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Mount Wachusett Community College’s Summer Business Luncheon Series returns this year with a focus on entrepreneurship and marketing for small businesses, as well as an overview for businesses of all sizes interested in applying for state workforce training grants.
The college’s Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development has bundled several professional lunch & learn workshops geared for entrepreneurs, owners of small businesses, managers and nonprofit organizations. All sessions will take place from 12 to 1 p.m. at MWCC’s Leominster Campus, 100 Erdman Way.
“Leaders and managers with entrepreneurial abilities are vital to the sustainability and growth of the economy in Massachusetts,” said Jeremiah Riordon, Associate Vice President of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development. “Businesses with 19 employees or less represent 86 percent of all Massachusetts firms, making this summer’s series a perfect training opportunity to help businesses grow for increased profits.”
The series will kick off on June 5 with an information session geared toward businesses of all sizes that are interested in learning more about the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund grant program. This session will provide an overview of General Program Training Grants as well as Consortium Grants, Express Program Training Grants & Technical Assistance Grants. MWCC will highlight client successes in fundable areas such as lean, continuous improvement, leadership, and ESL, as well as other technical and non-technical training areas in healthcare, manufacturing, banking, technology and other industries. This overview will cover the features and benefits of each program, the amount of available funding, and how to apply.
On June 12, the session “Establishing Your Business” will help owners of small businesses determine their tax entity classification and whether they should establish their companies as sole proprietorships, corporations or as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Any option can offer a range of advantages for entrepreneurs, however a corporation or LLC protects entrepreneurs’ personal assets.
On June 19, the session “Three Tips for a Better Business Website” will provide participants with the essential ingredients needed to enhance their websites to drive business. This non-technical session will focus on ideas and suggestions for improving business websites. Attendees will leave the workshop with understanding the importance of good web design.
On July 10, the session “Marketing Communications” will help businesses discover an approach to developing brochures using design elements to enhance interest and create impact. This workshop is designed to encourage participants to consider branding and how customer perceptions affect business.
On July 24, the session “Marketing and Sales on a Lean Budget” will help businesses develop an overall online prospecting strategy that facilitates growth of revenue and meets sales objectives. With an emphasis on direct marketing, participants will discover proven, essential campaign strategies for finding and acquiring new customers and generating sales.
On August 7, the session “Legal Dos and Don’ts” will provide the fundamental rules and regulations that ensure your business is a safe and healthy place to work. Participants will learn more about critical compliance requirements, as well as scenarios to avoid from a seasoned attorney specializing in business law.
On August 21, “Small Business Consulting Advice,” a Q&A session, invites small businesses to take advantage of technical assistance support. This session is geared toward micro-enterprises (five employees or less) and will highlight business counseling assistance and resources available.
The cost for each session is $15 and includes a complimentary lunch. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Register for one or more sessions online at mwcc.edu/noncredit, by phone at 978-630-9575, or email training@mwcc.mass.edu.