Upcoming Events

City of Ventura: Ready • Set • Grow: Build it Right: Legal Structure, Licensing & Business Planning

Join the City of Ventura and the Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center, where we’ll break down the essentials every business owner needs to operate legally and strategically. During the Build it Right Workshop, you will learn about the city and state licensing requirements, draft a practical and personalized business plan, and walk away with tools and next steps you can act on immediately. Are you ready to build a business the right way? Take the first step toward building a business that lasts. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001. An EDC and City of Ventura in-person event.

October 02, 2025 08:00 AM

City of Ventura: Ready • Set • Grow – Money Moves: Financial Planning, Loans & Budgeting for Growth

Join the City of Ventura and the Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center, where we will help you turn your vision into numbers that work. We’ll walk you through how to build strong financial foundations and prepare for funding opportunities with confidence. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001. An EDC and City of Ventura in-person event.

October 09, 2025 08:00 AM

City of Ventura: Ready • Set • Grow – Make it Matter: Marketing Strategies & Content Planning

Join the City of Ventura and the Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center, where you will learn how to design a clear, compelling marketing plan tailored to your business goals and customer journey. Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001. An EDC and City of Ventura in-person event.

October 16, 2025 08:00 AM

Leading Change, Surviving Change

Leading change is never without challenges. It is human nature to fear and resist the unfamiliar landscape of change. Change management requires us to think about how to manage and mitigate risk, uncertainty and instability. Your role as a leader is to proactively address the impact of the change on your organization and your team. In this program, you will learn to equip your managers and leaders with the tools to manage change. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association virtual training.

November 13, 2025 10:00 AM

Bringing Wellness into the Workplace

We are living in challenging times that are creating more stress, which often leads to BURNOUT. It’s time to take a closer look at how to stop burnout, before it starts and how to bring more Wellness into the Workplace. A successful Wellness Program is more than just offering membership at a gym or yoga class offered at lunch. Wellness involves active engagement in the attitudes and behaviors that enhance the quality of life and personal potential of your employees. People who are engaged in both their work and their personal life are happier and more productive overall. This session explains the effect stress and burnout have on people and companies. It offers ideas on how to implement a simple and effective Wellness Program that will engage and inspire employees in your workplace. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association virtual training.

October 14, 2025 10:00 AM

Hire Right the First Time

Poor hiring practices can be costly, with some estimates suggesting bad hires can cost up to 24 times their base compensation. CEA’s hiring system helps businesses and HR professionals avoid these expensive mistakes by streamlining the process. You’ll learn how to craft effective job ads, find the right candidates and navigate the key hiring steps from application to the first day on the job. Additionally, you’ll gain access to tools for creating legally defensible interview questions and managing on-the-job training for better hiring outcomes. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association virtual training.

December 16, 2025 10:00 AM

AI for Small Business: 10 Use Cases You Can Apply This Month

Join the SCORE Ventura County and Economic Development Collaborative to learn about how to turn AI from a buzzword into business results. Also learn practical, low-cost tools and tips for marketing, sales, and operations—no IT or coding background needed. Leave with prompts, checklists, and a 30-day action plan.  Address: Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001. A SCORE Ventura County and Economic Development Collaborative in-person event.

October 28, 2025 08:00 AM

AI Unlocked: Powering Productivity

Discover how Santa Barbara businesses apply AI in practical, real-world ways—and what that means for you. In this panel discussion, you’ll hear directly from local business owners about the tools they use, the outcomes they’re seeing, and the lessons they’ve learned. You’ll also explore how AI literacy shapes today’s workforce and what this means for Santa Barbara. Leave with strategies and tools you can start using right away. This event is designed for business leaders, students, educators and employees who want to understand how AI is applied locally and how we can work together to work smarter, grow career readiness and strengthen our community. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. A Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative in-person event.

October 10, 2025 12:30 PM

AI Unlocked: Sparking Innovation

AI is fueling a new wave of innovation—from reimagined business models to creative new products and services. In this event, you’ll hear from entrepreneurs and innovators in Santa Barbara County who use AI to drive growth and create opportunities. We’ll explore how startups and creative leaders experiment with AI tools, what’s working and how you can apply similar approaches in your ventures, studies or projects. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. A Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative in-person event.

October 24, 2025 12:30 PM

AI Unlocked: Shaping the Future

Santa Barbara County businesses are expanding the AI frontier, creating both challenges and opportunities for the workforce. At AI Unlocked: Shaping the Future, business leaders, students, faculty and employees will come together to explore how AI is transforming local industries—and the future-ready skills everyone will need to succeed. Through real-world insights, you’ll learn how businesses are adapting, what employers are looking for, and how to navigate your own path to AI literacy. Whether you’re running a business, preparing for your career or teaching and supporting students, this conversation will give you the tools and perspective to keep pace in an AI-driven world. Address: SBCC West Campus, Fe Bland Forum (BC Building Forum), 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93109. A Scheinfeld Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Economic Development Collaborative in-person event.

November 07, 2025 12:30 PM

Holiday Marketing Made Simple!

Holiday Marketing Made Simple! The holiday season is the most significant sales opportunity of the year, but without a plan, it can quickly become overwhelming. From social media to printing and email campaigns, the right strategy can help you stand out, attract more customers and boost sales during the busiest shopping months. In this practical and action-focused workshop, we will guide you step by step on how to create a simple holiday marketing plan that saves time and drives results. You’ll walk away with clear strategies to keep your promotions organized, stress-free, and effective, so you can make this your most successful holiday season yet. Address: Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Ct., Agoura Hills, CA 91301. A SCORE Ventura County, City of Agoura Hills and Economic Development Collaborative in-person event.

October 23, 2025 08:30 AM

How to Start a Business

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are interested, please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA's 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop is targeted at new entrepreneurs. Topics covered include creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and learn about the multiple resources available to help you. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you plan to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance for a reasonable accommodation request. An SBA webinar.

October 06, 2025 10:00 AM

Prepárate para Solicitar un Préstamo de Negocios (Evento en línea)

¿Necesitas capital para hacer crecer tu negocio? En este taller descubrirás cómo fortalecer la capacidad crediticia de tu empresa y aumentar sus oportunidades de financiamiento. Aprenderá a preparar su negocio para acceder al capital que necesita, ya sea para expansión o gastos operativos. Un seminario web de la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas (SBA, por sus siglas en inglés).

October 15, 2025 11:00 AM

How to Start a Business

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are interested, please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) Los Angeles District Office for a virtual workshop to learn about SBA’s 10 Step Guide on How to Start a Business. This virtual workshop is targeted at new entrepreneurs. Topics covered include creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, getting necessary permits and/or licenses and getting a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and learn about the multiple resources available to help you. This event will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note that if you plan to use a mobile device or tablet to access this webinar, you must first download the Teams app to your device. SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance for a reasonable accommodation request. An SBA webinar.

October 20, 2025 10:00 AM