I get weekly emails from the SBA (Small Business Administration) about events, networking events, and classes. Great classes to take to learn but also to network.   — Bradley

Small Business Week Comes to San Francisco May 12 – 17

The U.S. celebrates the contribution of entrepreneurs to America’s economy each year with National Small Business Week.   From May 12 through 17, SBA’s San Francisco District Office will partner with other government agencies and major corporations to present events around the Bay Area to celebrate the week.

Flavors of San Francisco
5/12
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
San Francisco City Hall
A great opportunity for networking with other entrepreneurs, corporations and organizations. Come meet new customers and find plenty of leads. We’ll also be featuring Flavors of San Francisco, with tastings from outstanding local restaurants, and a Resource Fair for you to connect with the wealth of assistance available to your business. SBA will also be presenting our awards for Small Business Week 2008.   If you’re in business, this is an evening not to be missed.     www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

Small Business Administration Small Business Commission, Mayor’s Office,
Wells Fargo
Microsoft
San Francisco Small Business Development Center, PG&E, Cisco Systems, IBM, Cliff House, Sunset Scavenger and Golden Gate Disposal

Restaurant Bootcamp
5/13
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason
Create the Buzz: San Francisco Restaurant Public Relations Consultant Susie Biehler along with KGO’s Gene Burns are hosting a panel of social and print media experts who will answer your questions and give you advice on marketing your restaurant or lounge.   Seminars and Workshops: An array of seminars and workshops   throughout the day that range from getting your doors open to   creating a great wine list for under 5K. Innovation Expo:   Learn more about restaurant products and services at this one-stop-shop event.   Come see the newest in scheduling software and the green product providers!   For information on how to attend or exhibit, go to www.restaurantbootcamp.com

Golden Gate Restaurant Association

Growing Your Business Online & Beyond
5/13
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
City College’s Mission Campus, 1125 Valencia St.

OR

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
City College’s Ocean Campus, Rosenberg Library, Rm. 304, 50 Phelan Ave.
Learn how you can grow your business online and beyond with tools such as online merchant services, gift cards, and contact-less merchant services systems. You’ll also find out about how payment processing will change in the future and how those changes will affect your business.

Wells Fargo, San Francisco SBDC

Writing Effective Business Plans
5/13
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
SBA Entrepreneur Center 455 Market St.
Whether you are planning to start a new business or seeking to develop the potential of your existing business, a business plan is a critical foundation. This hands-on workshop will demystify the process, using case studies and exercises. You will develop a Business Plan template covering Marketing, Products, Organization, Customers, and Finance. Special reduced $30 fee to attend to attend, presented by SCORE.   For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827, register at www.acteva.com/go/sfscore

SCORE

Start Your Own Business workshops
5/13
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
City College’s Ocean Campus
Rosenberg Library, Rm. 304
50 Phelan Ave.
Learn the basics of getting your business up and running.   Topics covered will include marketing, management, financing and resources.   www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

SBA, Wells Fargo, San Francisco SBDC

Start Your Own Business workshops
5/13
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
City College’s Mission Campus,   1125 Valencia St.
Learn the basics of getting your business up and running.   Topics covered will include marketing, management, financing and resources.   www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

SBA, Wells Fargo, San Francisco SBDC

Start Your Own Business workshops
5/13
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
Learn the basics of getting your business up and running.   Topics covered will include marketing, management, financing and resources.   www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

SBA, Wells Fargo, San Francisco Neighborhood LGBT Economic Development Office

Networking Event
5/13
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
LGBT Community Center
1800 Market St.
SBA will co-host the Golden Gate Business Association’s monthly Make Contact networking event.   GGBA is America’s oldest gay and lesbian chamber of commerce. www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

Golden Gate Business Association, Merchants of Upper Market and Castro, Wells Fargo

Start Your Own Business workshops
5/13
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wells Fargo Bayview
3801 3rd Street #116 (at Evans)
Learn the basics of getting your business up and running.   Topics covered will include marketing, management, financing and resources.   www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

SBA, Wells Fargo, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

Business on the Go
5/13, 5/15
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
455 Market St. 6th floor
In today’s fast moving economy  the successful  business needs to stay connected to their customers while in the office or on the go.   We’ll examine a business series communication’s platform, to do just that.

Cisco Systems

“Day in the Life” Small Business Conference
5/13 – 5/15
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
835 Market St.,
suite 700
Westfield Center
May 13,
Tuesday
Registration
Keynote: Joanne Black – “The Power of Referrals”;   General Session on “Day in the Life”  (Live for Small Businesses – Sales & Marketing Focus);

Sales & Marketing Session;
Effective Presentations;
Speed Networking;   Hands On Session: Easily Build your own professional Marketing collateral in-House
May 14,
Wednesday
Registration
Keynote: Nigel Henry – “Unleashing Mastery Performance in Business”; General Session on “Day in the Life”  (Live for Small Businesses – Web Focus); Web 2.0:   Marketing to a new generation; Automating Your Home Based Business; Mobility Panel; Hands On Session: Web Design Theory, Usability, and Easy Web Creation / Editing  Using OfficeLive

May 15,
Thursday
Registration
Panel Discussion: Financing Your Business; General Session on “Day in the Life”  (Live for Small Businesses – Financial Focus); Managing Your Business Online;   Effective Presentations;   Risk Management Panel; Hands On Session: Microsoft Office 2007 Tips & Tricks – Come  learn  what’s different & new features in Office 2007

Microsoft

The State of Small Business in San Francisco
5/14
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
City College Mission Campus auditorium, 1125 Valencia St.
Learn the status and trends from two highly informative panel discussions about this sector which produces job growth, economic vitality and helps define the uniqueness that is San Francisco.  Hear from entrepreneurs, economic development professionals and government representatives. The SFEDA consists of 11 member organizations, which support and help develop small businesses and micro-enterprises in the City.  www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

San Francisco Economic Development Alliance
Grand Expo 08
5/14
5:30 PM- 8:30 PM
Hilton Hotel
333 O’Farrell St.
Grand Ballroom
A reception with more than 100 exhibitors which will include Chamber members, caterers, wineries and local non-profits. Register at http://www.sfchamber.com/grandexpo/

San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Financing for Your Small Business workshop
5/15
6:00 PM- 8:30 PM
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, 235 Montgomery Street
Discover the right way to seek financing for your business. We will discuss loan proposal, financing options and programs for your company’s financial health. www.acteva.com/go/sfsbw

SBA, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo

Entrepreneur Networking Hours
5/15 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Martin Lawrence Gallery 366 Geary Street
SFentrepreneur is a community of inspired entrepreneurs in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley with a mission to promote entrepreneurship and make a difference to the world through expert entrepreneur talks, networking events and by providing online and in person opportunities for members to publicize their passion and businesses. http://www.sfentrepreneur.com/

SBA, SFentrepreneur

Introduction to Sustainable Business Management
5/16
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

And

1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Pacific Energy Center
851 Howard Street
9:30 AM -12:00 PM The Green Restaurant: Incentives, Examples & Resources
Working with the Food Service Technology Center and Transfair, we will look at going green with foodservice.   Learn how to design your new restaurant or evolve your existing restaurant to incorporate sustainability advantages and rewards.   We will also look at the social, economic and moral incentives in buying fair trade products and utilizing green design. Taught by the SF Small Business Development Center
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM Running a Green Business
We’ll show you how to rethink your business from product to service by adapting useful paradigms of sustainability.   You’ll become familiar with sustainable practices in Energy, Water, Waste and Procurement and how to help pay for it using financing and rebates. Taught by the SF Small Business Development Center

San Francisco Small Business Development Center and PG&E, Wells Fargo.
Green Business Celebration
Keynote Presentation, Reception and Vendor Fair
5/16
3:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Pacific Energy Center
851 Howard Street
3:45 PM Keynote Presentation
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Reception and Green Vendor Expo
Join PG&E, the SF Department of the Environment and the SBDC as we celebrate Green Businesses during Small Business Week with keynote speaker Hunter Lovins, co-author of Natural Capitalism, and a vendor fair, featuring products and offerings for and from small businesses.

San Francisco Small Business Development Center and PG&E, Wells Fargo.
My Business Action Plan workshop
5/16
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
WISE
1398 Valencia Street
Have a great idea for a product or service, but don’t know where to start? Are you looking to grow your current business? Women’s Initiative’s My Business Action Plan workshop will guide you through a self-assessment of your business idea and help you develop next steps to launching your enterprise.   This is the first in a series of classes designed to support your planning, marketing and other business management skills that will give you the tools necessary to start or expand your own business. Women’s Initiative focuses specifically on the needs of low-income women who are exploring a business idea.   Registration is not required.   Doors close promptly on the hour so please be punctual.   For more information, please contact Women’s Initiative for Self Employment (415) 641-3460 or   www.womensinitiative.org

Women’s Initiative San Francisco, Comcast

Sidewalk Sales
5/17
All day
Various Neighborhoods
Come out and support your local merchants as they fill the sidewalks around town.
Neighborhood Merchant Associations

TRAINING AT SBA
The Small Business Administration offers a variety of classes for business owners in our Entrepreneur Center, located at 455 Market St., 6th Floor in downtown San Francisco.

To register for classes, go to http://www.acteva.com/go/sba
For more information, please contact Gary Marshall at (415) 744 6771 or gary.marshall@sba.gov

Restaurant Series: Creating a Buzz – Inside and Outside Your Restaurant
April 21
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Learn to bring clarity to your restaurant and its mission. Every person working in your restaurant is an extension of your brand. Engage your staff in the mission and promotion of your business. Create a “we”, not “me” attitude. Your staff can become your customer evangelists by working as a team and by understanding the collective energy that is created. Also learn to develop PR strategies that build upon personal relationships. $30 registration fee. Presented by the SF Small Business Development Center.

Build Massive Internet Traffic
April 21
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Over 98% of websites get fewer than 5 visitors each day. Attracting high-quality website visitors doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little direction, you can accumulate strategic one-way inbound links and watch the targeted traffic pour in!

Secrets to Buying a Business or Franchise
April 22
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Jump-start your self-employment dream.   Get the advantage of owning a franchise or existing business.   Learn how to begin, how much they cost and when you have found the right business for you!     $20 registration fee. For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827, register at www.acteva.com/go/sfscore

Upwardly Global
4/23
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Job Search Skills Training to help Immigrant Professionals Re-Build their Careers in U.S. Please note that all attendees MUST be enrolled in the Upwardly Global program to participate in this class.   Contact Upwardly Global at 415-834-9901 to participate.

SBA Certification Workshop
April 24
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This workshop is for small firms owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals interested in being certified for  SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.   The program’s goal is to promote the firm’s competitiveness in the American economy through business development.   Other certifications are discussed.   Contact (415) 744-6808 for more information.

QuickBooks Introduction
April 24
1:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Discover the basics of this useful and flexible bookkeeping application.   This overview will discuss setting up a file, creating invoices, running reports and managing lists.   Participants should have completed Basic Bookkeeping or be familiar with the concepts covered in that seminar.   $60 Registration fee.   Presented by the SF Small Business Development Center.   For more information call: 415-841-4050.

Becoming a Certified Green Business
April 24
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
We will discuss the roadmap to having your business designated as green and learn the steps in getting there. We will further talk about the many benefits of being green over and above just saving money and have you understand the Green Business Program and how to become recognized as a green business. Presented by the SF Small Business Development Center.

How to Start and Manage a Small Business
April 28
8:30 AM   – 4:00 PM
Speakers who are experts in their fields will discuss an array of topics new businesses face such as financing, accounting, legal structure, marketing, business planning, and insurance.   $50 registration fee in advance; or $60 on day of event.   For information, contact SCORE at (415) 744-6827, register at www.acteva.com/go/sfscore

Restaurant Series: Understanding Food Costs
April 28
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
A fun and upbeat approach to one of the most daunting challenges for restaurant owners…Food Costing. This class will teach you how to cost your product, packaging on take-out items and catering menus. We will create a fictional restaurant and create a sample menu. You will learn margins of cost and profitability and will receive a costing package that you can immediately incorporate into your own business to help track cost and profit on a daily basis. Please bring to class several vendor invoices. $30 registration fee; Sponsored by the SF Small Business Development Center.

Understanding Internet Communications: Blogs and RSS Feeds
April 29
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Business blogs are taking off. Are you up to speed? Learn how your business can harness the power of weblogs and feeds to improve communication and efficiency with current and potential clients.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Presents: A Special Grant Program for San Francisco Women.
4/30
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
A unique opportunity for San Francisco women to access a grant/scholarship to participate for one year in Renaissance’s intensive Incubation Program.   Come learn how the Incubation Program can help you to grow your business.   Free.   Register at www.acteva.com/go/rec

Upwardly Global
4/30
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Job Search Skills Training to help Immigrant Professionals Re-Build their Careers in U.S. Please note that all attendees MUST be enrolled in the Upwardly Global program to participate in this class.   Contact Upwardly Global at 415-834-9901 to participate.

Basic Bookkeeping, Part One
May 1
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn basic accounting and bookkeeping terms and processes.   Topics include cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, the importance of budgeting, the purpose of different financial reports, the differences in computer accounting systems, cash management, and more.   $30 registration fee.   Presented by the SF Small Business Development Center.

Get Organized!
May 1
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Do you want save time, money, and be more effective in your small business? Learn how by getting more organized! Our organizing expert will teach you effective ways of managing your space, your “stuff,” and your time, to maximize your productivity and comfort.

OUR PARTNERS PRESENT:
a weekly feature of events offered by organizations and groups outside SBA.  These events are not sponsored by SBA and are not held at our Entrepreneur Center.

Connect to the Net- How to Launch Your Website Quickly
This course will outline steps to either create the web site yourself, or how to go about selecting a company to create your web site, the average time and cost, how to identify and create content for the web site and how to maintain the site going forward.

April 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Vacaville Cultural Center Library
1020 Ulatis Drive
Vacaville, CA 95687
register at 707.421.6521

ALSO
Access to Capital to Start or Grow Your Business–A Free Workshop for Entrepreneurs
Wednesday,   April 23, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
SF LGBT Community Center
1800 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
415.865.5515

On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, the Center’s Economic Development Program and Wells Fargo Bank will host a workshop to help entrepreneurs learn about starting, financing, and growing their small businesses.

Experts will discuss resources available to plan a small business including training programs, how to write a business plan, and where to go for one-on-one counseling services.

The program is free, but space is limited, so sign up early by calling 415-865-5611 or e-mailing traceyw@sfcenter.org.
ALSO

The National Council of Asian American Business Associations and the United States Asian Business Council announce “Partnering for Success” to provide Asian Pacific American small business owners a forum to discuss 21st century issues impacting the community. Topics are Procurement, Business Gateways to Asia, Access to Capital, Going Green with Your Business, and Technology

May 2, 2008
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Capital Club of Silicon Valley
50 West San Fernando Street, # 1700
San Jose, CA 95113,
(408)971-9300
Admission is $25, if pre-registrar before April 25.   After, April 25, $50 at the door www.national-caaba.org
http://tour.national-caaba.org/
info@national-caaba.org
(909)861-9670
ALSO
The East Bay Small Business Development Center, www.eastbaysbdc.org
Accessing Capital for Non-Profit Organizations
May 8, 2:00 PM
Wendel Rosen Black & Dean Conference Center
1111 Broadway, 19th floor
Oakland
The seminar is vital to understanding how Non-Profit organizations must organize to raise capital and develop a long-term business and financial plan toward operating self-sufficiency regardless of the organization’s mission, stage of development or current financial condition.

Register at www.eastbaysbdc.org
For more information, please call the East Bay SBDC 510-208-0410.

ALSO
Valley Economic Development Center
Build, Connect, Grow
Marriot City Center
1001 Broadway
Oakland
5/10
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Access to capital business expo.   $10 registration.   www.vedc.org
ALSO
As part of the Small Business Week’s celebration, Microsoft has planned 3 afternoons of Small Business Essentials.   Come learn about the latest Small Business technology trends in areas such as Web Design, Working Remotely, and Online Marketing.   Also get charged up to better your Financial and Risk Management strategies as well as inspired to maximize your Sales and Referral processes.   Join Microsoft at 835 Market, Suite 700 Westfield Center, May 13th through 15th, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM each day.
Entrepreneur Package for small business owners includes two individual registrations for a single fee of $21.99. For this single fee, attend any or all sessions AND receive a free copy of Microsoft Streets & Trips or Wireless Mouse, Training Voucher valued at $300, and several other business tools & certificates. Refreshments.
Registration: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaID=157028

Our mailing address:
Small Business Administration
455 Market St., 6th floor
San Francisco CA 94105