How to Get Certified for Contracting
Time: 8:00am - 9:30am
Category: Business
Getting your business certified can improve your chances for gaining access to contracts, both federal and commercial. By law, federal agencies are required to establish contracting goals and many large corporations also elect to set aside a portion of their contracting dollars for small business. There are many advantages to being certified. Come discover how you can get certified and use it to grow your business. Representatives from the Small Business Administration, The California Public Utilities Commission, and The Western Regional Minority Supplier Development Council will speak about their certification programs and how they can benefit small businesses.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Doing Business with Transportation Agencies: BART, SFMTA, SFO & Caltrans
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 AM
Category: Business
Presenters from BART, SFMTA, SFO, and Caltrans will discuss opportunities for contracting with these transportation agencies to sell your goods and services as well as the process that small businesses must follow in order to contract with these agencies.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Doing Business with Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Category: Business
A presenter from Pacific Gas and Electric Company will discuss opportunities for contracting to sell your goods and services to PG&E and how small businesses can begin to compete for contracts with PG&E.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Doing Business with the State and Federal Government
Time: 1:30 - 2:30pm
Category: Business
State government spends billions of dollars each year on contracts with California business and the Federal Government is the world’s largest buyer of goods and services. In this session, you will learn all about doing business with the State and Federal Governments, including:
• Where to look for government opportunities
• What government agencies look for and how they work
• The process for getting certified to secure government contracts
• The difference between certain certifications, and how you can leverage them to grow your business
Presenters include representatives from the Federal General Services Administration, the California Department of General Services, and Hien Tran, CEO and President of Anvil Builders.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Doing Business with the City of San Francisco
Time: 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Category: Business
Join The City of San Francisco and Lamont Bransford-Young, owner of Fingersnaps Media Arts, in a discussion on doing business with the City of San Francisco. The City of San Francisco’s Contract Monitoring Division will present the requirements and benefits of Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Certification and Lamont Bransford-Young, a certified minority small business owner in San Francisco, will share his personal and professional perspective and experiences navigating public contracts.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
How to Make a Living Making Food
Time: 8:30am - 10:00am
Category: Business
Making food is one thing; making a living is entirely different. In this brief workshop, La Cocina, the Department of Public Health and the FDA San Francisco District Office will review the fundamental considerations that any food entrepreneur should consider before launching this next phase of their life. La Cocina will review business planning resources, available kitchen spaces, techniques for assessing the marketplace and referrals to support organizations. The FDA San Francisco District Office will focus on what is required when you start selling your food product on the internet and come under the jurisdiction of the federal government. It will address good manufacturing practices, food labeling regulations and the federal laws including the Food Safety Modernization Act (Preventive Controls), the Food Allergen & Consumer Protection Act, the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and others. If you have high aspirations for the sales of your product, this workshop will inform you as to future requirements.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Intro to Lean Startup
Time: 9:00 - 10:30am
Category: Business
The Business Model Canvas is a strategic management tool and the basis of the Lean Startup approach to entrepreneurship. In this workshop, you will be introduced to this tool and have an opportunity to work in small groups to outline a business idea using the canvas. The canvas, typically used with sticky notes, allows you to describe, design, challenge, invent, and alter your business model as you gather information about your business through primary market research.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Influential Selling: How to Turn Connections Into Revenue
Time: 12:30 - 2:00pm
Category: Business
Like any business owner you’re always looking for ways to get your name in front of your target audience whether it’s through advertising, cold calling, public speaking or networking and selling. Join Tony Wilkins as he shares his best tips for generating revenue and building brand awareness through this unique approach to networking and selling.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
12 BIG Mistakes Small Employers Make
Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm
Category: Business
This workshop covers the highlights of common mistakes small employers make which can get them in hot water with either the state or expose them to expensive litigation. Topics to be covered include employee misclassification, wage and hour law, employee handbooks, injury illness prevention plans, vacation policies, reasonable accommodation, leaves of absence, San Francisco’s new Family Friendly ordinance, workers’ compensation and much more. Registration Required.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Franchising Basics: What You Should know to Consider a Franchise
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Category: Business
This class provides an overview on franchising, pros and cons, selecting the right one, proper due diligence, funding options, and keys to success in operating a new franchise. Hear from franchise owners and their process from corporate America into franchise ownership.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Immigration Law in the Employment Context
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Category: Business
Two local immigration lawyers focusing on employment-based immigration will provide a general overview of employment-based immigration, with a special focus on small businesses. In this environment of heightened enforcement, compliance with our nation's immigration laws has never been more important. As small businesses, it is essential to follow all immigration regulations and monitor changes in the law as they impact required wages, permissible work activities, volunteering and penalties for unauthorized employment. Our presentation will offer a useful and practical overview to help local small business owners stay informed of their duties and obligations under US immigration laws.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Federal/State Basic Payroll Tax Seminar
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Category: Business
This seminar guides participants through the basics of tax preparation. Subjects include determining independent contractor versus employee, withholding taxes, deposits and completing the proper forms. Presented by IRS Representative Robert Jung and the California EDD Tax Office.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Immigration & Diversity: What Employers & Their Staff Need to Know
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Category: Business
This workshop will explore current issues surrounding immigration policy and what effects it has on small businesses in our community. Topics of discussion will include a review of business and employees' rights if ICE makes an inquiry as well as an examination of implicit bias and how small business owners can improve inclusivity in the workplace. This workshop is being presented by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Before You Sign That Lease
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Category: Business
The pre-printed lease form looks daunting, and the broker is pressuring you to sign right now – but wait! There are many parts of an office, retail, or other commercial lease that you can and should negotiate with the landlord to increase the odds of success for your business. An experienced business and real estate attorney will help you learn how to make well-informed commercial tenant decisions and prepare for landlord negotiations. Although taught by an experienced attorney, this class does not constitute legal advice.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Art of Negotiation: (The Secrets of Getting What You Deserve)
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Category: Business
Learn the most important skills behind successful negotiation and instantly develop a skill-set that will work for the small business owner who makes no small plans. This workshop provides you with actionable insights through authentic access to serial entrepreneurs and their stories on how they negotiated what they deserved, both in business and in life. You will learn how to:
• Create Power and Leverage in Negotiations
• Adjust your Negotiation Style for Different Situations
• Leverage Techniques for Conflict Resolution
• Use the Power of Story to Establish Rapport
• Avoid Being Cheated
• Get What You Deserve!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Smart Tools to Save Money with Energy Resources
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Category: Business
This workshop will cover ways to utilize PG&E resources to help lower the cost of doing business with PG&E. The workshop will also feature a guest speaker from SFEW who will discuss other public programs and resources available to business customers.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Get Federal Funding for High Tech Research (SBIR/STTR)
Time: 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Category: Business
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are the federal government's largest R&D grant programs targeted to the small business community. With $3 billion available annually, the programs are a source of non-dilutive seed capital to help fund the development of promising new technologies. SBIR/STTR funding can also serve as a pathway to equity financing.
This presentation will cover the following:
• Overview of the SBIR and STTR programs
• Differences between SBIR and STTR
• Qualifications and eligibility requirements for SBIR/STTR funding
• How to determine if your innovation is a good fit for SBIR/STTR funding
• How to search for SBIR/STTR solicitations and topics
• Steps to preparing a SBIR/STTR proposal
• Tips for improving your chances of receiving SBIR/STTR funding
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Training, Mentoring, Counseling, Financing and More - Non-Profit Services For Entrepreneurs
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Category: Business
Are you an aspiring or current small business owner who needs training, counseling, mentoring, financing, networking opportunities, ongoing support and more? We are here for you. The San Francisco Economic Development Alliance (SFEDA) is a group of non-profit organizations that pledges to support the livelihood and the creation of wealth of all local small business entrepreneurs. We bring solutions and prosperity to every small business owner serving San Francisco. Join this workshop and learn how we can help you thrive. Whatever your need, you can be sure that SFEDA has programs for you.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Leading The Charge: Stories from Success in Contracting
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Category: Business
Having a successful Black Woman’s Business in the city and county of San Francisco for over 20 years is no small feat. Learn how these women started their businesses, won city contracts, remained sustainable, and hired people from their own communities. This conversation will not only inspire you to dream of starting your own business, but will reveal tools of survival and success.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Here Today But Planning for Tomorrow: The Next Gen and Your Business
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Category: Business
This workshop focuses on how to plan ahead for a smooth transition of the family business and assets to the next generation. Panelists will discuss how business owners can engage in fruitful conversations with their children about their future, awaken their interest in joining the family business, and address the legal and financial implications of estate planning, as well as their options in terms of next-generation leadership (appoint a family member to take over, sell to a team or coop of current workers, or sell to an outsider). Participants will be invited to reflect on their personal and business goals, their options and challenges to transition the business to next-gen leaders, and to draw a timeline and preliminary checklist of issues to address.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
