Upcoming Events

How to Start a Manufacture Business

Are you interested in starting a manufacturing business? If you are 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 Manufacture Business. This virtual workshop, targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics such as creating a business plan, finding capital, registering your business, obtaining necessary permits and/or licenses, and opening a business bank account. This is a great opportunity to get any questions you may have answered and find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will take place online using Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning 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. For a reasonable accommodation request, please email lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: FREE. An SBA 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.

Pay Per Click Advertising – Or How Not to Lose Your Shirt on Google

This workshop will cover the following key aspects of advertising on Google: an introduction to Google advertising, different ad types, keyword and targeting strategies, and measuring success. 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.

Market Research and Idea Validation Workshop

This workshop highlights why market research is critical to the success of start-up and products. Participants will explore how understanding real customer needs reduces risk, strengthens investor confidence, and helps teams move from “technology-first” to “problem-first” thinking. The session emphasizes validating market assumptions, including TAM, SAM and SOM, to ensure that solutions address meaningful, proven problems worth solving. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

What to expect and how to prepare to apply for a SBA business loan

This workshop will clarify the lending review process. Increase your chances of securing funding for your project by understanding what lenders look for when reviewing your application. Whether you have been in business for a long time, are just getting started, or are considering purchasing an existing business, this workshop has something for you. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

Defining Your Audience: The Power of Buyer Personas

What is a Buyer Persona? A buyer persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer based on market research and real data about your existing customers. Marketing to everyone the same way doesn’t work anymore. These in-depth personas help us relate to your customers uniquely and as real humans. Buyer personas can help you better understand who your customers are and how to market to them most effectively. The goals of this hands-on workshop include developing clear definitions of your typical buyers, a clear sense of the customer journey that customers take, and how to generate a marketing strategy to start marketing to the right people. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

QuickBooks Online Basics You Need to Know

Are you an aspiring or established business owner looking to get started with QuickBooks? Are you trying to figure out what you’re doing but keep getting lost? Do you like bagels? Well, then this workshop is for you! Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

Boost Sales on Autopilot with Smart Email Marketing

Discover how email automation can generate consistent sales for your business without taking up your time! In this webinar, SCORE will cover the essentials of autoresponder campaigns, powerful tools that follow up, inform and engage your customers automatically. Learn how AI and strategic messaging help build relationships and drive actions that grow your business. Topics include setting up effective campaigns, key triggers and creating evergreen content that resonates with your audience. Leave with actionable insights to implement immediately and make your email marketing work for you on autopilot! Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

AI-Powered Business Planning: Create a Quick Business Plan in 3 Hours

Join SCORE and other entrepreneurs in this hands-on workshop where you will write your “Unique Value Statement” for your new product or service. This is a concise description of your product or service that explains the unique value it provides to your customers. As part of the workshop, participants will receive real-time feedback from a SCORE mentor to help them fine-tune their Value Statement. In the second part of the workshop, you will use the “Lean Canvas” to begin the process of turning your product/service into a business. In this interactive session, you use the canvas to guide you in expanding the information in the Unique Value Statement by capturing key ideas, concepts, and strategies about your business. This creates a basic framework that you can use to complete YOUR full, detailed business plan. Have paper, a pencil, or a pen ready, as the goal of this workshop is for all participants to leave with a draft of their “Unique Value Statement” and “Lean Canvas.” 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. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Price: FREE. An in-person SCORE, City of Thousand Oaks, Economic Development Collaborative and Accelerate CA event.

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. They will show you how to finalize the design of your product or service and make sure it’s right for your target market. Then SCORE 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. They will also review a number of 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. SCORE’s Small Business Essentials Workshops prepare individuals to make the right decisions and create actionable plans when starting a small business. Whether you are starting a business on your own (one-person business) or a business with employees, we have the right set of workshops to help you succeed. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

AI, Canva & You: Building a Consistent Brand in a Changing World

Consistency is the new superpower. In this inspiring wrap-up to the quarter, SCORE will show you how to bring together everything you’ve learned about AI tools, Canva visuals and creative storytelling to build a brand that’s instantly recognizable and authentically you. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

Financial Basics for New Small Businesses

Please note that this webinar is not recorded at the presenter’s request. This workshop is designed to give you, the business owner, the financial skills and know-how needed to perform key tasks, such as determining how to accurately calculate the funding you’ll need to start your business. You will also learn how to realistically project your future financial results. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

Get Found Online: Boost Website & Search Results

Is your website helping your business grow or holding it back? This webinar is designed for small businesses that want to turn their websites into an effective sales tool. Learn best practices, improve your search rankings and get found in AI search results like Google’s AI Overviews. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

Increase Sales and Profits with Pricing and Distribution Strategies

You’ve developed a wonderful new product or service and understand the costs, but how should you price it? This workshop is part of SCORE’s Small Business Essentials series. SCORE will start by reviewing different distribution and channel strategies and help you choose the method that best gets your product or service in front of your satisfied customers. The rest of the workshop focuses on pricing, and they will start by covering some basics. Then SCORE will review a detailed process for determining the price of your product. Since pricing a service is very different from pricing a product, SCORE will have a special section that covers the separate process for pricing services. SCORE’s Small Business Essentials Workshops prepare individuals to make the right decisions and create actionable plans when starting a small business. Whether you are starting a business on your own (one-person business) or with employees, SCORE will have the right workshops to help you succeed. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

How to Start a Business

Are you interested in starting a business? If you are 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 targeted to new entrepreneurs, covers topics from 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 find out about the multiple resources available to help you. This webinar will be held online via Microsoft Teams. Please register to obtain the login information. Please note, if you are planning 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. For reasonable accommodation request please send an email to lado@sba.gov at least 7 days in advance. Price: Free. An SBA webinar.

Etiquette Mistakes Killing Your Credibility

In this candid, high-energy session, SCORE will uncover the common etiquette mistakes that quietly sabotage your credibility and what to do instead. From ghosting and no-shows to accountability and appearance, you’ll learn the basics that should be obvious … but clearly aren’t. Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or up-and-coming entrepreneur, these practical tips will help you earn trust, gain respect, and show up like the pro you are. Price: $10.00. A SCORE webinar.

Blog to Grow – Why Blogging is a Small Business Power Tool

Are you overlooking one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolbox? You’ll learn why blogging still matters in 2026, how it drives more traffic, improves SEO, and builds trust with your audience. You’ll also discover how to stretch your blog content further, turning one well-written post into social media, email, and promotional material. Price: FREE. A SCORE webinar.

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.

IN-PERSON EVENT: AI for Small Business: 10 Use Cases You Can Apply This Month

Turn AI from buzzword into business results. 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. Note: A free or paid Generative AI Account (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Co-Pilot) is required to get the most out of the hands-on portions of this workshop. Bring a fully charged laptop or device with your selected AI application installed and signed in to your account. Address: Moorpark City Hall | 323 Science Dr, Moorpark, CA 93021. The Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub (Accelerate CA Hub) is funded by the State of California and administered by CalOSBA. Check in at 8:30 am. Price: FREE. A SCORE, the City of Moorpark, the Economic Development Collaborative, and Accelerate CA IN-PERSON workshop.

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.