SMALL BUSINESS LEARNING SERIES

DEVELOP THE SKILL SET TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS THRIVE

Small business owners often wear multiple hats and require a knowledge of all aspects of business from operations to financing management to marketing and more to effectively manage their operations. B:Side University for Small Business Owners helps entrepreneurs develop a well-rounded skill set necessary for the challenges and opportunities they may encounter in managing their businesses. These free, monthly webinars are presented by both B:Side Fund and partners with extensive expertise in their field.

Upcoming Classes

 

  • Gain an overview of various alternative funding sources available for businesses aimed at fostering growth and sustainability.

    • Understand the different types of funding options, including traditional lending, government-backed loans, and community-based financial institutions.

    • Explore alternative funding avenues such as crowdfunding, investment from friends and family, and the role of FinTech companies.

    • Learn about the opportunities and challenges associated with venture capital, angel investors, and incubators/accelerators.

    • Gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about the most suitable funding options for specific business needs.

    Confidently navigate the landscape of funding and secure the necessary resources for business growth.

    Presented by:

    Rocio Scott, Business Access Advisor, US Bank

    Brandon Willis, Business Access Advisor, US Bank

    Register

  • Esta presentación busca ofrecer una visión general de alternativas financieras disponibles para que las empresas impulsen su crecimiento y sostenibilidad económica. Al finalizar de esta sesión, los asistentes podrán:

    1. Entender las diferentes opciones de financiación, incluyendo préstamos tradicionales, préstamos con respaldo gubernamental e instituciones financieras comunitarias.

    2. Explorarán vías de financiación alternativas como la microfinanciación, la inversión de amigos y familiares, y el papel de las empresas FinTech.

    3. Aprenderán sobre las oportunidades y los desafíos asociados con el riesgo capital, los inversores ángeles y los programas de incubador/acelerador.

    4. Obtener conocimientos necesarios para tomar decisiones informadas sobre las opciones de financiación más adecuadas para las necesidades específicas de su negocio.

    Esta presentación busca empoderar a emprendedores y propietarios de pequeñas empresas para que naveguen con confianza por el panorama de la financiación y obtengan los recursos necesarios para el crecimiento de su negocio.

    Presentado por Rocio Scott, Vice President | Business Access Advisor US Bank

    Registro

  • The Future of Digital Marketing: From SEO to Answer Engine Optimization

    Digital marketing is undergoing a seismic shift. As more consumers turn to AI-powered chatbots and tools like ChatGPT to find what they need, traditional search engine optimization (SEO) is rapidly declining in effectiveness. Welcome to the era of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)—a new strategy that ensures your business stays visible in AI-driven search results.

    Join Jonathan Liebert, CEO of the Better Business Bureau and Chair of the National AI Taskforce for the National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs, for an engaging and practical session. You’ll learn how AEO is changing the digital marketing landscape, why your SEO strategies need an upgrade, and how to position your business to thrive in the new answer economy.

    Perfect for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve.

    *Disclaimer:

    The information presented in this webinar reflects the latest trends and insights on AI for small businesses as of May 28th 2025. Since AI technology is rapidly evolving, some tools, strategies, or recommendations may change over time. We encourage viewers to stay informed about updates and advancements in AI to ensure they are utilizing the most current resources available.

    Presented by Jonathan Liebert, CEO/Executive Director, Better Business Bureau

    Register

  • How do you transition from a business you have worked so hard to build into something new? Learn your choices to exit to employee ownership (EO), the act of turning an established business into a worker cooperative or an employee-owned company.

    • The benefits of employee ownership

    • The spectrum of EO structures and options

    • The steps in converting your business to employee ownership

    • State tax incentives to save you money

    Presented by Michaela Holmes, Cooperative Development Co-Director, Center for Community Wealth Building

    Register

    Sponsored by Lendio Denver

  • Amazon Business offers powerful tools to help small, local, and diverse businesses compete and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. In this session, you’ll learn how to leverage Amazon Business to optimize your operations, expand your reach, and connect with customers who value supplier diversity.

    Presented by Ken Moore, Senior Customer Advisor | Local Government, Amazon Business

    Register

 

Previous Sessions

 

Seminarios en Español