Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program

• Complete 2 Courses to be eligible for exclusive $10,000 Grant Opportunities

• Registration is free and Courses are self-paced

• Every Registration with completion of 1 quick video (any length) helps support MCSC Women's Business Center

• También disponible en español.

Sign Up Here: Register Now

EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

MCSC offers weekly workshops on a wide variety of subjects. In addition to providing a networking platform among attendees, classes are designed to increase understanding of important and current business topics and trends. Workshops are open to the public.

Digital Branding Dynamics: Thriving in an Online World

Presented by: Gina Cinardo

Join us to explore key aspects of building and sustaining a brand in the digital ecosystem. Learn how to leverage digital tools and platforms to enhance brand visibility, engagement, and customer loyalty. Defining your brand consistently helps customers recognize and remember who you are and what you have to offer!

Tuesday, April 8

9:00-10:00am via Zoom

Tax Time Triage: Extend, Don't Panic! A Small Business Guide to Form 4868

Presented by: Ali DeRoche

Feeling overwhelmed by the looming tax deadline? This session is designed for small business owners, especially sole proprietors, who need a lifeline! Learn how to confidently navigate the tax extension process using Form 4868. We'll demystify the form, review crucial deadlines, weigh the pros and cons of extending, and equip you with the knowledge to file seamlessly. Avoid penalties and gain valuable time to organize your finances.

• Deadline Demystified: Key Dates for Every Business Type:

  • We'll break down the applicable tax filing deadlines for sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations, ensuring you know exactly where you stand.

  • Clarify the differences in deadlines relating to different business types.

• Extension Essentials: Pros, Cons, and Strategic Considerations:

  • Explore the advantages of filing an extension, such as avoiding late filing penalties and gaining time for accurate reporting.

  • Understand the potential drawbacks, including the obligation to pay estimated taxes and the delayed refund.

• Form 4868: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough:

  • We'll guide you through each section of Form 4868, providing clear instructions and practical tips for accurate completion.

  • Where to obtain the forms, and how to file electronically or via mail.

Thursday, April 10

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

AI Tools & Techniques for Marketers

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Learn how to harness the power of AI to transform your marketing efforts. This workshop covers AI-driven tools and insights to optimize campaigns, personalize customer experiences, and streamline your workflow. Walk away with actionable strategies to stay ahead in the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

What You'll Learn:

• Crafting Marketing Campaigns with AI: Use ChatGPT prompts to generate ad copy, email campaigns, and creative slogans tailored to your audience.

• AI for Customer Insights: Learn how AI tools can analyze customer data and behavior to deliver hyper-personalized marketing strategies.

• Streamlining Marketing Workflows: Explore automation tools powered by AI to save time on repetitive tasks like scheduling, tracking performance, and reporting.

Tuesday, April 15

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Instructions: 

Zoom Link Sent After Registration

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans: 3. Selling Goods and Services to Caltrans

Presented by: Richard Myerscough

Join us for “Selling Goods and Services to Caltrans” the third presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• The CAL-Card, a streamlined Caltrans purchasing process.

• Commodities and services Caltrans procures.

• Cal eProcure, California’s government marketplace.

• Caltrans internal purchasing processes.

• Required forms to do business with Caltrans.

• DSBLs and their role in procurement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the information directly with Caltrans and to get your questions answered in a live Q&A with Richard. 

Wednesday, April 23

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Cómo usar la IA para mejorar tu pequeño negocio

Presentador: Marissa Hernandez

¿Tienes un negocio o quieres emprender y no sabes por dónde empezar con la tecnología?

En esta clase práctica y sencilla aprenderás cómo usar herramientas de inteligencia artificial (IA) para ahorrar tiempo, atraer más clientes y hacer crecer tu negocio, ¡sin necesidad de ser experto en computadoras!

Ideal para emprendedores. No necesitas experiencia técnica

En este taller, aprenderás:

1. ¿Qué es la inteligencia artificial?

2.Que puede hacer la IA por tu negocio

• Marketing y redes sociales

• Atención al cliente

• Administración

• Innovación y crecimiento

3.Heramientas de IA fáciles de usar para tu negocio.

4.Demostración práctica de cómo usar la IA

5.Ética, seguridad y límites de la IA

Instructions: 

el enlace de Zoom se enviará después del registro.

jueves 1 de mayo

12:00-1:30pm por Zoom

QuickBooks for Small Businesses

Presented by: Ali DeRoche

Are you new to Quickbooks or deciding what accounting software is the right fit for your business? This is the class for you!

• Choosing the right QB Software

• Navigating QuickBooks Online

• Setting up your company

• Intro workflows - Adding customers, vendors and transactions

Wednesday, May 7

10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom

The World of Online Sales: Ecommerce Startup Blueprint

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Ready to turn your idea into a thriving online business? In this interactive 90-minute workshop, you'll learn exactly what it takes to launch a successful e-commerce store from scratch—without the overwhelm.

We’ll cover:

Choosing the Right Product & Niche – What sells, what doesn’t, and how to stand out
The Best E-Commerce Platforms – Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, or Amazon? Find the best fit for you
Setting Up Your Store Like a Pro – From product listings to payment processing
Marketing & Branding Basics – How to attract customers through social media, SEO, and ads
Avoiding Common Pitfalls – Learn from the mistakes that cost new e-commerce sellers thousands

Whether you're launching your first store or need a roadmap to finally get started, this workshop will give you actionable steps to confidently build and grow your online business.

Leave with a step-by-step game plan and the tools to launch within 30 days!

Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners looking to expand online.

Thursday, May 8

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Legitimize Your Side Hustle

Presented by: Stacey Aragon

Are you balancing a passion project alongside your day job? In this workshop, you’ll learn how to turn your side hustle into a legitimate business with a clear roadmap and actionable steps.

Key Takeaways:

• Why turning your passion into a business could be your best move—and what it takes to succeed.

• When to take the leap from side hustle to business, and how to recognize the right time.

• How to legalize and formalize your business for long-term growth.

Who is this workshop for? Has your side hustle earned some money?

If so, you are ready to legitimize your side hustle! Sign up for this workshop to begin a successful entrepreneurial journey!

Thursday, May 8

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

¿Estás listo para empezar tu negocio, pero no sabes como? Sesión 1

Presentador: Gabe Quiroz

Una guía paso a paso para empezar tu negocio

Taller de 2 sesiones 

Estas sesiones te enseñaron las claves que necesitas para empezar un negocio exitoso

Te darán los pasos básicos y consejos para empezar bien desde el principio y evitar problemas a futuro.

Cubriremos:

• Permisos y licencias

• Come puedes nombrar tu empresa

• Los Documentos Oficiales

• La importancia de tener un plan de negocio

Las sesiones son para cualquier tipo de negocio: food truck, taller mecánico, limpieza de casa, jardinería, salon de belleza, cuidado infantil, el que sea

Sesión 1

martes 13 de mayo de 2025

8:30-10:00am por Zoom

Instructions: 

Taller de 2 sesiones que te ayudarán a tener éxito en tu negocio.

Enlace de zoom para seguir despues del registro.

Brainstorm, Write, Refine - Using AI for Creative Writing

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

AI is revolutionizing the way we brainstorm, write, and refine our ideas. Whether you’re struggling with writer’s block, need help organizing your thoughts, or want to accelerate the book-writing process, AI can be your secret weapon. In this engaging 90-minute workshop, we’ll explore creative and practical ways to use AI in every stage of writing a book—from ideation to publication.

Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples, you’ll learn how AI can:

• Generate ideas and outlines

• Develop engaging characters and narratives

• Refine and edit your writing

• Enhance creativity without losing your unique voice

• Streamline research and fact-checking

• Create marketing content for your book launch

By the end of this session, you’ll have tangible strategies and AI-powered tools to bring your book to life—faster, smarter, and with less frustration.

Wednesday, May 14

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Summer Marketing Success – Blending Traditional, AI, and Social Media Strategies

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Three-Part Workshop: Summer Marketing Success – Blending Traditional, AI, and Social Media Strategies

This workshop will help businesses and entrepreneurs craft a well-rounded summer marketing strategy by integrating traditional marketing techniques, AI-powered tools, and social media strategies while incorporating strategic planning for long-term success.

Part 1: Traditional Summer Marketing – The Timeless Strategies, 5/15/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM

Part 2: AI & Social Media – Modern Tools for Maximum Reach, 5/21/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM

Part 3: Strategic Summer Marketing – Building a Plan That Works, 5/28/20259:00 AM- 10:30 AM

¿Estás listo para empezar tu negocio, pero no sabes como? Sesión 2

Presentador: Gabe Quiroz

Una guía paso a paso para empezar tu negocio

Taller de 2 sesiones 

Estas sesiones te enseñaron las claves que necesitas para empezar un negocio exitoso

Te darán los pasos básicos y consejos para empezar bien desde el principio y evitar problemas a futuro.

Cubriremos:

• Impuestos 

• La importancia de tener una cuenta bancaria separada para su negocio

• El mantenimiento de registros

• Registro de ventas y gastos para determinar pérdidas o ganancias

Las sesiones son para cualquier tipo de negocio: food truck, taller mecánico, limpieza de casa, jardinería, salon de belleza, cuidado infantil, el que sea

Sesión 2

martes 20 de mayo de 2025

8:30-10:00am por Zoom

Instructions: 

Taller de 2 sesiones que te ayudarán a tener éxito en tu negocio.

Enlace de zoom para seguir despues del registro.

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans: 4. Understanding Caltrans Procurement and Service Contract

Presented by: Richard Myerscough

Join us for “Understanding Caltrans Procurement and Service Contracts” the fourth presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• Certifications at-a-glance.

• Differentiate between goods & services.

• Where to search for previous Caltrans purchases.

• Basic overview of procurement methods.

• How this information can help your business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the information directly with Caltrans and to get your questions answered in a live Q&A with Richard. 

Wednesday, May 28

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Back to the Drawing Board: How Failure Can Lead to Success

Presented by: Brant Myers

Defeat gives you a chance to pivot your business ideas into a better chance at success. This course will help turn your resilience into a more powerful leap forward as you navigate the world of entrepreneurship. More than just a pep talk, in this course you will learn:

• What parts of your past business venture can be carried into your new vision

• How your hands-on experience and knowledge direct your future decisions

• When to switch course if you’re not seeing the results you expected

Be prepared to share real-world examples and receive coaching specific to your needs.

Tuesday, June 3

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Bookkeeping Made Easy: Keep Calm & Get Organized

Presented by: Ali DeRoche

Join us and take control of your business finances today!

Bookkeeping for Small Business Workshop 

What is Bookkeeping?
Is it accounting, tax preparation, or financial organization? The answer is YES. Find out how bookkeeping ties all these elements together to keep your business on track.

Why Should You Care?
Organized finances offer clear advantages—improve your financial accuracy, make informed business decisions, and get ready for tax season with ease.

Take Action: 7 Steps to Success
Learn seven actionable steps for effective bookkeeping, including how to properly pay yourself!

Methods + Software Comparison
We'll break down popular bookkeeping methods and software options to help you choose the best solution for your business

Wednesday, June 4

10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom

Design Like a Pro with Canva

Presented by: Andrea LaRosa

Ready to level up your branding, marketing, and content creation without hiring a designer?

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to confidently use Canva to create stunning graphics, professional presentations, engaging social media content, and more—even if you’ve never designed a thing in your life.

We’ll cover:

• Canva basics

• Time-saving pro tips

• Canva’s newest features

• Tools to make your visuals look polished and on-brand

This workshop is held live over Zoom, but come prepared with your laptop or smart device—you’ll be working inside the app, designing in real time, and playing with new features as we go!

Perfect for: Small business owners, content creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to stop feeling intimidated by design and start having fun with it.

Let’s turn Canva into your favorite creative tool—no design degree required!

Tuesday, June 17

9:00-10:30am via Zoom

Business Credit 101

Presented by: Jeanette Vierra

Join us with Jeanette Vierra as she breaks down the intricacies of Business Credit and prepare yourself for this important aspect of growing your small business!

• How Business Credit differs from Personal Credit

• Why it is important to use Business Credit to protect your Corporate Veil

• How to establish your Small Business as a Credit-Worthy Institution

• What Lenders look for when you are ready to apply for a line of Business Credit

Tuesday, June 24

5:30-6:30pm via Zoom

Paving the Road to Success with Caltrans 5: Know Your Small Business Resources

Presented by: Richard Myerscough

Join us for “Know Your Small Business Resources” the fifth presentation in our continuing Caltrans training series by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison.

• Assess and determine your firms Goal(s).

• Learn how to provide goods and services to Caltrans.

• Identify resources inside and outside of Caltrans, after certification.

• Free resources available from Caltrans partners.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the information directly with Caltrans and to get your questions answered in a live Q&A with Richard.

Wednesday, June 25

12:00-1:00pm via Zoom

Budgeting Like a Boss - Small Business Strategies

Presented by: Ali DeRoche

Do you really need a budget? Yes, you really do!

Learn all about the importance of budgeting for small businesses.

Wednesday, July 2

10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom