and effectively, creating her own program, CargoClear®, which smooths costs for clients in providing required customs services.
• Kim holds a Master’s of Business Administration, a Master’s of Science in Law, a Customs Broker License, and a Certificate in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) from APICS.
• Kim has provided International Trade webinars through a variety of channels as a subject matter expert
• Mercantile Logistics is a certified Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) and a Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) since 2018.
• Foreign Trade Zone customs broker under contract

[:en]CO-FOUNDERS MATCHMAKING: ONLINE NETWORKING EVENT[:]
2023-10-23 12:00 - 14:00
Event Details
Building a great Co-Founder team is one of the most difficult yet important steps in founding a startup. While many founders may start alone, there are multiple benefits of having a Co-Founder, and taking the time to establish a quality team can mean the difference between failure and success. Join us for this fun and interactive event where you will learn best practices for building and formalizing a Co-Founder relationship. In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with other entrepreneurs who are looking for a Co-Founder at virtual tables and speed networking sessions.

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in The Founder Institute event.

[:en]Forecasts Aren’t Just for Meteorologists: Why Every Business Needs One![:]
2023-10-26 14:00 - 15:00
About this event

Every entrepreneur hopes their business will succeed, but sometimes it can be difficult to determine what factors will actually support or undermine the longevity of their business. Founders early in their business journey or with limited financial knowledge may wonder: How do I develop realistic budgets? How can I best allocate resources? How do I prepare for potential risks and mitigate their impact?
The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to be joined by Niamh Kristufek, Head of U.S. Business Banking at BMO; and Heather Tuason, CEO at ARENA; During this discussion, we’ll explore the significance of forecasting and the impact it can have on your business. Drawing from their expertise in banking and financial management, our special guests will provide a practical framework for proper forecasting that will allow you to focus more time on strategy.
Key Takeaways:

What a financial forecast really is
Why forecasting is important for every business
How to build your revenue forecast and your expense forecast
Stressing your forecast for good times and bad

Registration for the event enters you for a chance to WIN 3 months of FREE CFO Services with ARENA, subject to the Sweepstakes Official Rules.

OUR SPECIAL GUESTS

Niamh Kristufek
Head of U.S. Business Banking, BMO
Niamh Kristufek is BMO’s Head of U.S. Business Banking, responsible for spearheading the growth of their segment across 32 states as they deliver on their commitment to provide innovative products, digital-first capabilities, and simplified customer experiences to help small businesses make real financial progress. Raised by parents who were small business owners, Niamh has a profound appreciation for the vital role businesses play in a strong economy and thriving communities. Her passion for leadership combined with her commitment to eliminating financial barriers to inclusion has led to the launch of Zero Barriers to Business. The initiative is part of BMO’s EMpower commitment aimed at fostering an inclusive economic recovery for all.With over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, Niamh started her career in credit and commercial lending at LaSalle Bank. In 2011, she joined BMO as Vice President, Special Assets Management, specializing in commercial debt restructuring and reorganization. In 2014, she joined BMO’s Credit Risk team and was promoted to the Head of U.S. Business Banking Credit Risk in 2017. Niamh earned her Masters of Business Administration at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Lake Forest College. She serves on the board of Envision Limited, a Chicago-area non-profit serving adults with disabilities through day programing and housing. Niamh resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and three children.

Heather Tuason
Founder and CEO, Arena
Heather is a Stanford grad where she studied product design, she is the founder and CEO of Arena, a fintech aimed at supporting businesses with fractional CFO and accounting services. After spending over 20 years in banking it was clear that businesses needed much more than a bank could offer to succeed and thrive! At Arena clients receive a fractional CFO that they can hire as they grow, accounting professionals and experts in early stage, growth stage and exit stage companies. We pride ourselves in watching our clients achieve the optimal profit margin for their business while proactively managing their finances.
Heather is based in Northern Virginia, has 4 children and likes to spend time outdoors. She also likes to travel and can often be seen working from a new location just about every week.

About Arena:
Arena provides CFO services simplified to businesses across the U.S.! Now any business can operate as efficiently as a large company with our “Tech & Touch” fintech platform. Our mission is to empower businesses to achieve their strategic goals. Providing active management of their finances and regularly measuring performance against their goals. Named for the renowned Teddy Roosevelt speech given in 1910, Arena is built for the entrepreneur – the man in the arena, the doer of deeds – who dares greatly.
Connect with Arena:

Linkedin
Instagram: @arenaroosevelt
Facebook
Youtube

[:en]Boots to Business Reboot for Veterans and Spouses[:]
2023-11-02 08:00 - 16:00 | 424 N. Riverfront Drive Suite 210 Mankato, MN 56001
Event description
Veterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs. Wondering what it takes and how you can prepare? Enroll in Boots to Business Reboot.
About Boots to Business Reboot
During Reboot, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. The program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors.
Participants that complete an in-person or online B2B Reboot course can elect to further their study through one of many B2B online courses, offered at no cost to Service members, Veterans and military spouses.
The U.S. Small Business Administration empowers veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses, and family members with programs and services to start, grow and expand their small business.

[:en]Leveraging Generative AI to Build Customer Mega-Personas[:]
2023-11-02 15:00 - 16:00
Date and time

Thursday, November 2 · 3 – 4pm CDT

Location

Online

About this event

This session featuring Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, Founder and CEO at Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (OBIS), is designed to give you the tools you need to harness the power of generative AI in your business, focusing specifically on the creation of hyper-accurate customer mega-personas. We’ll also delve into the role of creativity in driving innovation and staying competitive in today’s AI-driven market. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies for prompt engineering, allowing you to interact more effectively with AI tools like ChatGPT and improve your broader communication skills.
Key Takeaways:

Data Utilization for Customer Insights: how generative AI can synthesize customer data to create customer mega-personas for targeted marketing and product development.
Maintaining a Competitive Edge: how creativity can set you apart from competitors who may be using the same technologies.
Effective Communication with AI: how prompt engineering can improve your interactions with AI systems and consequently enhance decision-making and customer engagement.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra
CEO & Founder at Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (“OBIS”)
Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra started her professional career at the age of twenty-two years old when she became licensed as a certified public accountant in New York State. After spending five years as a financial statement auditor at a big four accounting firm, she switched into technology consulting to align with a growing passion she had for business intelligence, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning and reporting. In switching her career paths, she pursued and received technology certifications with companies such as Tableau, Google, Adobe, Alteryx, and Microsoft. In October of 2022, she resigned from her role in corporate America to launch her own business and technology consulting firm, Omni Business Intelligence Solutions (“OBIS”) , acquiring over 135 clients and 75+ five-star reviews. In early 2023, she chose to further develop her education and enrolled in an Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning course at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”). Since then, she has continued to embrace the capabilities of large language model tech and generative AI in her business, finding unique ways to scale revenue and cut costs. In turn, this caught the eye of major media outlets and earned her company a feature in CNBC, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and LA Weekly. Jacqueline also shares her expertise on global platforms such as Upwork, delivering a webinar “Scaling Freelance Business Leveraging Generative AI” to a registered audience of over 6,500+ registered attendees and is often hired as an AI Expert talent panelist for company webinars. With a potent blend of expertise in both finance and technology, coupled with a proactive approach to lifelong learning and thought leadership, Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra continues to redefine what it means to be a versatile entrepreneur in the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.

[:en]The Pitch Deck Toolbox: How To Influence Your Audience[:]
2023-11-06 12:00 - 14:00
Event Details
Your pitch deck can make or break your ability to captivate your audience. We’re inviting you to a tailored workshop where our guest expert Dorothy Fulop will introduce the essential components of a persuasive pitch and demonstrate how to craft a compelling narrative. Discover the key elements that grab attention, engage investors or stakeholders, and leave a lasting impact. This event will focus on powerful but often overlooked tools to supercharge pitch decks. The main goal is to introduce branding and presentation principles, helping founders master the art of creating impactful pitch decks for greater success.

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register for The Founder Institute event.

[:en]How To Start A Business Without Access To Capital[:]
2023-11-09 12:00 - 14:00
Event Details
In this webinar, SCORE Mentor and Executive Consultant Cynthia Rhodes will guide you through the essential steps of starting a business without relying on external funding. You’ll also learn how to craft a business strategy that positions your venture for long-term profitability. Finally, we’ll teach you how to access capital once your business has gained traction.

Additional Information
To learn more, visit SCORE website.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in SCORE event.

[:en]Boost Your Supply Chain Performance[:]
2023-11-14 10:00 - 11:00
Date and time

Tuesday, November 14 · 10 – 11am CST

Location

Online

About this event

Developing a resilient supply chain strategy is crucial for early-stage entrepreneurs developing products as it directly impacts operational efficiency and the sustainability of the business. That’s why it’s important that each aspect of your strategy is well thought-out and planned early on in your business journey to avoid later disruptions.
This session, brought to you by Airbnb and the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, will dive into the key elements to get started building a strong supply chain strategy so that you can set your go-to-market strategy up for long-term success. You’ll walk away with the insight to establish criteria for supplier selection and evaluate market trends and historical data so that your supply chain is complementary to your business efforts.
Key Takeaways:

Supply Selection and Management: identify and evaluate potential suppliers and establish criteria for supplier selection
Demand Forecasting: accurately predict future demand for products/services and assess market trends and historical data to aid decision-making
Inventory and Distribution: determine optimal inventory levels, employ inventory tracking systems, and select appropriate distribution channels

[:en]Navigating The Future Of Entrepreneurship: From 0 To 1 In AI-Native Startups[:]
2023-11-16 11:00 - 12:00
Event Details
Are you interested in learning the emerging trends in Generative AI, and how you can leverage this technology to grow a business? On this live workshop, three experts on technology and startup growth will outline a well-rounded roadmap for success – including customer acquisition strategies that blend AI with sales and marketing, practical steps on building a product, and much more. Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your startup game – register now!

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register for The Founder Institute event.

[:en]How To Budget Your Next Round Of Funding[:]
2023-11-20 12:00 - 14:00
Event Details
Are you a startup founder looking to secure funding? Join this exclusive webinar with the CEO of Slidebean, Caya, and learn the essential skills to project your runway, estimate your scaling potential, and prepare for a successful fundraising round. This transformative webinar will help you take the first step toward financial confidence and startup growth. In addition, signing up will reserve your spot for the Q&A and networking sessions that will follow after the presentation part.

Additional Information
To learn more, click here.

Special Instructions
Please click ‘Learn More’ to register in The Founder Institute event.

[:en]Carry Yourself with Confidence[:]
2023-11-29 15:00 - 16:00
Date and time

Wednesday, November 29 · 3 – 4pm CST

Location

Online

About this event

As founders, our confidence in ourselves and in our business often remains internal until we’ve received external validation from stakeholders or customers. But in order for stakeholders and customers to believe in you and your business, you first have to believe in yourself and your business. This begs the question: what can you do to build confidence and really embody it when engaging with others to build a strong presence for yourself and your business?
Join us for an uplifting conversation with Kelly Lynn Adams, Master Certified Trauma Informed Business, Leadership, and Life Coach, to explore strategies that women entrepreneurs can implements to gain presence, influence, and effective communication skills. You’ll walk away with communication strategies you can employ right away that will open you up for opportunities through stakeholder and customer engagement.
Key Takeaways:

How to effectively and efficiently carry yourself with a confident presence within your personal and professional business that will lead to profits.
Develop a strong messaging and marketing plan while using tailored communication strategies that attract your ideal customers.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Kelly Lynn Adams
Master Certified Trauma Informed Business, Leadership & Life Coach, International Speaker, Podcaster & Writer
Kelly Lynn Adams, is an award-winning master certified trauma informed executive, leadership, life & business coach, international speaker, mental health advocate & creator of the perfectly imperfect podcast listened to globally in 20+ countries. She has helped thousands of high-achieving leaders manage their mindset, maximize their time and monetize in their businesses.
Kelly Lynn has spent over 20+ years in Corporate America working for some of the top retail and fashion brands in the world like Gucci, DKNYJeans, Kenneth Cole & Bed Bath & Beyond. She works with individuals through one-on-one private & group coaching, and client VIP immersions as well as her digital products and speaks for brands, organizations & teams globally which include Kate Spade, The FQ, Neiman Marcus & Athleta to name a few.
She’s a Success Magazine 125 nominated personal development leader, Entrepreneur Magazine Contributor and has been sought out by the media and featured on Forbes.com, Thrive Global, Huffington Post, The Good Men Project, Avon.com, and affiliates of CBS, Fox, & ABC.
She helps people to redefine success through shifting & reprogramming their thoughts, increasing their confidence, stepping into their power, and supersizing their self-love.
She is trained in & uses different modalities and methodologies within her coaching like neuroscience, NLP, IFS, emotional intelligence, somatic release techniques & cognitive behavioral techniques.
You can find more about Kelly through her website at www.KellyLynnAdams.com and on Instagram, Facebook YouTube & Twitter. You can also tune into her weekly podcast, Perfectly Imperfect.

[:en]Fiverr: Keys to Business Success[:]
2023-12-05 12:00 - 13:30
Are you a small business owner struggling to find affordable and reliable freelancers to help with your projects? Look no further than Fiverr! Fiverr is the world’s largest marketplace for digital services where individuals or companies can go to find freelancers with a skill that suits their needs.
In this webinar, you’ll learn all the tips and tricks for using Fiverr to grow your business. We will cover 10 different ways to use Fiverr, including such topics as: graphic design, content writing, web development and more!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take your business to the next level!
Presented by: Dr. Artika Tyner
Dr. Artika Tyner is committed to creating a world of inclusive leaders who will meet the pressing needs of today and work towards a better future where racial justice and economic justice reign supreme. As a motivational speaker, author and educator, Dr. Tyner helps people of all ages connect with their gifts and develop tangible tools for bringing forth sustainable, durable change in the family, workplace, community or school. By building and leveraging the tools in The Inclusive Leader she has inspired thousands of people to lead with their own gifts and plant a seed of social change.
Dr. Tyner’s work is grounded in extensive experience as a law and leadership professor, lawyer, social change agent, researcher and nonprofit founder and leader. She is well-known as a thought leader, author and designer of high-profile programs to drive organizational DEI initiatives and create inclusive leaders. Her impact spans Fortune 500 companies, start up tech companies, healthcare providers, government services and agencies, higher education institutions and grassroots organizations.
Dr. Tyner is deftly able to ask the big questions, strategically innovate real solutions and then lead the way. She intentionally invests her time and energy in inspiring change and welcomes opportunities to present, collaborate and innovate with key stakeholders seeking to impact social change and do what no one has done before.

[:en]Tax Basics 101[:]
2023-12-12 11:00 - 13:00
Business Taxes: Keep your business out of trouble with the IRS
No one wants a “friendly” letter from the IRS. Taxes are an important part of starting a business and it’s not as difficult as you think! But where do you start?
How should I set up my business: as a sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, or partnership? What can I deduct and how do I track my expenses? How do I report my business income and expenses?
This webinar will answer all of these questions and more!
Presented by: Ruth Ann Michnay, CPA, MBT, EA, USTCP
Ruth Ann Michnay is an enrolled agent, and a United States Tax Court Practitioner, has a practice in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she concentrates in tax representation, tax preparation (individual and small businesses), and accounting services/consulting. She served on the American Institute of CPAs’ Advocacy & Relations Committee (formerly IRS Practice and Procedures Committee, 2012–2015 and 2004–2007) and published articles in AICPA The Tax Adviser and the MN CPA Footnote. Ruth Ann teaches for the University of Minnesota Income Tax Course (2003 to current). She has been an adjunct professor for twelve years at Metropolitan State University and periodically for several other Universities and colleges in the area.

[:en]Working with Family Offices as an Emerging Manager[:]
2023-12-12 12:00 - 13:30
About this event

Emerging venture fund managers need to build new LP relationships, particularly with family offices and high net worth individuals, which are the capital sources most likely to put a new fund into business. Identifying family offices, evaluating if they are the right fit for your fund, and building a relationship can be challenging. The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, in partnership with the IIE.VC, the venture capital arm of the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE), and Allocate, will host “Working with Family Offices as an Emerging Manager on December 12, 2023.
In this 90-minute session, attendees will get insights the current family office landscape for emerging fund managers. The discussion will be led by Nic Millikan, CAIA, CFA and Managing Director of Client Solutions at Allocate. All venture emerging fund managers are invited to apply to attend.
This event is hosted as part of the Initiative for Inclusive Entrepreneurship (IIE), which aims to catalyze over $6 billion in AUM for diverse and emerging fund managers by 2025. Announced by Vice President Kamala Harris and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s $10 billion SSBCI program, IIE.VC is shaping the future of venture capital with an emphasis on inclusive entrepreneurship. As a partner of IIE, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center aims to equip diverse emerging fund managers in venture capital with the tools they need to raise and close their funds. You can learn more about IIE.VC at https://www.iie.vc/.
Thank you for your interest! Registration for this event is now closed due to capacity. If you would like to join the waitlist, please reach out to Jessica Straus Fuchs at jessica.fuchs@thecenter.nasdaq.org.

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver world-class resources and mentoring to enable every entrepreneur across the globe to realize their maximum potential. Please join us and make your gift to ensure these transformative programs may continue to reach the underserved.

All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to webinarhost@thecenter.nasdaq.org with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact anna.vanmaanen@thecenter.nasdaq.org

[:en]Impactful Entrepreneurship[:]
2023-12-12 13:00 - 14:00
About this event

You may be wondering: can impact and profit really go hand-in-hand? The answer is less straightforward than it may seem. When impactful organization go beyond profits to integrate corporate social responsibility, they drive innovation, attract top talent, earn brand loyalty, appeal to conscientious customers and investors, and gain a competitive edge, all while making a tangible difference in the world.
The Nasdaq Center is thrilled to welcome back Mike Miles, Cofounder at 05 Advisors and Mentor-in-Residence and Adjunct Lecturer at University of Arizona, for a deep dive into the entrepreneurial skills that are crucial for impact-driven for-profit organizations. With Mike’s guidance, you’ll be on the path to becoming a socially conscious leader, empowering you to instill a company culture build on purpose, integrity, and visionary leadership. Join us to discover why we need impact-driven businesses and how to succeed as one.
Key Takeaways:

Why the world needs impactful organizations
Simple yet impactful ways to integrate CSR into your early-stage venture
How to become a more socially impactful leader

OUR SPECIAL GUEST

Michael Miles
Mentor In-Residence & Lecturer, University of Arizona & Co-Founder 05 Advisors
Michael has spent most of his career leading the development and launch of several global B2B and B2C software products for multiple startups and Microsoft. Before his career at Microsoft, Michael led software engineering for two startups, including a pre-IPO company that eventually became SAP Concur. During his 20-year career at Microsoft, Michael was a software engineering executive leading the development and launch of multiple new global consumer products and has led international teams in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America.
Since retiring from Microsoft in 2019, Michael has focused on teaching Entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona, teaching and mentoring Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Arizona and the Watson Institute, and as an early-stage investor, advisor, and board member of numerous non-profit and for-profit startups.
When he is not teaching or working with early-stage companies, Michael spends time apologizing to his wife for all of the traveling, skiing, mountaineering, and hiking that he does.
Michael holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from Cal State in San Bernardino, California, and a Global Executive MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver world-class resources and mentoring to enable every entrepreneur across the globe to realize their maximum potential. Please join us and make your gift to ensure these transformative programs may continue to reach the underserved.

All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to webinarhost@thecenter.nasdaq.org with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact anna.vanmaanen@thecenter.nasdaq.org

[:en]2023 Winter IPO Bootcamp[:]
2023-12-13 11:00 - 15:30
About this event

Join fellow Founders, CEOs, CFOs, General Counsels and their teams at this exclusive webinar designed to help private companies better understand the process behind an initial public offering. The market volatility seen in early 2023 has slowed the IPO market down, giving companies thinking about listing more time to prepare and strategize. Our experts will share – how to prepare, ways to avoid pitfalls, and strategies for a successful transition to being a public company.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This IPO Bootcamp is intended for any executive who is involved in devising and/or executing an IPO – from CEO, CFO, COO, CTO, Chief Counsel, General Counsel – to leaders and the teams who are responsible for identifying and managing an IPO.
Space is limited; please RSVP to ensure your spot!
AGENDA
9:00AM – 9:30AM – IPO Market Update & Analysis by BMO
9:30AM – 10:30AM – Preparing for and staying on track for your IPO
This panel will cover:

How readiness is the key to success
Getting the timing right
Tips and strategies on how to ensure you are on the right path

10:30 AM-10:35AM – BREAK
10:35AM-11:40 AM – Executing your IPO
This panel will cover:

Company requirements required to IPO
What are the advantages/disadvantages to virtual roadshows?
How should pre-IPO companies think about investor engagement?
Are direct listings still a consideration for tech companies?
The best practices for managing an IPO deal team

11:40 AM-11:45AM – BREAK
11:45AM-1:00 PM – Achieving Success as a New Public Company
This panel will cover:

Case studies of successful IPOs
Keeping a clean balance sheet during a delay in a public offering
Closing the books in a mostly still virtual world
Learning from process issues identified by the challenges created by COVID-19
Being productive during a delay – enhance skills and processes required for public companies

*Please use the same zoom link across all the panels

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver world-class resources and mentoring to enable every entrepreneur across the globe to realize their maximum potential. Please join us and make your gift to ensure these transformative programs may continue to reach the underserved.

All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to webinarhost@thecenter.nasdaq.org with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact anna.vanmaanen@thecenter.nasdaq.org

[:en]Growing Your Business With a CRM[:]
2023-12-14 12:00 - 13:30
This is for business owners who are looking to get organized and gain insights into how prospects and customers are engaging with your marketing, sales, and service efforts.
We will dig into what a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool is and the habits and processes that complement the technology. We will look at what structures are needed in order to attract more prospects, engage and convert more leads, and delight your customers.
Presented By: Louis Garcia
Louis Garcia is a tech data geek with a decade of corporate IT experience and built a company while working full time. He transitioned out of his professional career and built a five-person team that is out to educate owners on how to grow their business with ease using a CRM. You can find out more about Louis and his team at https://www.mediagarcia.com/
