Back in March, we all just thought this quarantine would be an extended spring break (at least I did).  We’d get an extra week or two to take a vacation with family or catch up on backlogged projects.  But now it’s September, so… 

Luckily, there have been hopeful updates about a COVID-19 vaccine, but sadly, such a reprieve is still many months into the future.  Virtual workshops seem to be here to stay, and we’ve found some great events to check out this month – for FREE!

We’ve split up this month’s events based on common themes:  black and minority business owners; marketing and social media tools; start-ups and small businesses; and continuing business after the pandemic.

As always, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and social channels to stay up-to-date on all the latest and greatest in virtual workshops!

Black and Minority Professionals

We found a few workshops that are tailored specifically toward black and minority professionals.  These events are perfect if you are interested in learning more about the tech industry, developing and growing a small businesses, or, if you have an existing business. These events can help you develop a stronger and more extensive foundation!

Black is Tech Conference 2020:  If you are a black or minority tech professional, this event is for you.  This conference is two days and will connect attendees with over 250 companies, and best of all, it is now free!  There will be keynote speakers, virtual networking events, and virtual exhibits to learn more about tech companies in attendance. WHEN:  Thursday, Sept. 24 – Friday, Sept. 25 (register for the conference schedule)

Keep it 100: A Panel Discussion with Minority Small Business Owners:  It’s no secret that starting a small business is tough work, but the end result can be so rewarding.  This panel discussion will connect local minority business owners to share what worked for them, what didn’t, and everything in between. WHEN:  Tuesday, Sept. 15 (4:00 – 5:00 pm)

Lessons Learned About a Business Journey:  September is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and SCORE has a great webinar to recognize minority entrepreneurs everywhere.  Nilson Goes, founder of Infinite Energy Construction, will share his professional journey in this webinar that is sure to inspire anyone to persevere through the challenges of beginning a business. WHEN:  Tuesday, Sept. 8 (Noon – 1:00 pm)

Marketing and Social Media

It’s 2020, folks! This year has been a hot mess to be sure, but one thing that’s here to stay is the forum of the online platform.  If you are new to social media, website development, or using social media to connect and grow customer bases, we have some conferences that are perfect for you.

Yelp:  Build Your Business Through Customer Reviews:  Yelp is one of the first places customers go to decide whether to visit a business, so it makes sense that your business should have a strong profile on this service.  Bethany Howell, Co-founder of Skiba Media, will show you how to use Yelp to your advantage. WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept. 2 (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

Growing Your Business With Social Media:  Burned out on social media? Well, too bad- whether we like it or not, everyone (even grandma) is using social, which makes it a great place to connect with customers.  Whether you’re looking to engage with current customers or potential customers, this workshop is a great place to start! WHEN:  Tuesday, Sept. 8 (Noon – 1:30 pm)

Getting Started With Shopify:  If you are one of the many businesses who has shifted operations online during the pandemic or you’re just wanting to improve your online shopping experience, this workshop is perfect for you.  Shopify is a service that businesses can use to make online shopping easier for everyone.  Jessica Crum of Silverlake Design Studio will be leading this discussion WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept. 9 (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

 Importance of a Responsive Website:  So you’ve got a website – now what? This workshop will discuss everything from getting a higher listing on search engines to making your website look good on any device your customers use.  Bethany Howell from Skiba Media will run this event. WHEN:  Thursday, Sept. 17 (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

 Use YouTube to Grow Your Business:  YouTube is a great space for sharing videos with customers.  Anything from business introductions, tutorials, and advertisements can be shared on a company YouTube channel.  This workshop discussion will be led by Pamela Starr from Grow with Google. WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24 (10:00 – 11:00 am) 

 Start-ups and Small Businesses

Starting a business is hard enough alone – here are some events to find other area professionals to grow your network and find support in making all your business dreams come true.

Startup Chat:  Sometimes you just need to talk to someone, but during a pandemic, in-person conversations are not really happening.  Join this Zoom call if you need to discuss starting a business with someone who has more experience than you do, or if you’re just feeling lonely and you need someone to bounce business ideas off of. WHEN:  Friday, Sept. 4 (Noon – 1:00 pm)

Intro to the SBIR/STTR program: The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program is a great resource for entrepreneurs entering the business market.  Learn about the program, networking, and future events to expand your business connections.  This event will be hosted by our personal favorite, Rebecca Todd from UALR. WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept. 9 (9:00 – 10:30 am)

 Protecting Intellectual Property in SBIR/STTR Projects:  Join our very own founder, Angela Grayson to learn about the importance of protecting your business’s intellectual property while engaged in SBIR/STTR projects.  If you are a technology-based company, and you have SBIR or STTR funding, or if you are thinking of SBIR/STTR and interested in keeping your company’s IP protected, then this webinar is for you. WHEN:  Wednesday, Sept. 23 (10:00 – 11:30 am) 

 Business After Pandemic

COVID-19 has forced many business owners to rethink how they conduct business.  Here are a few workshops that are great if you are looking for advice on how to continue business once lockdown restrictions start lifting.

 Planning for Business After Covid-19:  This event is hosted by Horvath, an ASBTDC Capital Access Specialist.  Brandon will share strategies for a post COVID-19 world by using the BMC (Business Model Canvas) to help plan.  This event is great if your business is shifting operations due to the pandemic. WHEN:  Tuesday, Sept. 1 (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

 Overcoming Cybersecurity Challenges During the COVID-19 Pandemic:  The pandemic has been rough enough.  Nobody needs phishing scams to complicate things even more.  This webinar will focus on new threats since the start of the pandemic, and available protections for small businesses. WHEN:  Thursday, Sept. 17 (Noon – 1:00 pm)

 Creating a Cash Flow Analysis for the Pandemic:  Are you stressing over finances during the pandemic?  SCORE webinar-on-demand that will cover how to analyze your business finances to ensure you have everything you need to survive and thrive during these difficult times.  Plus, you can watch whenever you have time (bonus!!).

The Last Word

The above resources are just a few of the resources available to help you up your B-game while getting you through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Mary Kathryn Whitaker (“MK”) is a third-year law student at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Mary Kathryn interns at Precipice IP, PLLC, where she researches and drafts materials relating to intellectual law.

Angela Grayson, CIPP/US, CLP is an author, speaker, and lawyer. She is the Principal and Founder of Precipice IP, PLLC.  Angela is a patent, trademark, copyright, and technology law attorney with almost 20 years of experience helping science and technology companies protect products, brands, designs, and data from idea to launch.

👉🏿 Sign up to join our community and to learn more about our legal services visit www.precipiceip.com/purchase. Precipice provides intellectual property legal services to science and technology startups.