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Small Business Resource Team resized

The Small Business Resource Team was started by a group of community business leaders who came together with a common goal - to provide free mentorship and resources to small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Kennebec Valley region. 

Our Small Business Resource Team has partnered with SCORE Maine to provide FREE workshops to our members on topics affecting small businesses, from social media to finances and more.

 

2024 Schedule

JANUARY

Title: Hiring and Retaining Immigrant Workers

Date & Time:  Thursday, Noon – 1:00 pm, January 25, 2024

Registration Link: Registration closed- thank you for attending!

Description:  This workshop will highlight Maine’s employment shortage and the opportunity that employers have in hiring and retaining immigrant workers.    We will explore some of the cultural differences that may exist between immigrants and employers and suggest ways to help businesses be more successful in hiring, training and retaining immigrant workers.

Presenter: Bill Webster and Abdikadir Negeye, Certified SCORE Mentors.  

Presenter Bio:  Some may know Bill as the long-term Superintendent of Schools in Lewiston, but he was in business for much of his career.  His experience including owning and operated Haven’s Candies in Westbrook/Portland and serving as Controller and Coordinator of Strategic Planning for Hannaford Bros. Co.  Abdikadir is the Assistant Director of Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services.  This organization has worked with hundreds of immigrants to help them become socially and economically self-sufficient.  Learn more about SCORE at centralmaine.score.org and how we offer free mentoring to start-ups and small businesses.

 

FEBRUARY

Title: Small Business Taxes - What Every Owner Should Know

Date & Time:  Tuesday, Noon – 1:00 pm, February 6, 2024

Registration Link: Registration closed- thank you for attending!

Description:  Feedback from last year’s webinar was outstanding, and you won’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity for small business owners to become better informed about their taxes before the tax deadline.  Whether you are an LLC or a sole proprietorship, this webinar is for you.  The session is designed to get you on the right path for your tax preparation and to minimize your tax liability.  You will learn some steps to simplify your return preparation as well as some accounting approaches that you may wish to consider.   You will even have the opportunity to ask questions of the tax expert!

Presenter: Echo Palmer, IRS Enrolled Agent and CEO of Palmer Accounting, LLC

Presenter Bio:  Echo has over 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll and tax preparation.  She specializes in all aspects of small business and individual tax and accounting and began her career at a Massachusetts CPA firm.  In 2015 she returned to Central Maine, the area where she grew up in, and began working at a local tax & accounting firm.   She started Palmer Account, LLC, three years ago with mentoring from SCORE.  More information about SCORE is at centralmaine.score.org.

 

MARCH

Title: Safety for Small Businesses 

Date & Time:  Tuesday, Noon – 1:00 pm, March 5, 2024

Registration Link: https://www.score.org/centralmaine/event/safety-small-business

Description:  Recent events have clearly demonstrated that Maine is not immune from the security and safety challenges of today.  This webinar will present both simple and more complex ideas to improve the comfort and safety of your customers, clients, employees and yourself.

Presenter: Dr. Dan Fitzsimons, 24/7 Defense Training

Presenter Bio:   Dr. Dan Fitzsimons is actively engaged in training of individuals, teams and organizations in safety enhancements and defensive skills throughout New England.  He has also presented to national audiences to help churches and other institutions better prepare for the security challenges of today.  Dan has over 40 years of experience in security and executive protection.  He is a certified USCCA Instructor, a security consultant and runs 24/7 Defense Training located in Turner, Maine.  More information about SCORE is at centralmaine.score.org.

 

APRIL

Title:  Logos from the Ground Up

Date & Time:  Tuesday, Noon – 1:00 pm, April 9, 2024

Registration Link: https://www.score.org/centralmaine/event/logos-ground

Description:  Your logo is the stamp that identifies your business to the world at large.  From websites and business cards, to uniforms and giveaway items, your logo needs to go on EVERYTHING and should be one of the very first things you develop as you prepare to market your business...but what if your budget is small and your graphic design experience is even smaller?  This workshop will cover the basic principles of good logo design, as well as a variety of options and outlets (at all price points) for getting a professional-quality logo that will meet all your needs. 

Presenter: Alexandra Ulrich is a Certified SCORE Mentor and Marketing Subject Matter Expert, and she is one of our most popular presenters.

Presenter Bio:  Allie has been working in the marketing field with businesses of all sizes for over 15 years. She has served a broad range of industries, including fashion, real estate, energy, and higher education. She is currently the Content Manager at EnviroLogix, a Portland-based biotech company. She also continues to do freelance graphic design and marketing work with a focus on nonprofits and arts organizations. She has been a SCORE mentor since April of 2018.  More information about SCORE is at centralmaine.score.org.

MAY

Title: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Your Business

Date & Time:  Tuesday, Noon – 1:00 pm, May 28, 2024

Registration Link: https://www.score.org/centralmaine/event/leveraging-ai-your-small-business

Description: From social media management to decision-making support, AI can help in so many different areas of business operations, from organization to accounting and decision-making to social media. In this workshop, we will cover a spectrum of AI solutions designed to elevate your small business and some of the reasons AI might not work for you.

Throughout the workshop, we will candidly discuss both the advantages and challenges associated with AI adoption. While AI offers efficiency gains, data-driven insights, and improved customer experiences, participants will gain insights into potential cost considerations, ongoing development challenges, and the importance of mindful integration.

Presenter: Dan Reed, Marketing and Program Manager for SCORE Maine

Presenter Bio: Dan Reed is the Marketing and Program Manager at SCORE Maine and has a background as an entrepreneur in marketing, media, and video production for small businesses. Dan is responsible for SCORE Maine's workshop program, which delivers around 100 small business workshops in Maine every year. Dan is also a board member of PROPEL Young Professionals, where he is the Marketing Chair.

 

 

Past Events & Recordings

 

Small Business Taxes - What Every Owner Should Know - Watch the recording here 

Building Your Financial Toolkit- To Watch the Zoom Recording Click Here

How to Get More Media Coverage for Your Business or Organization - To Watch the Zoom Recording Click Here

Grow Your Business with Marketing Basics - Watch the recording here

Grow Your Business with Effective Use of Email Marketing - Watch the recording here

 

Sponsorships are available for the 2024 Small Business Resource Team program! If you are interested in sponsoring SBRT, please email 

 

Thank you to our 2024 SBRT Sponsor!

GE Roofing logo

Ganneston Sponsor Logo

 

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