Free Seminars/Webinars
All Seminars
Please check each individual seminar to see its location and registration information. Attend any 5 seminars with the Core Business Seminar (CBS) designation, and you will receive an Entrepreneurial Foundation Certificate.
- Call (919) 718-7544 to pre-register or for more information about Chatham County seminars.
- Call (910) 892-2884 to pre-register or for more information about Harnett County seminars.
- Call (919) 774-6442 to pre-register or for more information about Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce seminars.
- Call (919) 718-7544 to pre-register or for more information about Lee County seminars.
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Email Marketing to Grow Your Business - Online
Dec11Grab existing customers’ attention, attract new customers, and increase sales via email marketing. Send the right message at the right time. Use email to generate awareness about your small business’s new & existing products and services. Keep customers engaged between communications. Learn from professional engagement marketing expert, Aaron Means, CEO of ACTIVATE Business Solutions and Certified Constant Contact Solution Provider, how to get people to open, read & respond.
- Start • End Date: 12/11/2023 • 12/11/2023
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Aaron Means
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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The Best Small Business to Start Right Now - Online
Dec20What would be the best small business for YOU to start right now? This might be the best time in decades to start a small business. Resources are cheaper, good people aren’t hard to find, and the Small Business Center Network of the North Carolina Community College System is a great support resource. In The Best Small Business to Start Right Now!, Mike Collins, author of the book, The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! will focus on five areas: - How to create a business idea that fits YOU - “Hot” businesses that will grow in coming years. The program will list over 30 types of businesses with growth potential. - Businesses you can start for under $100 - The two most frequently made mistakes when starting a small business - 5 easy-to-use steps to starting a business. If you think this is your best time to start a small business…you’re right! Let’s get started! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Speaker(s): Mike Collins Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 12/20/2023 • 12/20/2023
- Day: W
- Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Mike Collins
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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The Best Small Business to Start Right Now - Online
Dec20What would be the best small business for YOU to start right now? This might be the best time in decades to start a small business. Resources are cheaper, good people aren’t hard to find, and the Small Business Center Network of the North Carolina Community College System is a great support resource. In The Best Small Business to Start Right Now!, Mike Collins, author of the book, The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! will focus on five areas: - How to create a business idea that fits YOU - “Hot” businesses that will grow in coming years. The program will list over 30 types of businesses with growth potential. - Businesses you can start for under $100 - The two most frequently made mistakes when starting a small business - 5 easy-to-use steps to starting a business. If you think this is your best time to start a small business…you’re right! Let’s get started! Speaker(s): Mike Collins Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 12/20/2023 • 12/20/2023
- Day: W
- Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Mike Collins
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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Marketing for Landcape Contractors
Jan09Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive seminar.
- Start • End Date: 01/09/2024 • 01/09/2024
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: LMC (Lee Main Campus)
- Building Location: Lee Co. Coop Extension Office
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The Perfect Workday: Getting It All Done
Jan10What would be a perfect workday for you? Can you describe it? If you could set and meet your priorities, work more effectively with the people around you and move closer to a balanced life wouldn’t that come close to a perfect workday? During this seminar you’ll discover: how to get more time in your day,understanding how much time you really have, how to handle Zoom calls and webinars, how to plan on purpose, how to set and track priorities, how to do three things at once, what to do in times of crisis and conflict, and how to get it all done and have a life. If you want to get more done, learn better ways to deal with workplace stress and move toward a more perfect workday you should attend “The Perfect Workday: Getting It All Done.” Location: Angier Public Library
- Start • End Date: 01/10/2024 • 01/10/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Mike Collins
- Location Code: Harnett County (Harnett County -See Details)
- Building Location: Angier Publis Library
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Basics of Bookkeeping for Landscape Contractors
Jan11NC Cooperative Extension - Lee County Topic: Business Accounting and Budget Description: Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. If you’re a new business owner or need a refresher on the basics of accounting, this seminar is designed for you.
- Start • End Date: 01/11/2024 • 01/11/2024
- Day: Th
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Crystal Wambeke
- Location Code: LMC (Lee Main Campus)
- Building Location: Lee Co. Coop Extension Office
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Women's Business Summit
Jan16Topic: Business Basics Women's Empowerment in Business" is a transformative event designed to inspire and equip aspiring female entrepreneurs and professionals with the tools and insights they need to thrive in the competitive world of business. This event offers an enriching platform where you can learn from the experiences of successful women leaders, who will share their journey, challenges, and strategies that propelled them to the top of their fields. The sessions will cover a range of topics, including leadership, negotiation skills, personal branding, and balancing professional and personal life. This event promises interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions, creating an environment that fosters growth, collaboration, and empowerment. Attendees will have the chance to engage directly with seasoned businesswomen, gaining practical advice and motivational insights. It is not just a learning experience, but a celebration of women's achievements in business, aiming to create a supportive community that encourages and supports the next generation of female leaders. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a corporate professional, or a student aspiring to break into the business world, this event will provide valuable perspectives and skills to help you on your journey. You will learn to enhance your leadership qualities, understand how to effectively manage teams, inspire confidence, and make impactful decisions. You will gain insights into advanced negotiation strategies and effective communication skills as well as develop and promote a strong personal brand, and effectively network in professional settings. Panel discussions will also include financing options as well as resources available to help you grow and develop a business. Speaker(s): Dr. Timogi Jackson, Small Business Administration (SBA), Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Carolina Community Impact/Kiva, Thread Capital, Clicksuasion/Alexis Taylor, NC IDEA PLEASE NOTE: Lunch will be provided. Fee: $ 20.00 Payment required to complete registration for this event
- Start • End Date: 01/16/2024 • 01/16/2024
- Day: Tu
- Time: 8:30 PM - 1:30 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Multiple Speakers See description for list of speakers
- Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
- Building Location:
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Finding Traffic for Your Business Online with Paid Ads
Feb07In this seminar, participants will learn about different options to advertise your business using online resources. These options are often easier and much less expensive than traditional advertising. We will discuss social media advertising through major platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as Google Ads and other options. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 02/07/2024 • 02/07/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Matt Rudisill
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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Selling Products Online - A Beginner's Guide - Online
Feb14One way to expand your market is to sell products online. Should I set up my own store or sell on one of the popular platforms like Amazon or Etsy? We will discuss several options for you and at the end of this session, you will be able to: 1) Determine if you need to sell online? 2) Have an understanding of your online store options. 3) Set up your online store and 4) Develop an online store marketing plan. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 02/14/2024 • 02/14/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Matt Rudisill
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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Selling Products on Amazon and Etsy - Online
Feb21We will explore the popular platforms of Amazon and Etsy and how you can sell products on both. Which one is right for you? Come to this seminar and learn how you can start an online ecommerce business quickly and work your way to becoming an online entrepreneur. Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 02/21/2024 • 02/21/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Matt Rudisill
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs)
Feb26This nine-class program will introduce entrepreneurs and existing business owners to the concepts and practices that will give interested individuals the tools necessary for business success. The evening classes will be held in Sanford and will run from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. At the end of the program, each participant should have produced a basic small business plan, and will have the opportunity to present their plan and business concept to a team of business professionals. All attendees must apply online. Classes are free, but participants must be pre-registered and approved to be guaranteed a space. Class size is limited to twelve individuals. The RISE Program is an entrepreneur-development program presented by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, Downtown Sanford Inc., and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance - Chamber of Commerce
- Start • End Date: 02/26/2024 • 03/27/2024
- Day: M, W
- Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor:
- Location Code: DWCC (Dennis Wicker Civic Center)
- Building Location:
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Chatham Spark - Entrepreneurship Series
Mar04This eight-class program will introduce entrepreneurs and existing business owners to the concepts and practices that will give interested individuals the tools necessary for business success. The evening classes will be held in Siler City and will run from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. At the end of the program, each participant should have produced a basic small business plan, and will have the opportunity to present their plan and business concept to a team of business professionals. All attendees must apply online. Classes are free, but participants must be pre-registered and approved to be guaranteed a space. Class size is limited to twelve individuals. The Chatham Spark Program is an entrepreneur-development program presented by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center and the Chatham Chamber of Commerce.
- Start • End Date: 03/04/2024 • 05/06/2024
- Day: M
- Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor:
- Location Code: SCMC (Siler City Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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AI for Small Business - 1 of 3
Apr03Beginner: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence for Small Business Efficiency In this beginner-friendly webinar, participants will discover the power of generative artificial intelligence and how to effectively use it to foster growth and efficiency in their small businesses. This session will provide insights into the capabilities of generative AI, like ChatGPT, focusing on crafting prompts that yield practical and actionable results. Attendees will learn strategies for using generative AI in areas such as customer service, content creation, and business problem-solving. The webinar will include live demonstrations, best practices for prompt engineering, and tips on integrating AI into daily business activities to save time and resources. Speaker(s): Katie Stokes Fee: No Cost
- Start • End Date: 04/03/2024 • 04/03/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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AI for Small Business - 2 of 3
Apr10Intermediate: Integrating AI Tools into Business Workflow Dive deeper into the world of AI with this intermediate webinar, focused on integrating AI tools into your business workflow. Discover how AI can work hand-in-hand with popular business tools like Canva and automation programs to complete tasks and streamline processes. This session will cover practical demonstrations, strategies for AI adoption, and an interactive Q&A to discuss specific business use cases. Speaker(s): Katie Stokes Fee: No Cost Register Online
- Start • End Date: 04/10/2024 • 04/10/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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AI for Small Business - 3 of 3
Apr17Advanced: Building Custom AI Solutions for Your Small Business This advanced webinar is for those ready to explore tailored AI solutions for their businesses. Learn about the fundamentals of custom AI development, how to communicate with developers, access tools for non-experts, and the basic principles of machine learning. The session will include case studies, ethical considerations in AI, and resources for further learning. Ideal for business owners seeking to innovate and gain a competitive edge through AI applications. Speaker(s): Katie Stokes Fee: No Cost Register Online
- Start • End Date: 04/17/2024 • 04/17/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: ONLINE (Class is held online)
- Building Location:
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Owning a Veteran-Owned Small Business (Boots to Business Reboot)
Apr17Veterans 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 - For Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate. 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 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.
- Start • End Date: 04/17/2024 • 04/17/2024
- Day: W
- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Veterans Business Outreach Center
- Location Code: HHSC (Harnett Health Science Center)
- Building Location: 51 Red Mulberry Way. Lillington, NC