Workshops
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.
Small Business Post-Holiday “Reset”: Reenergize Your Social Media Strategy for Success in the New Year
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
Tailor your marketing strategy to maximize engagement and sales after the holiday season!
Understand common post-holiday sales pitfalls and how they manifest on social media.
Implement social media strategies that help boost engagement and sales during slow periods.
Develop a practical social media content calendar tailored to their audience's behavior post-holiday.
Utilize analytics and user-generated content to maintain momentum and keep their brand relevant.
Monday, January 6, 2025, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom
Cómo usar la tecnología para tener éxito en tu negocio - Una guía básica
Presentador: Marissa Hernandez
La tecnología es una herramienta útil para los propietarios de pequeñas empresas. Únase a nosotros para aprender a usar aplicaciones como Word, Excel y Google Drive con éxito.
Instructions:
Enlace de zoom después del registro
martes 7 de enero, 2025
11:00am-12:30pm por Zoom
The AI Revolution: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship
Presented by: Andrea LaRosa
Join us for an engaging 90-minute workshop where we’ll unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way small businesses operate and how entrepreneurs can leverage AI for growth and innovation. Whether you’re an AI newbie or curious about the next steps, this session is packed with actionable insights, tools, and strategies tailored to your needs.
You'll learn:
The benefits and risks of adopting AI in your business.
Real-life success stories and what they mean for you.
Tools and techniques to make AI work for you – no tech background required!
Plus, you'll leave with a step-by-step checklist to start implementing AI today.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
5:30-7:00pm via Zoom
Caltrans Business Certifications Overview
Presented by: Richard Myerscough, Caltrans
Join us for an enlightening session presented by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison. Richard will offer invaluable insights into the Caltrans Small Business Program, guiding you through:
Certifications Caltrans recognizes.
Benefits of certification.
How to get certified.
Certification eligibility criteria
Caltrans small business resources
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered in a live Q&A.
Equip your business with the knowledge and tools needed to become certified!
Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Food Vendors Start-Up, Part 1
Recipe For Success! How to Offer Your Customers What They Really Want
Presented by: Paul swigger
Do you have a passion for cooking or baking and you want to turn it into a business? Part 1 of this series will help you discover what customers are looking for and how to get (and keep!) their attention.
- How to choose your strongest product offering
- Analyze where you will find the most customers
- Explore the world of advertising
Instructions:
Zoom Link Sent After Registration
Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom
Food Vendors Start-Up, Part 2
Small to Large-Scale Food Production; Food Certs and Regs Checklist
Presented by: Gabe Quiroz
Discover what it takes to use your own home as a Cottage Kitchen. Develop your packaging and labeling solutions. Find out which certifications you need and let us help you get them!
Cottage Kitchen permits and Commissary Kitchens
Proper packaging and Labeling
Food Safety and First Aid requirements
Instructions:
Zoom Link Sent After Registration
Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom
Food Vendors Start-Up course, Part 3
The Big Picture! What It Takes to Manage Your Food Vendor Business
Presented by: Gabe Quiroz
Insights on Financing, Bookkeeping, and Taxes. Learn how your business really makes money in the long run. Put a plan in place for Customer Relations.
Explore Financing options and proper bookkeeping practices
Learn about industry calculations that determine profits
Customer satisfaction and relationships are KEY to staying in business!
Instructions:
Zoom Link Sent After Registration
Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 8:30-10:00am 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!
February 4, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Food Vendors Start-Up course, Part 4
Good Plan = Great Business! Behind the Scenes of Successful Start-Ups
Presented by: Paul Swigger
A little planning goes a long way, but SOLID planning goes the distance. Knowing what you will need before you start sets your business up for success.
What supplies and equipment will you need to get started?
Details for sourcing your ingredients
Hiring staff and inventory management
Instructions:
Zoom Link Sent After Registration
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom
Budgeting Like a Boss: Small Business Strategies
Presented by: Ali DeRoche
Join Ali from Benevolent Bookkeeping and learn all about the importance of budgeting for a small business.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 , 10:30am-12:00pm via Zoom
Master the Digital Realm: Website Design for Small Businesses
Presented by: Jose Guadarrama
Having a website can be crucial for small business success. This workshop will walk you through building your site with instructions for:
· Using Wix: Design a custom website tailored to your brand and business goals.
· Content Optimization: Organize and optimize content for improved user experience and SEO.
· Functionality: Ensure seamless functionality, including mobile responsiveness and essential integrations.
· Next Steps/Marketing the website and How: Provide guidance on hosting, launching, and maintaining your site, with actionable steps to enhance your digital marketing strategy.
February 19, 2025, 8:30-10:00am via Zoom
Paving the Road to Success 1: Introduction for the Small Business Program
Presented by: Richard Myerscough, Caltrans
Join us for an enlightening session presented by Richard Myerscough, Caltrans District 5 District Small Business Liaison. Richard will offer invaluable insights into the Caltrans Small Business Program, guiding you through:
Program Overview: What is the Caltrans Small Business Program, and how can it benefit your business?
Certification Know-How: Learn about the range of business certifications that Caltrans recognizes, making your firm more competitive for state contracts.
Community Resources: Find out about the resources available to both emerging and established businesses to optimize your relationship with Caltrans.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered in a live Q&A.
Equip your business with the knowledge and tools needed to become certified!
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Monterey WBC provides one-on-one no cost small business consulting. With an elite team of consultants with expertise in marketing, organizational development, finance, management, etc. Small business consulting is offered as an individual service, or supplementary to our entrepreneurial training courses. Consulting is available in English and Spanish.
Monterey WBC offers “Explore, Design, & Launch” - small business training program for startup entrepreneurs and existing small business owners. This course will equip you with the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources needed to start and/or grow your business. The outcomes of these courses are a tangible business plan and fine-tuned business pitch. “Empezando” is our Spanish equivalent.
Interested in keeping up-to-date with our Monterey WBC expansion, small business training, and free webinars? Sign-up for our weekly newsletter.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Call MCSC Program Director at 805-595-1357. MCSC is an equal opportunity provider. MCSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.