Montana District Office 

u s small business administration

Montana District

Trainings & Workshops

November 2022

Note:  There are many offerings (listed by date) so be sure to scroll all the way through to find the trainings your small business needs!


event_online

PROSPERA: EOS Overview and Implementation Workshop – November 1 and 8

Date: 11/1/2022
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 11 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/1/2022 8:00 AM (MDT)

Fees:
Prospera Members $300.00
Non-Members $400.00
Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Suzi Berget White (406) 587-3113

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Managing a Business

Description:
EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System™) Overview and Implementation
What students will learn: This training will provide a comprehensive overview of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and how the system might be implemented in a business that fits the target market.

Attendees will learn the 6 Key Components of the EOS Model™ and the Five Foundational Tools™ that are used to strengthen all 6 Key Components.

Vision / Traction Organizer™
Accountability Chart™
Rock Sheet
EOS Meeting Pulse™
EOS Scorecard™

Who should attend: The best fit for EOS™ is privately held entrepreneurial businesses with 10-100 people whose owners / leadership teams are growth oriented, open minded, want help, and are willing to be open, honest, and vulnerable. Leaders of organizations who have good people, ideas, and a vision, but need some structure / tools to execute better in order to help their vision becomes their reality. It is encouraged for multiple members of a Leadership Team to attend together.

This video is an example of just one of the tools you will learn about – Level 10 meetings – https://www.eosworldwide.com/level-10

Instructor: Jerry Kauffman, Certified EOS Implementer

This is a two-day class on Zoom:

Tuesday, November 1 from 10am-Noon

Tuesday, November 8 from 10am-Noon

Please plan on spending 2-3 hours in between the two sessions to do the homework as a team.

The registration is a per person price and includes one copy of the book “Traction” by Gino Wickman. Books are available for pick up at the Prospera office between 9am-3pm. We recommend 2-3 people from your company attending the training together.

Once you register, you will receive an email with the Zoom links.

This class qualifies for Incumbent Worker’s Training Funds. You can apply for the funds at this link: https://wsd.dli.mt.gov/employers/incumbent-worker-training-program/

If you would like an approved letter to upload for your IWT applications please email Suzi at swhite@prosperamt.org and she will provide one for you at no charge. Please apply for this grant at least 30 days prior to the training.


Montana Women's Business Center

Power Up – Nov. 2, 9, 16th- ZOOM

 

Date/Time:
Session #1 11/2/2022 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (MDT)
Session #2 11/9/2022 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (MST)
Session #3 11/16/2022 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 14 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/2/2022 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fees:
Non-Member $375.00
Prospera Member $300.00
2nd Company Representative $175.00
Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Shayna Blaser (406) 587-3113
Location: ZOOM, Bozeman MT 59718

Training Topics: Business Start-up/Preplanning
Description:
Instructor/Presenter: Karen Lum

Event Description:
This 3 session course has been specifically designed for individuals who are brand new to business, wanting to start a business, and new business owners or individuals looking to start a second business.

What you will learn:

– Clarity and fresh perspective about starting a new business
– Solid first draft of your Business Plan – In-depth understanding of your industry and competition
– Documented sales projections and marketing strategy based on industry research & geography
– Projected cash flow for one year
– Shared experience with other local entrepreneurs and subject matter experts
– Valuable resources and processes that support your business planning journey

PROSPERA CLASSES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Scholarships may be available for this course. Apply here: https://www.prosperamt.org/scholarship-requests

The Montana Women’s Business Center and all of its programs and activities are accessible to and usable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, or who have sensory impairments. Please reach out to the Montana Women’s Business Center Program Director after registration to inform them of your accommodation needs. Call 406-587-3113 or Email sblaser@prosperamt.org.


event_physical

The Small Business Webinar Series: Dipping Your Toes into TikTok for Business

Date: 11/3/2022
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Registration Deadline: 11/3/2022 11:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Rich Gannon (406) 836-2078

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Customer Relations, eCommerce, Internet/Web Training, Market Research, Marketing/Sales, Social Media
Description:
Topic:

TikTok is here to stay, but that doesn’t mean you need to feel pressured to chase the next, big social media trend. Although it remains to be seen how businesses will market on TikTok, there are steps you can take now to establish your presence, so that you will be ready when the most effective marketing strategies emerge. This webinar will cover recent changes in the platform, two Montana businesses who have seen success on TikTok, how to begin exploring the platform, and a simple posting strategy that requires minimal time. This webinar is appropriate for businesses who haven’t created a TikTok account yet or who are just starting out using the platform.

This is a 30-minute webinar from 11-11:30am Mountain Time.

Presenter:

Shelby Humphreys, Owner – Missoula Social Media; https://www.missoulasocialmedia.guru/

Presenter Bio:

Shelby is a Missoula native who loves to connect people and ideas. Whether that’s in real life or the digital world, she enjoys supporting her community through creativity and connection. With seven years of digital marketing experience, Shelby helps small businesses reach the digital Missoula market, so they can focus on what they do best.
—–

To join the webinar, click here:

https://www.montana.edu/extensionecon/smallbusiness/

Hear experts provide an overview of small business development topics and phone in or type/chat questions or comments. We will follow-up with requests for additional information. All webinars are free and open the public at 11 a.m. and will be recorded and archived.

The Small Business Development Webinar Series is presented in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Montana Small Business Development Centers, Montana State University Extension, Montana Economic Developers Association, the Montana Department of Commerce with additional assistance from the University of Montana and Great Falls Development Authority.

Instructions:
Join the webinar live, access the recorded webinar and for additional resources, go to:https://www.montana.edu/extensionecon/smallbusiness/ For questions, email: commdev@montana.edu

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.

Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.

Discount Policy: Discounts and coupons can be issued at the discretion of the conference organizer.


eidl

Montana District webinar series:

Making Payments on your COVID EIDL Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Date:  November 3, 2022

Time:  10:30 AM MST

Click to join meeting or get call in numbers

Many businesses that obtained COVID EIDL loans will have their 30-month payment deferral expire soon. Those businesses will need to begin making payments.

Are you one of those businesses? If so, the Montana District can help with five (5) information sessions to choose from. 

Oct. 25 – Nov. 3 – Nov. 17 – Dec. 6 – Dec. 15

Each webinar session will cover the following:
• Overview of the COVID EIDL program
• Your loan details
• How to make payments
• How to identify your Loan Servicing Center
• Help with planning your payment
• FAQs


Montana Women's Business Center

Government Contracting Micro Learning Series | Intro to Small Business Certifications

Date: 11/8/2022
Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 96 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/8/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fees:
Female Owned Business $0.00
Veteran Owned Business $0.00
Minority Owned Business $0.00
Male/Female Owned Business $0.00
Male Owned Business $0.00
Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Shayna Blaser (406) 587-3113

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Government Contracting
Description:

About the Training

Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy and play a vital role in job creation, innovation, and community development. They also make up 99% of all employers and employ nearly half of the country’s private-sector workforce.

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you may have heard about government contracts and are wondering if that is something worth exploring or even attempting. Join us for a 101-level introduction into Small Business Certifications.

The Montana Women’s Business Center and all of its programs and activities are accessible to and usable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, or who have sensory impairments. Please reach out to the Montana Women’s Business Center Program Director after registration to inform them of your accommodation needs. Call 406-587-3113 or Email sblaser@prosperamt.org.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.

Refund Policy: All classes are non-refundable.

Discount Policy: Discounts and coupons can be issued at the discretion of the conference organizer.


Montana SBDC

Making your Website Work for You

Date: 11/8/2022

Register & Additional Info

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (MST)
Status: Open – 21 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/8/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Kayla Vokral (406) 254-6014
Location: 201 N. Broadway, Zoot Training Room , Billings MT 59101

Training Topics: Internet/Web Training

Description:
Your website should act as one of your best employees. In this workshop, we’ll discuss your target audience, how to craft a strong call to action, and how to create a flow that converts. We’ll also discuss online tools you should be using.


>>> IN PERSON <<< – 15 Must Do’s When Starting Your Business in Montana
LIVE EVENT (IN PERSON)

DATE & TIME: November 8, 2022, 12:00pm MST

Register & Additional Info

LOCATION: Bozeman, MT  FEE: $25.00 EVENT LANGUAGE: English
SHARE THIS:
Register Now
Address:
Bozeman Chamber of Commerce
2000 Commerce Way
Bozeman, MT, 59715
If you want your business launch to be as successful as possible, then there really are steps that you MUST DO to prevent subsequent legal, tax, and operational issues.

Join Rick Sanders, Certified SCORE Mentor, for a solid 1-hour, information-packed review of the 15 steps you really must do. There will be a few extra slides covering marketing and Montana State business URLs. Considering the amount of information we will cover, Rick will be available for detailed questions after the workshop.

For further detailed questions, please request a SCORE Mentor with whom you can interface directly. Go to https://score.tfaforms.net/16?companyid=0263
Handouts will be made available after registration.
Individuals who cannot afford the workshop may request free admission from Rick.Sanders@SCOREvolunteer.org.


>>> ONLINE ONLY <<< – 15 Must Do’s When Starting Your Business in Montana
LIVE EVENT (ONLINE)

DATE & TIME: November 8, 2022, 12:00pm MST

Register & Additional Info

 FEE: $25.00 EVENT LANGUAGE: English

If you want your business launch to be as successful as possible, then there really are steps that you MUST DO to prevent subsequent legal, tax, and operational issues.

Join Rick Sanders, Certified SCORE Mentor, for a solid 1-hour, information-packed review of the 15 steps you really must do. There will be a few extra slides covering marketing and Montana State business URLs. Considering the amount of information we will cover, Rick will be available for detailed questions after the workshop.

For further detailed questions, please request a SCORE Mentor with whom you can interface directly. Go to https://score.tfaforms.net/16?companyid=0263
Handouts will be made available after registration.
Individuals who cannot afford the workshop may request free admission from Rick.Sanders@SCOREvolunteer.org..


boots to business reboot

Boots to Business | Reboot

Date: 11/9/2022
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (MST)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 10 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/9/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fees:
Veteran $0.00
Military Spouse $0.00
Active Duty Service Member $0.00
Guardmen/Reservist $0.00
Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Shayna Blaser (406) 587-3113
Location: Prospera Business Network 865 Technology BLVD Suite A, Bozeman MT 59718

Training Topics: Business Plan, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Veterans Outreach Conf.
Description:

This training is brought to you by the Veterans Business Outreach Center in partnership with Prospera Business Network.

About the Training

This “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course is the foundational piece of Boots to Business (B2B). 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 local resources available to help right here in our community.

In addition to content delivered by subject matter experts, participants will hear from a panel of successful veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. After completion of the course, participants can elect to further their study through the B2B Revenue Readiness online course, delivered through a partnership with Mississippi State University (MSU). Agenda Includes:

Introduction to Business Ownership
Basics of Opportunity Recognition
Understanding Markets & Your Competitive Space
The Economics of Small Business Startup
Lunch Hour Panel Discussion with Bozeman veteran business owners (free lunch provided)
Legal Considerations
Financing your venture
Introduction to Business Planning
Resources to Support Your Efforts in Montana
Panelists Include: Tina Cusker with La Cuisine, Ed Ballenco with Better Body Fitness Equipment

The Montana Women’s Business Center and all of its programs and activities are accessible to and usable by disabled persons, including persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind, or who have sensory impairments. Please reach out to the Montana Women’s Business Center Program Director after registration to inform them of your accommodation needs. Call 406-587-3113 or Email sblaser@prosperamt.org.


Montana SBDC

Startup Roadmap

Date: 11/10/2022
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 18 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/10/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Kayla Vokral (406) 254-6014

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Business Start-up/Preplanning
Description:
Designed for individuals who would like to start their own business. This is a great overview of things to know about start-up costs, financing options, and business planning. A wealth of information and resources are provided free of charge.


Montana SBDC

Payroll System in Quickbooks – Glasgow

Date: 11/15/2022
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 16 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/14/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: $15.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Quincy Walter (406) 650-2524
Location: 54250 US Highway 2, Glasgow MT 59230-1561

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business, Tax Planning, Technology
Description:
During the class, you will learn to set up a payroll system in QuickBooks properly, create paychecks, pay tax liabilities, track employee time, create job cost data, generate payroll forms, reports, and much more. Instruction is in DESKTOP QuickBooks 2021 on provided computers (please do not bring your laptop unless it is for private one-on-one sessions later), but content applies to QB 2010-2021.

The afternoon of each day will be set aside for 60-minute one-on-one sessions with Wendy from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

First come, first serve, call to reserve your spot today! For questions or more information, email quincy@gndc.org.

Fee is $15 for lunch, so register today!

*We reserve the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollments are not met.

Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Montana Department of Commerce. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Registration and Fees: Payment of seminar fees may be made by check, money order or credit card. Payment must be received to guarantee your space in an event.

Refund Policy: If you wish to request a refund, please contact the conference organizer listed above to discuss. You may also elect to send a substitute in your place. If the event is cancelled, all fees will be returned.

Discount Policy: Discounts and coupons can be issued at the discretion of the conference organizer.


>>> IN PERSON <<< – QuickBooks Online – BEGINNING
LIVE EVENT (IN PERSON) 

DATE & TIME: November 15, 2022, 10:30am MST

Register & Additional Info

LOCATION: Bozeman, MT 

FEE: $99.00 EVENT LANGUAGE: English

This 2-day workshop (Tuesday – Thursday) is designed for the new QuickBooks Online (QBO) user, or those looking to convert from Desktop to online and want a general understanding…

Address:
Bozeman Chamber of Commerce
2000 Commerce Way
Bozeman, MT, 59715

KEY TOPICS
Accounting & Finance Bookkeeping


>>> IN PERSON <<< – QuickBooks Online – BEGINNING
LIVE EVENT (IN PERSON)

DATE & TIME: November 15, 2022, 10:30am MST

Register & Additional Info

LOCATION: Bozeman, MT  FEE: $99.00 EVENT LANGUAGE: English

This 2-day workshop (Tuesday – Thursday) is designed for the new QuickBooks Online (QBO) user, or those looking to convert from Desktop to online and want a general understanding…

Address:
Bozeman Chamber of Commerce
2000 Commerce Way
Bozeman, MT, 59715
KEY TOPICS
Accounting & Finance Bookkeeping


Montana SBDC

Payroll System in Quickbooks – Plentywood

Date: 11/17/2022
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MST)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Postponed
Registration Deadline: 11/16/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: $15.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Quincy Walter (406) 650-2524
Location: Jubilee Room Sheridan County Courthouse/Library 100 W Laurel Ave, Plentywood MT 59254

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business, Tax Planning, Technology

Description:
During the class, you will learn to set up a payroll system in QuickBooks properly, create paychecks, pay tax liabilities, track employee time, create job cost data, generate payroll forms, reports, and much more. Instruction is in DESKTOP QuickBooks 2021 on provided computers (please do not bring your laptop unless it is for private one-on-one sessions later), but content applies to QB 2010-2021.

The afternoon of each day will be set aside for 60-minute one-on-one sessions with Wendy from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

First come, first serve, call to reserve your spot today! For questions or more information, email quincy@gndc.org.

The fee is $15 for lunch, so register today!

*We reserve the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollments are not met.


Montana SBDC

Value Proposition

Date: 11/17/2022
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (MST)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 9 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/17/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Kayla Vokral (406) 254-6014
Location: 201 N. Broadway, Zoot Training Room , Billings MT 59101

Training Topics: Business Plan

Description:
Your Value Proposition is the reason why customers turn to your company over another. It solves your customer’s problem or satisfies your customer’s need. In this workshop you will work on discovering your company’s value proposition by answering these questions.

What value do you deliver to the customer?
Which one of our customer’s problems are you helping to solve?
Which job are you helping the customer get done?
Which customer needs are you satisfying?
What bundles of products and services are you offering to each Customer Segment?


eidl

Montana District webinar series:

Making Payments on your COVID EIDL Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Date:  November 17, 2022

Time:  10:30 AM MST

Click to join meeting or get call in numbers

Many businesses that obtained COVID EIDL loans will have their 30-month payment deferral expire soon. Those businesses will need to begin making payments.

Are you one of those businesses? If so, the Montana District can help with five (5) information sessions to choose from. 

Oct. 25 – Nov. 3 – Nov. 17 – Dec. 6 – Dec. 15

Each webinar session will cover the following:
• Overview of the COVID EIDL program
• Your loan details
• How to make payments
• How to identify your Loan Servicing Center
• Help with planning your payment
• FAQs


Montana SBDC

Building a Website for your Business

Date: 11/29/2022
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 49 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/29/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: $25.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Courtney Loeffler 14065338780
Location: 65 E Broadway St, Butte MT 59701-9305

Training Topics: Marketing/Sales

Description:
Does your business need a website? Do you need to update your current website? Are you stuck trying to navigate through the process?

If you Google your business, what will you find? Is your business’s website telling your story correctly? Or maybe you haven’t built your website at all yet! Join us for a day to learn about website design and how your website interacts with search engines like Google.

The first half of the day, we will discuss the various web design platforms and how to choose the right one for your business.

The second half of the day, we will work together to help you start your build OR edit your current site to better meet your needs.

Bring your laptops and come prepared with ideas on:
-Making a list of your website needs and goals
-Creating content for your website
-Choosing the right website building platform for your needs
-Structuring your homepage
-Building a website that works on all devices
-Security and maintenance
-Keeping your website fresh and updated

Join us for a one day training on Building a Website for your Business from 9 AM – 4PM. The training will be held at 65 E. Broadway, Butte, MT (2nd Floor Conference Room). The cost to attend this class is $25 per person and lunch will be included.

Funded in part by the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC), Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Headwaters RCD Area, Inc.

Instructions:
The training will be located at 65 E. Broadway Street. Please use the side entrance (Wyoming Street) to enter the building. We will be in the 2nd Floor Conference Room.

This training is in Butte, MT.


Montana SBDC

Creating a Digital Marketing Campaign

Date: 11/30/2022
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MST)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 50 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 11/30/2022 8:00 AM (MST)
Fee: $25.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Courtney Loeffler 14065338780
Location: 65 E Broadway St, Butte MT 59701-9305

Training Topics: Marketing/Sales

Description:
Creating a digital marketing campaign for your business goes beyond boosting a few posts on Facebook! Join this one-day training to learn how to effectively build a digital campaign for your marketing efforts that uses your budget effectively and gets you the most bang for your buck! We’ll discuss using YouTube, social media, email marketing, and landing pages on your website to build a digital campaign that creates results!

Join us for a one day training on Creating a Digital Marketing Campaign from 9 AM – 4PM. The training will be held at 65 E. Broadway, Butte, MT (2nd Floor Conference Room). The cost to attend this class is $25 per person and lunch will be included.

Funded in part by the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA), the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC), Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Headwaters RCD Area, Inc.

Instructions:
The training will be located at 65 E. Broadway Street. Please use the side entrance (Wyoming Street) to enter the building. We will be in the 2nd Floor Conference Room.

This training is in Butte, MT.


Small Business Resources

Right Here in Montana!

SBA resource partners provide business consulting, mentoring and training services.


Montana SBDC

Montana Small Business Development Center Network

https://sbdc.mt.gov/


Montana Womens Business Center

Montana Women’s Business Center

https://www.prosperamt.org/womens-business-center/overview


WELL

Women’s Entrepreneurship and Leadership Lab

(Women’s Business Center)

https://www.umt.edu/passion/


VBOC

Montana Veterans Business Outreach Center

https://bigskyvboc.org/


SCORE

Bozeman:  https://bozeman.score.org/

Billings:  https://billings.score.org

Western Montana:  https://westernmontana.score.org 


sba logo

SBA Learning Platform

More resources available at the SBA Learning Platform.  SBA’s online learning programs are designed to empower and educate small business owners every step of the way.

SBA Learning Platform


Ascent: elevate your business

Ascent for Women

A free online learning platform for women interested in starting or growing their small businesses.

ASCENT for Women

SBA Montana District Office