Business Education and Training

1. Overview

Discover a selection of free webinars and learning modules presented by a variety of organizations. This information will help support businesses at every stage of growth, however most of the resources are tailored to two key business phases: newly established and expanding enterprises.

These essential tools and resources are ideal for entrepreneurs seeking foundational training and guidance on how to start or manage their ventures. Each stage presents unique challenges, and these webinars provide the knowledge, tools, and strategies entrepreneurs need to thrive. Topics include Business Development, Financial Literacy, Marketing, and Graphic Design, with specialized sessions created for Women, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and Veteran business owners. 

2. General Business Guides

This section provides resources to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the fundamental steps of establishing a business. From strategic planning and legal considerations to securing financing and operational management, these materials are designed to support a successful business launch.

SCORE Local Workshops

SCORE is an SBA-funded national network organization that provides free business mentoring as well as trainings, workshops, and templates. They offer small business training workshops in-person in the Central New York area as well as online live events. Training is for free or low-cost, led by business experts.

To ensure you are viewing events for your area, type in your zip code in the blue bar at the top.

SCORE Local Workshops

SCORE Mentoring

SCORE gives business owners opportunity to match with an expert in their area for a free mentoring appointment regardless of where they are at their business journey.

SCORE Mentoring

SBA Learning Platform

MySBA Learning is a free, self-paced learning program designed to help entrepreneurs build the knowledge and skills they need to grow their businesses. Developed by SBA experts, the program offers a structured yet flexible experience where business owners can explore key topics through guided Journeys and dive deeper with Excursions, curated resources, tools, and actionable insights.

Participants will learn essential concepts such as risk management, strategic marketing, workforce development, innovation, government contracting, business financing, and more. With expert guidance and the freedom to learn at their own pace, entrepreneurs can apply practical tools and lessons directly to their businesses, whenever they’re ready.

MySBA Learning

3. Financial Literacy

Understanding financial principles is essential for both personal and entrepreneurial success. The resources in this section offer detailed information on budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management to enhance your financial knowledge and facilitate informed decision-making.

IRS Tax Tips for Entrepreneurs

In this webinar, presented by the IRS, businesses owners learn how to use IRS online systems to make managing their taxes easier and faster. They will discover how to access the Small Business Tax Center, set up and use IRS Online Accounts, and take advantage of secure electronic filing and payment options. By the end of this session, they will have the confidence to handle their business taxes effectively and focus on growing their businesses.

Click to Watch the Recorded Webinar

 

SBDC Recorded Webinars

The SBDC provides free recorded webinars covering previous workshops and classes on topics such as bookkeeping, credit improvement, and financing essentials.

SBDC Recorded Webinars

SCORE Financing ABC’s Presentation

Read this presentation from SCORE to learn where and how to get access to capital sources for businesses.

SCORE Financing ABC's

SEDCO APRA Small Business Lending Program Webinar

Free pre-recorded webinar providing a comprehensive overview on SEDCO (Syracuse Economic Development Center), a loan program developed to support small business development.
SEDCO Small Business Lending Program

4. Marketing 

Effective marketing is crucial for business growth and brand recognition. This section presents a range of resources focused on strategic branding, digital marketing, social media engagement, and customer outreach to assist in developing impactful marketing initiatives.

Getting Your Business Online

In this module provided by SCORE, you’ll learn why it’s important for your business to have a presence online and how to choose between a social media page and a website for your first webpage. You'll learn how to create a web address for your business and a few resources available to help you get started.

Click to Watch the Online Course

Building Your Website

In this interactive module, SCORE teaches you how to build your first website. Learn when to hire vs. when to "Do-It-Yourself". You'll also get tips on what content to include and how to optimize your website for mobile devices.

Click to Watch the Online Course

SBDC Recorded Webinars

Free pre-recorded webinars from the North Central NY Small Business Development Center (SBDC) covering topics such as sales, digital marketing, and e-commerce.

SBDC Recorded Webinars

Building Your Brand with Social Media

Social media plays an important role in the sales process. It can be an incredibly valuable marketing tool that leads to increased sales and revenue. View this module from SCORE to learn how to leverage these marketing channels to fuel your business success.

Click to Access the Online Course

5. Advanced Business Training 

For business owners who have passed their start-up period and are looking for support to expand and advance their businesses, there are specific resources that provides challenging opportunity to accelerate their growth.

SBA THRIVE Training

SBA THRIVE is an executive-level training series intended to give ambitious small business leaders a challenging opportunity to accelerate their growth through targeted training led by motivating leaders in small business development. SBA THRIVE revolutionizes the rich history of executive-level training for small businesses poised for growth.

Who qualifies to participate? 

This training is not for start-ups or people who are thinking about starting a business. SBA THRIVE advanced training series is open to small business owners and executives that:

  • Have annual revenues of at least $250,000
  • Have been in business for at least three years
  • Have at least one employee, other than self

For questions about SBA THRIVE, contact SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development at OED@sba.gov

 

Associated Department

Division of Business Development

Phone: 315-448-8100

Email: business@syr.gov

Contact Information

Use the contact information below to learn more about workshop and mentorship opportunities:

 

North Central SBDC
Mulroy Hall
4926 Onondaga Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13215
315-498-6070
sbdc@sunyocc.edu

 

Central NY SCORE
224 Harrison St., Suite 506
Syracuse, NY 13202
315-616-3544
centralny.info@scorevolunteer.org

 

 

 

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