Upcoming Events

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP: From Skilled Employee to Team Leader: Supervisory & Leadership Fundamentals

You were promoted because you’re great at your work. Now you’re responsible for making sure others do it well, and that requires a completely different skill set. Join the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and the Economic Development Collaborative for a focused, high-impact course designed for skilled employees who have recently moved into a supervisory role. This course bridges the gap between “doing the work” and “leading the work,” helping participants transition from operator to process leader. Price: FREE. Check-in: 8:00 am. Address: Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Office, 3rd Floor, 2901 North Ventura Road, Oxnard. A Workforce Development Board Ventura County and Economic Development Collaborative IN-PERSON workshop.

Strategies to Identify and Reach Your Target Customers

In this Marketing workshop, SCORE will start by helping you identify your target market. These are your best potential customers, and knowing them helps you create a better product or service. It also makes all your promotional efforts more focused and effective. SCORE will show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then they will take you through how to create a value proposition that perfectly captures the unique value your product or service brings to your customers. Next, you have to build your marketing message. That’s the information for your brochures, websites, and anything else you use to sell your product or service. SCORE will also review several promotional methods and help you draft a promotional plan for your business. This workshop focuses on hands-on exercises to help you create a target market, value proposition and promotion plan for your business. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

Workshop Title Ahead of the Curve: What’s Coming in Employment Law in 2026

California’s legal landscape grows more complex every year. New regulations around hiring, termination, workplace training, wage classification, and more continue to emerge, increasing employers’ exposure to litigation, administrative claims, and PAGA actions. Understanding these updates helps employers avoid risk, stay compliant, and prepare their organizations for a shifting legal landscape. In this presentation, Ferber Law founder and managing shareholder Michelle Finkel Ferber will dive into critical employment law updates. Check-in time is 8:30 am, Coffee and Pastries Provided; the event starts at 9:00 am. Address: Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center | 29900 Ladyface Ct. Agoura Hills. Price: FREE. EDC, Accelerate CA, City of Agoura Hills, and SCORE IN-PERSON event.

Get Game-Ready: LA28 & World Cup Updates

As Los Angeles gears up to host the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games, the 2026 World Cup, and a wave of other major sporting events, now is the time for small businesses to prepare for unprecedented opportunities. Join America’s SBDC and Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Center (PCR SBDC) for the third webinar series – Get Your Business Game-Ready – to learn about the procurement process for the LA Games. You’ll hear from Daniel Cho and Melissa Savage, Senior Management Analysts from the City of Los Angeles, with the latest information on the upcoming LA Games and the business opportunities that will accompany them. America’s SBDC and PCR SBDC will also cover details about RAMP, an online portal where you can register your business, get certified, and learn about upcoming contracting opportunities in the LA area. Whether you’ve attended previous webinars in our LA Game-Ready series or this is your first time joining, this webinar is key to understanding the basics of the procurement process. Don’t miss out! This webinar will be a game-changer for your business’s growth potential. Price: FREE. An America’s SBDC and PCR SBDC webinar.

Train Your AI – Getting Better Results from AI Tools

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful assistant, but only when it understands who you are and what you’re trying to do. This class focuses on the practical foundations of “training” AI tools by sharing the right kind of context rather than technical coding or advanced setup. Participants will explore how basic brand information, business details, tone preferences, and goals influence the quality of AI-generated responses. SCORE will look at simple ways to communicate your business identity, audience, and expectations so AI tools can support writing, marketing, planning, and problem-solving more effectively. This session is designed to help business owners and professionals move beyond generic outputs and toward responses that feel more aligned and useful, without requiring technical expertise. The emphasis is on clarity, intention, and thoughtful input so AI becomes a smarter, more supportive tool in your day-to-day work. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

How to Do Business with NASA

Join SBA for a high-impact online session designed to help small, certified businesses unlock federal contracting opportunities with NASA. Learn how to position your company for success through the SBIR/STTR program and gain insider insights into NASA’s mission, goals, and procurement strategies. Price: FREE. An SBA webinar.

Get Your Local Business on Google Search & Maps

Showing up when customers are actively searching online is more important than ever. This workshop helps small business owners ensure customers can find accurate, up-to-date information about their business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter what device they’re using. Participants will learn how to create, optimize, and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish. Price: FREE A SCORE webinar.

Should I Start a Business? Let’s Find Out

Join SCORE for an interactive webinar that explores both the mindset and the practical steps of entrepreneurship. They will talk about traits of successful founders, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to test your idea with real customers. You’ll also learn about financial planning, funding options, and the early steps of building your business. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the leap, you’ll leave with clarity, encouragement, and next steps. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

From Google to AI Search: How Local Service Businesses Stay Discoverable

Search is changing fast. Customers are no longer finding local service businesses only through Google; they’re increasingly asking AI tools who to hire. In this practical, non-technical workshop, you’ll learn how local service businesses can stay discoverable as search evolves from traditional Google results to AI-powered search and answers. SCORE will cover how Google Business Profiles, websites, reviews, and structured content now feed both Google and AI systems and what simple steps you can take today to future-proof your online presence. Using real-world examples from home service businesses, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable guidance to improve visibility, earn trust, and attract more customers without chasing buzzwords or complex tools. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

Emprendedoras de Guardería

Emprendedoras de Guardería es el programa gratuito de WEV de 8 semanas de capacitación empresarial en español, diseñado para proveedoras de cuidado infantil con licencia que operan desde su hogar en el Condado de Ventura. El programa apoya a las proveedoras a hacer crecer y fortalecer sus negocios a través de capacitación culturalmente relevante, asesoría personalizada y apoyo entre compañeras. Un programa de formación de 8 semanas de WEV.

Emprendedoras de Guardería is WEV’s free 8-week Spanish business training program designed for licensed, home-based childcare providers in Ventura County. The program supports providers in growing and strengthening their businesses through culturally responsive training, coaching, and peer support.
Participants will also have the opportunity to apply for a $5,000 stipend to invest in their childcare business. A WEV 8-week training program.

Be a Coach, Not a Boss

Ready to level up your leadership game? In today’s world, effective leaders are ditching the old-school “boss” vibe and stepping into the role of a coach. Being a successful leader is about building trust, guiding your team, and helping them crush their goals. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Become a Facebook Expert: The Newest Tips and Tricks

Knowing how to use Facebook can change your business overnight by driving customers to your website and business. Getting more customers will drive more sales in this highly competitive business environment. And more sales mean more profits for you!! Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

LinkedIn Marketing Essentials

As one of the most important B2B social media platforms, LinkedIn can help you attract more eyes to your business. The biggest advantage of LinkedIn is that it is frequented by many senior-level influencers, decision-makers, and thought leaders. If you want to grab the attention of top-level executives, then you should work on your LinkedIn marketing strategy. Unlike other social networking sites, LinkedIn offers a goldmine of opportunities for B2B marketers. You’ll be better informed about what’s going on in your industry and the industry of your ideal, favorite and most profitable clients. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

In-person Event: Small Business Start-up Basics

Are you thinking about starting a small business? This information-packed workshop will help you assess whether starting a small business is right for you and consider the various options for starting a business, legal structures, and business plan basics. Address: City of Thousand Oaks, Oak & Park Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Price: FREE. An in-person SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA event.

ChatGPT in the Workplace

Dubbed the biggest tech leap since the iPhone, ChatGPT is reshaping the future and has skyrocketed as the fastest-growing app ever. This cutting-edge AI can automate routine tasks, streamline workflows, and supercharge creativity. Imagine a workplace where even complex tasks are handled faster and smarter than ever before—it’s both thrilling and a little daunting! Embrace the potential and discover how ChatGPT can transform your organization today. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Employee Considerations During Natural Disasters

Whether a result of fire, flooding, mudslides, or earthquakes, it can feel overwhelming to figure out next steps when your business has been impacted by a natural disaster. You may have a number of immediate concerns on your mind, from keeping your staff safe, to required pay, and how to handle temporary shutdowns and leaves of absence. Natural disasters are unfortunately increasing across California, making it more important than ever for employers to understand their compliance obligations, consider all options, and be prepared to respond. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Recruiting, Hiring, and Employing Minors

Does your organization employ minors? Whether you’re experienced or new to hiring employees under 18, there are key legal obligations to stay compliant. This training will cover permits, restrictions, and state and federal requirements for employing minors. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Managing Reduced Hours and Layoffs

Many HR professionals will face the challenging task of making job cut decisions that impact not just employees, but the future of the business. These are deeply emotional and difficult choices, and it’s crucial for HR professionals to understand their options and pitfalls. This helps to prevent lawsuits, minimize job losses, and ensure the company remains competitive during tough times. This training will provide the knowledge and tools needed to handle these decisions with both empathy, compliance, and professionalism. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Fostering Psychological Safety in the Workplace

This workshop explores the power of psychological safety, which is the foundation of high-performing, inclusive, and innovative teams. This engaging session will equip leaders and team members with real-world examples and actionable strategies to create a workplace where everyone feels safe to speak up, take risks, and collaborate without fear of judgment. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Self-Leadership

Power isn’t defined by a title—it comes from within. Even if you’re not in a supervisory role, you still have the ability to lead through self-leadership. True personal power is rooted in the influence you have over others, and it starts with the individual. Are you showing up as your best self at work? This session will help you explore how to take control of your personal and professional growth, empowering you to unlock your full potential. Engage in meaningful exercises and group discussions designed to inspire self-reflection and lasting transformation. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Motivation and Delegation

This session explores effective strategies for inspiring employees and empowering them through thoughtful delegation. It highlights techniques to understand what drives individual team members, foster engagement, and build trust by assigning responsibilities that align with their strengths. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.

Alternative Work Weeks

Want to offer longer shifts without triggering overtime penalties? Alternative Workweeks can be a game-changer—but only if implemented and managed correctly. Learn the required steps to properly implement an Alternative Work Week in California, and common pitfalls to avoid. This virtual event will be hosted live. Be sure to bring your questions and register now to reserve your spot! Price: FREE. A Workforce Development Board of Ventura County and California Employers Association webinar.