What: What is the Blue Economy? Attend our workshop to learn about the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. Just in time for World Oceans' Day!

These questions will be answered:

• What is the blue economy and what does it mean to North Carolina and to the United States?
• What aspects of the blue economy surround the Cape Fear Region?  Why is it critical to the local economy?
• What are some of the developments in the blue economy in our region?
• What types of opportunities are there to get involved as we see greater investment in the blue economy?

Who: Entrepreneurs, UNCW faculty, staff, and students, and anyone interested in learning more about the blue economy

Where: UNCW CIE

Cost: Free. Register here prior to event.

Sponsored by: City of Wilmington

Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

Too often, we hear that “luck” is the main reason a business fails or succeeds. This could not be farther from the truth as successful businesses share common traits and luck is not one of them. Small businesses that possess these traits have shown growth and produced handsome profits for their owners. This webinar is designed for the individual thinking of opening a new business as well as existing entrepreneurs who seek the inside secrets of how to make their business better. Opening and operating a small business involves a huge investment of time, talent and resources. Insure the success of your business and your personal success by planning to attend this informative and enlightening seminar.

Speaker(s): Bob Moore

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

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Did you know last year the federal government purchased 600 billion dollars’ worth of goods and services from small businesses? Every year the federal government aims to utilize small businesses for at least 23% of its overall spending.

Come join the North Carolina District Office on the second Tuesday of every month to learn about the SBA’s contracting certification programs and gain a competitive edge to sell to the federal government. We will discuss the benefits of the 8(a), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), HUBZone, and Veteran Small Business (VetCert) certifications. Eligibility and how to apply will also be covered.

Please note: training will take place 9-11am ET and will not be recorded.

REGISTER HERE

Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

One of the most effective ways to market your business is through video, and with apps and technology, you can create quality, inexpensive videos regardless of your skill level. In this webinar, we will explore several videomaking platforms that can be utilized to create free or low-cost videos for your business. Participants learn about different types of videos including explainer videos, how-to videos, testimonials, or advertising videos to drive sales that small businesses use for marketing and branding. We'll cover the basics of how to create a video on the platforms, and finally, how to identify the ideal video distribution platform to market your videos.

Speaker(s): Renae Simon

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

It’s not just crafts and recipes! Pinterest is no longer just a crafts and recipes site. It’s a visual search engine, and a powerful one at that. In this session, you’ll learn best practices for optimizing your Pinterest profile, graphics creation, and how to drive website traffic and generate leads.

Speaker(s): Melanie Diehl

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Business Basics

Let's face it, small business owners still have a difficult time raising capital. For start-ups it is almost impossible, especially from traditional lending sources. This event will bring together traditional and non-traditional lending sources for business owners to meet and discuss how they can meet their capital needs. Join us (representatives the SBA, SCORE and the SBC) to explore capital access options for small businesses. We will answer these frequently asked questions: What can I use the money for? What if I have questionable credit? What are the loan application requirements? Learn about the many capital funding options including (equity crowdfunding) that are available to small businesses in our area. The panelists will also discuss traditional, alternative, and entrepreneur forms of capital as well as options for women and minority owned businesses.

Speaker(s): Leslie Lewis

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Nonprofit

In this workshop, we will discuss the fundamentals of fundraising. Topics will include:Types of Fundraising Nonprofits Can Build a Strategy AroundHow to Cultivate and Maintain Relationships with DonorsDeveloping a revenue generation plan that works for your nonprofit In this seminar, you will learn the basics of fundraising and how to turn your nonprofit into the revenue generator you can use to serve your community.

Speaker(s): David Morrison

Fee: No Cost

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Brunswick Community College Main Campus, 50 College Rd. Bolivia
Building D, Room 148

You know that you need content to market your business. You know that you need to post more on social media. It's the HOW that you are worried about. We hear you! Join us for the Content Creation for Social Media Marketing Bootcamp on June 15th 2023 @ Brunswick College. In this hands-on all-day event, participants will learn how to create marketing content for their business and get it online efficiently using the Plan, Create, Share & Engage Model. Attendees will have the opportunity to plan a content and social media marketing calendar for up to 6 months that's ready to implement for a sample business. Next, attendees will learn about Apps and AI tools that can help them create, write, design, schedule and launch posts for social media marketing on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Finally, we will get to work in the computer lab, and take what you learned and apply it to your business. Participants could walk away with a 6-month content and social media plan and hands on experience in the tools to create and share them. Our goal is to equip business owners, like you, to duplicate what you learn in this bootcamp in your business in the future. Lunch will be served, limited seating available and registration is mandatory!

Speaker(s): Renae Simon

Co-Sponsor(s): First Citizens Bank

If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

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Phone: 910-755-7306
Email: scotta@brunswickcc.edu

Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Marketing and Sales

Are you interested in spreading the message of your business with a platform that your customers are already using? More and more people are turning to YouTube for all of their information, news, and entertainment. Your business should definitely have a presence there as well. In this seminar, you will learn how to get started with video marketing, how to make good quality videos with the tools you already have, setting up and promoting your YouTube channel, and spreading your message to all of your customers with a simple and easy to use method.

A Zoom registration link will be sent to you after registration

Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy and The EXPERTS Game Podcast

Co-Sponsor(s):

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

Etsy is a rapidly growing online marketplace for selling handmade goods, vintage items and craft supplies. With more than 80 million active buyers, there’s no better place to launch your own creative small business. In fact, sellers took home over 13 billion in sales in 2021 alone.Attend this class to learn how to sell your art work, jewelry, crafts, and vintage items in this easy fast paced class!!!! See just how easy it is to Grow Your Brand with a wealth of new customers and promotional SEO tools. Learn how to register and start selling on Etsy. Share the story of your craft in your profile, item photos, and shop banner. Escape the 9-5 grind and focus on your passion. You will be guided through planning the basics of your small business strategy and given an in-depth look at Etsy’s tools to help you succeed online.

Speaker(s): Nick Hawks

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Marketing and Sales

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool to grow your business. You have similar interests to people all around the world and LinkedIn helps you organize and reach out to these connections. Come to this seminar to discover easy ways to grow your page, connect with others, and build your business.

A Zoom registration link will be sent to you after registration

Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy and The EXPERTS Game Podcast

Co-Sponsor(s):

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Technology

Your most important sales tool is your website. Buyers are vetting you before they talk to a salesperson.In fact, buyers go through 80% of the shopping process before contacting you. Just like your sales staff,your website has to be spot on to create trust and answer the questions they’re asking. Customers wantto control their buying experience and the website is where they have that control. In this seminar youwill learn to plan out a website to bring you more business. We’ll discuss planning a site, finding a targetcustomer, appealing to that customer, getting the client to buy, creating engagement, and tips and tricksthat we use everyday that you may not be aware of.Outline of the class:• Why do you need a website?• Where do you start when creating a site?• What is your highest return on investment?• How do you appeal to your target client?• What content needs to be created to appeal to your target?• How do you appeal to Google?• Ways to create engagement on your site.

Speaker(s): Sue Rachunok, Design Interventions

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

Once we’ve explored the video creation platforms for small businesses, it’s time to learn the best practices of making a video for your business. In this webinar, participants will learn how about content creation, how to create a script for your video, best practices for live or animated videos, recording tips on lighting, sound, and presentation, editing resources, and how to vet vendors to assist you if necessary. We will focus on free, low cost, and easy to use strategies in these areas.

Speaker(s): Renae Simon

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

Register Online
Already Registered? Sign in for more information.

Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

“I didn’t know you existed!” If you have ever heard (or never want to hear) your customers say this about your business, this webinar is for you. We will discuss branding, what it means, and how to create an effective brand for your business. Next, we will discuss how to promote that brand using a marketing plan. Finally, we will explore free or affordable methods to establish your business brand both online and in your community.

Speaker(s): Renae Simon

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

Register Online
Already Registered? Sign in for more information.

Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Marketing and Sales

Whether you are exploring Airbnb as an income stream or have already hosted guests,this webinar will provide the information you need to launch or level up your Airbnbbusiness.By the end of this workshop, you will learn:If Airbnb is a good fit for you and your goalsHow to get started as an Airbnb hostHow to leverage Airbnb to earn extra income (whether you own real estate or not)How to optimize your Airbnb rental to maximize your profitWhat it takes to get a 5 star review, consistentlyYou should attend this workshop if:You are exploring Airbnb as an income streamYou need to launch your Airbnb fastYou want to take your Airbnb to the next levelYou have spent hours watching Airbnb YouTube videosYou want to get an edge on the Airbnb marketplaceYou want to provide a 5 star-worthy Airbnb guest experienceFreebie! All attendees will receive a FREE Airbnb shopping guide that includes a list ofeverything you need to furnish your new Airbnb property quickly.

Speaker(s): Ashley Patterson

Fee: No Cost

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Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

Whether you sell online, on social media, in store, or out of the trunk of your car, Shopify has you covered. Your brand, your way. No design skills needed. Establish your brand online with a custom domain name and online store. With instant access to hundreds of the best-looking themes, and complete control over the look and feel, you finally have a gorgeous store of your own that reflects the personality of your business. Everything is in one place. Selling your products in many places should be every bit as simple as selling in one. With Shopify’s eCommerce software, you get one unified platform to run your business with ease.• Fully customize your online store• Add new sales channels like Facebook, Amazon, eBay & Instagram• Manage unlimited products and inventory• Fulfill orders in a single step• Track sales and growth trends

Speaker(s): Nick Hawks

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

Register Online
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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center
Topic: Marketing and Sales

An effective business plan is vital to the success of a small business. This class will discuss tools necessary to write a business plan that will help raise capital and serve as a guide for your business. We will discuss reasons to get started in business, what is needed in a good plan, and presentation helps if the plan is used for funding or attracting partners.

A Zoom registration link will be sent to you after registration

Speaker(s): Matt Rudisill, The Leadership Academy and The EXPERTS Game Podcast

Co-Sponsor(s):

Fee: No Cost

Register Online
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Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Marketing and Sales

The average person views 30,000 marketing and sales messages each day. The majority of people don’t have the financial resources to give one dollar to each of these brands.MEATY (Memorable, Experiential, Actionable, Timely, Yummy) Marketing is the foundation of earning and maintaining customer loyalty through customer experiences that occur far beyond the restaurant.During this session, you will learn how to build a remarkable customer experience that increases sales and creates fans.LEARNING OBJECTIVES:Identify how food service consumers make decisionsExamine how the customer experience contributes to sales and loyaltyApply consumer psychology to marketing and sales campaigns with the Meaty Marketing framework

Speaker(s): Dr. Michael Baraera

Fee: No Cost

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As our region grows, so does the demand for health care. At the Power Breakfast on June 29, we will talk with leaders at our largest health care providers and educational institutions about the plans underway to expand the workforce, facilities and availability of health care in our community.

 Event Details:

Thursday, June 29
Breakfast & Networking: 7:30 - 8:15 a.m.
Program: 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.
Wilmington Convention Center

 Click on the 'Buy Tickets' tab above to secure your seat.

Note: There are no paper tickets for this event. You will receive a name tag at check-in that includes your table number.

Online Facilitated by Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) Small Business Center

Topic: Marketing and Sales

The social landscape changes frequently and the amount of social platforms available seem to grow on a weekly basis. This module offers a high-level overview to help small business owners navigate social media to gain a competitive edge.Key Takeaways for the Small Business Owner:● What are the best social media strategies and tactics to employ?● Should every company be on social media, and how do you decide?● What are new sources of power and influence on the social web?● What are the special organizational considerations for implementation and integration?

Speaker(s): Derek Schmidt, CEO DesignLoud

Co-Sponsor(s):

A Zoom registration link will be sent to you after registration.

Fee: No Cost

A Zoom Link will be sent prior to your class. Please register for all parts of this series seperately.

Register Online
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Online Facilitated by Brunswick Community College Small Business Center

Establish Your Business Brand Online and In the Community - Content Focus. It's time to craft your story. Content is used on business websites, social media, and blog posts. This webinar will help participants develop a content strategy for their business and learn how to use it to drive customers to your website.

Speaker(s): Renae Simon

Co-Sponsor(s):

Webinar login information and a registration reminder will be provided prior to this event via email. If you need assistance, please call 910-755-7498.

Fee: No Cost

Register Online
Already Registered? Sign in for more information.