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Webinar: Introduction to Contracting with CDOT

Are you interested in contracting with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)? This workshop is a primer for firms just getting started and wanting to learn how to do business with CDOT. You will find out what they buy, how they let contracts for goods and services and where to find contract opportunities. It includes a discussion of CDOT's small business programs and how they can help you become more competitive in bidding and teaming on CDOT projects.

How You Will Benefit:
• Get an inside look at how CDOT operates and what they buy
• Learn the different contracting methods CDOT uses and how you can participate
• Discover where to find contracting opportunities that fit your business
• Develop a strategy for becoming a CDOT contractor, consultant or supplier

Suggested Audience: Businesses interested in contracting with CDOT

Presented by Cathy Kramer

Cathy Kramer is a Small Business Consultant and Program Manager for the Connect2DOT Program. Connect2DOT is an innovative partnership between the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies. Ms. Kramer has more than 20 years of marketing and management consulting experience, working with a range of clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She provides strategic direction to corporations and government agencies regarding market analysis, corporate positioning, brand strategy, integrated marketing planning, proposal development, supplier diversity, and small business program management. She has been a CDOT consultant for more than 10 years providing technical and supportive services to small businesses in transportation and managing the development and outreach of CDOT’s DBE/ESB Programs.

Cost: Free

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

REGISTER >

Health Care Reform Preparedness 105: Strategies for Making Your Health Care More Affordable

A recent survey cited “rising health care costs” as the number one threat to corporate profits in the United States today. Employee benefits costs have been soaring in this country for over a decade, and our annual spend is now approaching 18% of our national GDP—these current trends are unsustainable. In addition, health care reform has introduced a number of compliance pieces to the puzzle as well. This session will take a strategic look at the tools you have available when it comes to controlling your health care costs in an increasingly unpredictable environment. We’ll discuss employee demographics, available claims data, wellness that works, and health plan delivery models.

Health Care Reform Preparedness is a multi-event health care reform series, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, The Denver Metro Small Business Development Center and The Better Business Bureau. Check out the complete list of events within this series at www.denversbdc.org/seminars.

Cost: Free

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

Breakfast Brown Bag: The Power of Video

Reel in an audience by letting them experience your business’ message through powerful, yet affordable, videos. Whether you're promoting a business, fudraising for a non-profit organization or communicating with employees internally, professionally-produced video is a tool that can help convey your message in a meaningful, impactful way. In this seminar, you will discover the power of video and how to successfully produce and promote videos for your organization.

How You Will Benefit:
• Learn about the powerful impact of visual messaging
• Understand how video relates to search engine optimization
• Explore the various uses for video within your organization
• Find out what to look for when hiring a video production company

Suggested Audience: Non-profit organizations, public affairs officers, marketing professionals, business owners, public relations professionals

Presented by Naomi Binkley, Fireside Production

Naomi Binkley is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fireside Production, an award-winning video production company that has produced videos for organizations such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Denver Water, Mile High United Way and many others. Naomi spent more than a decade working in television news prior to launching Fireside Production. Her television news career took her from Colorado Springs to Grand Rapids, Michigan and finally, Fox 31 News in Denver. Naomi is an award-winning producer with a passion for creating memorable videos.

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members: $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members: $10
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members: $20

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

NxLeveL Program Info Session

Join the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center for a free informational session to learn more about the NxLevel program. NxLeveL is an 11-session, 30-hour course that addresses the questions every prospective business owner must answer in order to launch a successful and sustainable new venture. Participants will learn how to identify feasible start-up opportunities, and bring them to fruition by creating an actionable start-up business plan based on shrewd market research and proven start-up management techniques.

Click here to learn more about the NxLevel program.

No cost to attend

Start-Up Basics

Do you understand the nitty gritty of what it takes to start your business? This helpful overview seminar covers the necessary steps to successfully launch your new business venture. Bring your questions about launching your business and meet others who are doing the same!

How You Will Benefit:

Learn about legal structures, licenses and forms, and tax requirements
Uncover potential financing considerations

Suggested Audience: New Entrepreneurs

Presented by Nancy Barnett, Denver Metro SBDC

As an SBDC consultant, Nancy Barnett assists entrepreneurs with their start-up businesses. She is co-owner of APIS Business Solutions, an accounting/bookkeeping firm that also offers human resource consulting. Barnett has 25 years of experience in corporate training, human resources and vocational training. Her passion is helping business owners start or improve their businesses by understanding all the components necessary to build a strong business foundation. She takes pleasure in helping owners with strategic planning and business plan development. Barnett holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Western University. She was awarded her professional certification as senior professional in human resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute/Society for Human Resources Management. Barnett is also a certified NxLeveL instructor.

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members – $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members - $25
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members (Regular Fee) - $35

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

Business Plan Basics

As a business owner, you may not feel that you have time to make a business plan. Why do you need to? Well, for one, lenders will require a business plan if you’re seeking outside financing. But more importantly, a business plan gives you a goal to aim at and a roadmap for how to get there. In this seminar, you will learn why you need a business plan and what goes in it.

How Will You Benefit:

Understand what financial documents you need
Learn how to realistically determine your start-up costs
Take home a sample business plan of your own

Suggested Audience: Business Owners, New Entrepreneurs

Presented by Nancy Barnett, Denver Metro SBDC
As an SBDC consultant, Nancy Barnett assists entrepreneurs with their start-up businesses. She is co-owner of APIS Business Solutions, an accounting/bookkeeping firm that also offers human resource consulting. Barnett has 25 years of experience in corporate training, human resources and vocational training. Her passion is helping business owners start or improve their businesses by understanding all the components necessary to build a strong business foundation. She takes pleasure in helping owners with strategic planning and business plan development. Barnett holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Western University. She was awarded her professional certification as senior professional in human resources by the Human Resources Certification Institute/Society for Human Resources Management. Barnett is also a certified NxLeveL instructor.

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members - $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members - $25
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members (Regular Fee) - $35

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

NxLeveL Program Info Session

Click here to learn more about the NxLevel program.

No cost to attend

Webinar: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification

This workshop is essential for any small business that is interested in applying for DBE certification and working on CDOT and other transportation projects. You will learn about the eligibility criteria and requirements for DBE certification and the benefits of participating in the program. A CDOT DBE Certification Specialist will be on hand to answer your questions and review applications for completeness. If your business is minority or woman-owned and you would like to gain a competitive advantage in bidding on CDOT and partner agency projects, this workshop is for you!

How You Will Benefit:
• Find out if your small business meets the eligibility criteria to become certified
• Learn about the application process and how to ensure acceptance
• Gain an understanding of program benefits and supportive services
• Discover how to find DBE opportunities as a prime and subcontractor
• Get key contacts for marketing your certification status

Suggested Audience: Businesses interested in applying for DBE certification and/or those interested in contracting with CDOT.

Presented by Cathy Kramer

Cathy Kramer is a Small Business Consultant and Program Manager for the Connect2DOT Program. Connect2DOT is an innovative partnership between the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies. Ms. Kramer has more than 20 years of marketing and management consulting experience, working with a range of clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She provides strategic direction to corporations and government agencies regarding market analysis, corporate positioning, brand strategy, integrated marketing planning, proposal development, supplier diversity, and small business program management. She has been a CDOT consultant for more than 10 years providing technical and supportive services to small businesses in transportation and managing the development and outreach of CDOT’s DBE/ESB Programs.

Cost: Free

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

REGISTER >

Marketing Plan Basics

Small business owners often struggle to find marketing that brings them business without wasting their time or money. In this interactive seminar, learn how to create your own marketing plan. You’ll focus your efforts so you avoid wasting time and money on marketing that doesn’t work.

How Will You Benefit:

Discover who your customers are
Learn how to reach them
Develop a marketing message
Leave with building blocks for your own marketing plan

Suggested Audience: Business Owners, New Entrpreneurs, Marketing Professionals

Presented by Jennifer Whitton, Denver Metro SBDC
Jennifer Whitton is a business consultant at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Jennifer is president of Energine Marketing has been marketing for service-based businesses for 11 years. With a focus on inbound marketing and social media, Energine’s team of experts helps small business owners be strategic in their marketing and maneuver through today’s marketing environment.

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members – $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members - $25
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members (Regular Fee) - $35

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

Webinar: CDOT Emerging Small Business Program Orientation

Have you heard about the exiting new changes to the CDOT Emerging Small Business (ESB) Program? In this webinar learn how to leverage ESB certification to market your services to prime contractors, obtain CDOT contracts, and receive customized small business assistance. This session is mandatory for businesses interested in applying for or renewing their ESB certification.

How You Will Benefit:
• Find out if your small business meets the eligibility criteria to become certified
• Learn about the application process and how to ensure acceptance
• Gain an understanding of new program benefits and incentives for primes and subcontractors
• Discover how to find ESB opportunities including restricted projects
• Get key contacts for marketing your certification status

Suggested Audience: Businesses interested in contracting with CDOT

Presented by Cathy Kramer

Cathy Kramer is a Small Business Consultant and Program Manager for the Connect2DOT Program. Connect2DOT is an innovative partnership between the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) designed to help small businesses in the transportation industry become more competitive and successful in contracting with CDOT and other local transportation agencies. Ms. Kramer has more than 20 years of marketing and management consulting experience, working with a range of clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She provides strategic direction to corporations and government agencies regarding market analysis, corporate positioning, brand strategy, integrated marketing planning, proposal development, supplier diversity, and small business program management. She has been a CDOT consultant for more than 10 years providing technical and supportive services to small businesses in transportation and managing the development and outreach of CDOT’s DBE/ESB Programs.

Cost: Free

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

REGISTER >

Breakfast Brown Bag: Finance Your Business with Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the 21st century method of finding capital for your small business. In this seminar, explore the world of reward-based crowdfunding and learn how this resource can fund, market, and expand your business.

How You Will Benefit:
•         Understand how crowdfunding works
•         Explore the different crowdfunding websites
•         Get your business idea funded
Suggested Audience: Entrepreneurs

Presented by Mario Lurig,

Mario Lurig is an author, web developer, and chocolatier. He is the sole founder of Dice Candies, a chocolate dice manufacturer and wholesaler with customers throughout the United States. The company was originally founded through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding website, after receiving 1700% of the funding goal.

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members: $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members: $10
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members: $20

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

NxLeveL for Start-Ups

NxLeveL for Start-Ups is an 11-session 30 hour business planning program that will address every aspect of starting a businesses. Participants will learn how to identify feasible start-up opportunities, and bring them to fruition by creating an actionable start-up business plan based on shrewd market research and proven start-up management techniques. Here's how you will benefit:

Develop a clear vision for your business
Network with and learn from successful business owners
Receive one-on-one consulting assistance to help you complete your business plan
Discover tools and resources to help you launch and grow your business
Learn about funding options and meet potential lenders
Get free registration to ALL Denver Metro SBDC seminars while enrolled (valued at over $500)
Compete in a business plan competition with prizes

To learn more and meet the instructor, join us for a free informational session on May 30 or June 5!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Session 1: Developing Your Business Concept
Session 2: Understanding Budgets and Financials (1)
Session 3: Business Start-Up Options (1) and Market Research
Session 4: Business Start-Up Options (2)
Session 5: Business Fundamentals
BONUS: Accounting for Entrepreneurs
Session 6: Testing the Idea: Marketing Research and Analysis
Session 7: Getting to the Market: Marketing Strategies
Session 8: Funding Options Panel
Panelists:
Small Business Administration
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
Liquid Capital of Colorado
Wells Fargo
Colorado Enterprise Fund
Preferred Lending Partners
Colorado Lending Source
Session 9: Understanding Budgets and Financials (2)
Session 10: Getting Started and Managing the Future
Session 11: Graduation/Business Plan Awards

ELIGIBILITY

The ideal candidate for NxLeveL is an entrepreneur starting a new business venture or a current business owner looking to revisit their business plan.

COST

During the course, your time investment will include ten 3-hour NxLeveL sessions and five hours of additional one-on-one consulting. You will also receive free registration to all Denver Metro SBDC seminars during your enrollment (valued at over $500), and a chance to compete in a business plan competition with prizes for first, second and third place. The top three business plans from the class will also be entered into a second statewide business plan competition. Pricing options are shown below.

Regular Course Fee Options:
$595 Guide and workbook included. We'll buy the course materials for you and have them ready for you at
the first class.
$495 Guide and workbook not included. Purchase your own course materials here. All participants are
required to have 5th edition NxLeveL guide and workbook for the course.

Additional Employee(s) or NxLeveL Retake Fee Options:
$325 Guide and workbook included.
$225 Guide and workbook not included. Purchase your own course materials here. or share with your
business partner. Additional employees from the same company are not required to have their own
guide or workbook.

IMPORTANT DATES

Info Session      May 30, 2013, 5:30 - 7 p.m. RSVP >
Info Session      June 5, 2013, 5:30 - 7 p.m. RSVP >
Application Deadline      June 7, 2013
Sessions Begin      Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., June 13 - August 22 (excluding July 4)
Graduation      September 5, 2013, 6 - 8 p.m.

MEET

Certified NxLevel trainer Chuck Hahn currently serves as a small business specialist for the Aurora Small Business Development Center, and has taught NxLevel for the past 8 years. Chuck has worked with hundreds small businesses providing business consulting and a wide range of business seminars and workshops. As a Manager for a Fortune 500 company, he developed, built, and operated many distribution centers. Chuck is the founder of Hahn Consulting Group LLC, which creates marketing tools, with a focus on the internet.

REGISTER NOW >

Intro to QuickBooks

Avoid bringing your accountant a shoebox full of disorganized receipts. In this hands-on Introduction to QuickBooks, you will learn how accurate bookkeeping and the right software will make your life easier come tax season. Laptops with QuickBooks 2012 software will be provided for the seminar.

How Will You Benefit:

Learn QuickBooks’s basic features
Understand what information to track
Practice entering that information to ensure accurate bookkeeping

Suggested Audience: Entrepreneurs new to QuickBooks software

Presented by EKS&H

Cost:
Gold/Silver Denver Metro Chamber Members - $0
Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members - $25
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members (Regular Fee) - $35

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

Webinar: Tackling the Tough Stuff in Employee Management

Let’s face it: difficult employee situations are inevitable in the workplace. How do you prepare and cope? This presentation will highlight the top 10 challenges you are likely to meet, along with solutions that will help you better manage your team and remain compliant with the law. You’ll get renewed problem-solving skills, learn proven techniques, and gain enhanced confidence for handling the tough situations.

How You Will Benefit:

•         Overcome difficult employee challenges
•         Become skilled at avoiding potentially litigious situations
•         Master practical, proven techniques for dealing with the tough stuff

Suggested Audience: Business owners with at least one employee

Presented by Karolynn St-Pierre, Symmetry Consulting, LLC

Karolynn Humberd St-Pierre is a top HR Consultant, Small Business advisor, Author, Speaker and business owner who knows how to help the small business remain compliant with state and federal employment guidelines. In 2008 Ms. St-Pierre founded Symmetry Consulting, LLC - www.symmetryconsult.com. Symmetry Consulting partners with their clients so they can focus on their bottom line and growing their business while Symmetry manages the sometimes confusing HR functions and labor law compliance tasks. Prior to founding Symmetry Consulting, LLC, Ms. St-Pierre spent 15 years working for some the largest human resource consulting companies providing advice to Fortune 500 companies including: Microsoft, Coors, Target and Ford.

Cost:
Gold/Silver/Bronze Denver Metro Chamber Members: $0
Non-Denver Metro Chamber Members: $10

Brought to you by the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce RSS Feed

Webinar: Introduction to Contracting with CDOT

Health Care Reform Preparedness 105: Strategies for Making Your Health Care More Affordable

Breakfast Brown Bag: The Power of Video

NxLeveL Program Info Session

Start-Up Basics

Business Plan Basics

NxLeveL Program Info Session

Webinar: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification

Marketing Plan Basics

Webinar: CDOT Emerging Small Business Program Orientation

Breakfast Brown Bag: Finance Your Business with Crowdfunding

NxLeveL for Start-Ups

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

ELIGIBILITY

COST

IMPORTANT DATES

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

Intro to QuickBooks

Webinar: Tackling the Tough Stuff in Employee Management

MEET