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Montana Trainings & Workshops – September 2022


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Montana District Office 

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Montana District

Trainings & Workshops

September 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!


Montana Women's Business Center

Power Up – Sept. 14, 21, 28

 

Date/Time:
Session #1 9/14/22 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (MDT)
Session #2 9/21/22 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (MDT)
Session #3 9/28/22 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 14 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/14/22 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: Prospera Business Center 865 Technology Blvd Suite 1, 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.


Montana SBDC

Business Pitch

Date: 9/15/22
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Registration Deadline: 9/15/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Tony Peres (406) 750-2099
Location: 322 South Main Street Folklore Coffee, Conrad MT 59425-2336

Training Topics: Business Start-up/Preplanning, Market Research, Marketing/Sales
Description:
Business Pitch was developed to help teach entrepreneurs how to talk about their ideas publicly while spurring innovation and entrepreneurship within the Golden Triangle of Montana. We provide a space for dreamers, thinkers, makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to pitch and connect with a structured approach to talking business.

To meet other entrepreneurial-minded people, hear ideas, be part of something bigger, and network with doers, join us for the Business Pitch In.

If you are an entrepreneur hoping to start a business or own an existing business but have a new idea to grow it and would like to talk about it and get feedback from potential customers, contact Tony Peres at Tony@GrowGreatFalls.org or 406-750-2099. Only 3-4 presenters speak per event.

The Conrad Pitch In Event will be held 11AM to 1PM at Folklore Coffee (322 S Main St).


Montana SBDC

Startup Roadmap

Date: 9/15/22
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 16 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/15/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
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..


event_physical

Innovention: From Idea to Investment

Date: 9/20/22
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 23 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/20/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Kayla Vokral (406) 869-8412
Location: 201 N. Broadway Ave. Zoot Training Room , Billings MT 59101

Training Topics: Intellectual Property, Legal Issues
Description:
Innovention: From Idea to Investment” is an interactive class that will focus on intellectual property considerations for startup and post-startup companies looking to build an IP portfolio that will be attractive to investors. Participants will learn how to conduct their own patent and trademark searches, engage in an infringement analysis, and best protect and enforce their intellectual property. The program will include a discussion of international treaties for the protection of IP assets and a discussion of the various types of contracts necessary to maintain a healthy IP position.


Montana SBDC

Quickbooks For All – ONLINE VERSION – Glasgow

Date: 9/20/22
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info


Status: Open – 10 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/20/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
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:
Are you new to bookkeeping or want to brush up on your QuickBooks skills?

Then join QuickBooks Pro Advisor Wendy Weissman, owner of Wendy J Weissman, CPA PC in Glasgow on the 20th of September QuickBooks, as she takes you through the foundational elements of ONLINE Quickbooks, so you’re more efficient in entering revenue and expenses (and better able to communicate with your accountant come tax time!)

This class is for the QuickBooks ONLINE Version. The first half of each day will be taught classroom style from 9:00 – 3:00 PM and will step through accounting terminology and the basics of the QuickBooks Program. Even if you’re an experienced user, this session will show data-entry shortcuts and talk about the inner workings of QuickBooks.

The afternoon will be set aside for 30-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, booking your one-on-one or more information, email sbdc@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.

Get Directions

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.


Montana SBDC

Introduction to Email Marketing


Date: 9/21/22
Time: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 39 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/21/22 12:00 PM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

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

Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: eCommerce, Marketing/Sales
Description:

Does your business use email marketing?

If not, your business might be missing out on a powerful and cost effective form of marketing. During this 30-minute microlearning opportunity we will discuss how to effectively use email marketing as a tool for attracting new customers and bringing previous customers back.

Data shows that retaining existing customers can be four-times more cost effective than new client attraction strategies.

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For those interested in more in-depth training we’ll host a half day, in-person training where we’ll go hands-on with email marketing tools to and give you the resources to implement this strategy on your own.

To register for the half-day course, click here; https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/5448

This is a 30-minute webinar from 12:00-12:30pm Mountain Time.

Presenter: Rich Gannon, Certified Business Advisor, Great Falls regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Great Falls Development Authority

Presenter Bio: Rich Gannon is on the front lines of our business coaching and training services to existing businesses and startup entrepreneurs. He has expertise in digital marketing including website development, online advertising, content development and email marketing.

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A Zoom login link will be emailed all registered attendees.

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC), and Great Falls Development Authority.

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.


Montana SBDC

Quickbooks For All – DESKTOP VERSION – Scobey

 9/21/22
 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

 Open – 19 places remaining
 9/21/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
 $15.00 Registration Policies

 Quincy Walter (406) 650-2524
 Friendship Room 2 Railroad Avenue, Scobey MT 59263

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

Are you new to bookkeeping or want to brush up on your QuickBooks skills?

Then join QuickBooks Pro Advisor Wendy Weissman, owner of Wendy J Weissman, CPA PC in Scobey on the 21st September for QuickBooks, as she takes you through the foundational elements of DESKTOP Quickbooks, so you’re more efficient in entering revenue and expenses (and better able to communicate with your accountant come tax time!)

This class is for the QuickBooks DESKTOP Version. The first half of each day will be taught classroom style from 9:00 – 3:00 PM and will step through accounting terminology and the basics of the QuickBooks Program. Even if you’re an experienced user, this session will show data-entry shortcuts and talk about the inner workings of QuickBooks. 

The afternoon will be set aside for 30-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, booking your one-on-one or more information, email sbdc@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

Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC)

Date: 9/22/22
Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 65 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/22/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: $50.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Courtney Loeffler 14065338780
Location: 11 E. Park Street (NorthWestern Energy Conference Room), Butte MT 59701

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Human Resources, Other
Description:
The Assistance for Business Clinics are designed to provide new and established businesses, accountants, bookkeepers, human resource professionals, and attorneys with updated information on topics such as the Montana Department of Revenue’s new Form MW-4 and their E-Services, Unemployment Insurance Tax requirements, workers’ compensation coverage, Independent Contractor regulations, using Labor Market Information to make business decisions, the Registered Apprenticeship Program, tax incentives, minimum wage, overtime, new hire reporting, child support services, USERRA laws, and regulations.

This event will be held at 11 E. Park Street (NorthWestern Energy Conference Room) from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The cost to attend is $50.00 which include breakfast and lunch. Advanced registration is REQUIRED!

If you have additional questions, please reach out to: Courtney Loeffler at 406-533-6780.

Instructions:
The event will be located at 11 E. Park Street Butte, MT in the Northwestern Energy Conference Room.


VBOC

Boots to Business

Date/Time:
Modules 1-4 9/22/22 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (MDT)
Modules 5-8 9/23/22 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 39 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/22/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Jason Nitschke (406) 750-0314
Location: Airman and Family Readiness Center Malmstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls MT 59405

Program Format: Multi-session Course
Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Business Plan, Business Start-up/Preplanning, Buy/Sell Business, Franchising, Government Contracting, Intellectual Property, Legal Issues, Licensing, Managing a Business, Market Research, Marketing/Sales, SBIR, Selling to Government, STTR
Description:


This is a pre-business workshop for transitioning military service members at Malmstrom Air Force Base as part of the Transition Assistance Program. Active duty military, veterans, and military families are welcome. Please inquire about eligibility prior to registering at JNitschke@GrowGreatFalls.org.

PLEASE NOTE: This class will be delivered in-person at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Attendees will need to have or request base access.

Instructions:
This course is available to active duty, veterans and military families. Please confirm access to Malmstrom Air Force Base and eligibility with Transition Assistance Program manager David Burger.


Montana SBDC

Quickbooks For All – DESKTOP VERSION – Circle

Date: 9/22/22
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 11 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/22/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: $15.00 Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Quincy Walter (406) 650-2524
Location: McCone County Fair Grounds, Circle MT 59215

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Cash Flow Management, Managing a Business, Tax Planning, Technology
Description:
Are you new to bookkeeping or want to brush up on your QuickBooks skills?

Then join QuickBooks Pro Advisor Wendy Weissman, owner of Wendy J Weissman, CPA PC in Circle on the 22nd of September for QuickBooks, as she takes you through the foundational elements of DESKTOP Quickbooks, so you’re more efficient in entering revenue and expenses (and better able to communicate with your accountant come tax time!).

This class is for the QuickBooks DESKTOP Version. The first half of each day will be taught classroom style from 9:00 – 3:00 PM and will step through accounting terminology and the basics of the QuickBooks Program. Even if you’re an experienced user, this session will show data-entry shortcuts and talk about the inner workings of QuickBooks.

The afternoon will be set aside for 30-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, booking your one-on-one or more information, email sbdc@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 Women's Business Center

Managing with a Coach Approach – Sept. 23rd

 

Date: 9/23/22
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 10 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/22/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fees:
Prospera member $300.00
Non-member $375.00
Second Company Representative $225.00
Registration Policies

Point of Contact: Shayna Blaser (406) 587-3113
Location: Montana Manufacturing Extension Center 2310 University Way Building 2 Suite 1, Bozeman MT 59717

Training Topics: Human Resources, Managing a Business
Description:
MANAGING WITH A COACH APPROACH – Strategies to Effectively Grow and Develop Your Team

People management is some of the most demanding work we will tackle in our careers. During the course, we will break down several management principles from the book Coaching Illustrated, apply them to your real-world management scenarios, and delve into the advantages and methods required to become an effective coach, mentor, and leader to your team. This is a great course for anyone new to management as well as any manager or director who struggles with building rapport with a team and simultaneously generating the results needed to be a high-performing team.

What you will learn:

This course is based on a management book called, “Coaching Illustrated,” by Mark David. The course highlights four specific principles in the book and breaks them down and applies them to real-life management scenarios you may face in your day-to-day work environments. During the course, you will learn strategies to effectively grow and develop your team using a coaching style to management.

5 Things the Students Will Learn:

1. How to tap into employee motivation
2. Setting clear expectations
3. Holding team members accountable
4. Two-way feedback between manager & employee
5. Strategies for approaching employee management as a real-time coach

About the Trainer:
Karen brings extensive experience in high-end guest and client service in a variety of industries, as well as senior-level team and project management. She has held an executive position at Moonlight Basin Resort in Big Sky, Montana, as well as roles with Holland America Cruise Line and Windstar Cruises. She has also served in community leadership roles in both regional and national marketing and public relations for Big Sky, Montana. Additionally, Karen has extensive experience as a leadership and service trainer for an array of companies and non-profits across the country.

Registration:
Registration includes lunch. Please email Shayna at sblaser@prosperamt.org if you have any special dietary requests.

*We reserve the right to cancel a class if minimum enrollments are not met. In which case, all course fees will be fully refunded.

This training qualifies for the Incumbent Workers Training (IWT) Grant. You can read about the funds available to you and your business at this link: https://wsd.dli.mt.gov/employers/incumbent-worker-training-program If you plan to apply for IWT funds and would like a letter to accompany your application please send a request to sblaser@prosperamt.org.

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

Cybersecurity with John Harmon

Date: 9/28/22
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MDT)

 

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 20 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/28/22 7:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: BeKa Stein Phipps (406) 874-6155
Location: Sleep Inn and Suites 1006 S Haynes Ave, Miles City MT 59301

Training Topics: Internet/Web Training, Technology
Description:
Join John Harmon with FR Secure LLC to understand how important Cybersecurity is, especially for you business.

Information security is not as one-size-fits-all as others would lead you to believe. FRSecure works hard to assess your most significant vulnerabilities (information security assessment), put a plan together for managing those risks (information security roadmap), and helps you execute that plan (information security program development). They apply industry standards to assess existing information security programs (administrative, physical and technical security controls), and we develop, implement and manage information security programs tailored to each client’s specific security needs.

This seminar will cover imporatant security measures and how you can protect yourself and your business.

This session is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided.

Instructions:
Register online using this form and join us in person on September 28 at the Sleep Inn & Suites in Miles City.


Montana SBDC

Value Proposition

Date: 9/29/22
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 6 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/29/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Kayla Vokral (406) 254-6014
Location: 201 N. Broadway Ave. 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?


Montana SBDC

Website Bootcamp

Date: 9/29/22
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 6 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/29/22 8:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Rich Gannon (406) 836-2078
Location: 400 Teton Ave Valier Public Library, Valier MT 59486-

Training Topics: COVID-19 General Support, eCommerce
Description:

Does your business need a website? Are you intimidated or confused by the process? Would you like to learn how to create and manage your own business website?

Join us for an in-depth, one day training course, the Website Boot Camp – Website in a Day. This one day course will teach participants how to create, build and maintain a business website from start to finish including the creation of an online store. Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business advisor Rich Gannon will teach users how to create websites using the Wix design platform. Wix is a powerful, all-inclusive website design tool that is easy to use and requires no coding skills.

The course will be taught in person at the Valier Public Library. This is an all day training. You will be required to supply your own laptop.

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be eligible to receive one free year of Wix website hosting, a $275 value for free. The Wix hosting license will be available to boot camp participants who become active clients of the Great Falls area SBDC with additional one-on-one assistance available. Eligible users must also be eligible for services provided by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Resource Partner program which include startups and in-business for-profit entities.

Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC), and Great Falls Development Authority, and is funded through the CARES Act.

Special thanks to co-sponsors Sweet Grass Development and the Valier Public Library.

Instructions:
Prior to class please have digital assets for your company available to access via the cloud. Email yourself your company logo, images and graphics you want to use…or upload them to Dropbox, Google Drive or some other cloud based tool so you can access them during the class.


WELL

Financial Strategies to Take your Business from Basic to Badass

Date: 9/30/22
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (MDT)

Register & Additional Info

Status: Open – 30 places remaining
Registration Deadline: 9/30/22 9:00 AM (MDT)
Fee: No Fee

Point of Contact: Ashley Metesh-McCoy +1 (406) 417-3777
Location: 32 Campus Dr, University Center (Suite 250) , Missoula MT 59801

Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Cash Flow Management
Description:
Presented by Amy Esp, founder of Missoula Bookkeeper, this educational event will explore financial strategies that will take your business from basic to badass.

For a lot of small business owners, the day to day finances and long term planning are a source of stress. What if instead, they were a tool and inspiration to take your business to the place where you want to be. We want to help you get a better grasp on your finances!

Participants will walk away with concrete tools and strategies to better manage their finances and in turn, help their business thrive.

Here’s some of the crucial topics that will be covered:

Why your business structure matters
Strategies for growth-minded bookkeeping
Paying your dues: taxes and licenses
Next level planning: retirement, insurance, memberships
The champions you need on your team

A little bit about the presenter:

Amy Esp is the founder of Missoula Bookkeeper. Based in Missoula, MT, a hotbed of creatives and entrepreneurs, she offers tailored bookkeeping and financial strategy work for small business owners. With a background in marketing and strategic program management in both non-profit and for-profit and a history of her own successful local businesses, she understands the big picture of building a business that is both personally fulfilling and financially profitable.

 

Location:

This event will be held at the Innovation Factory (University Center Suite 250). The Innovation Factory is on the second floor above the UMT bookstore. The Innovation Factory doors display large orange “IF” lettering.

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