Watertown Development Company

APEX Accelerator: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for SBA's Federal Small Business Certifications (2026 Update)
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:30 UTC
APEX Accelerator: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for SBA’s Federal Small Business Certifications (2026 Update)
April 9, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CST
Description: Join us for a comprehensive webinar on how to apply for federal small business certifications through the SBA’s certification portal, MySBA Certifications. This webinar will provide a clear and concise overview of the certification process, empowering you to successfully navigate the application for federal small business certifications and avoid common mistakes that can lead to lengthy processing times or denial of your application. This course will teach you how to apply for the major SBA federal contracting certification programs, including HUBZone certification, Woman-Owned (WOSB and Economically Disadvantaged WOSB) certification, Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB) certification, and the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development certification. This in-depth training will cover all steps in the certification process, such as:

Choosing which program(s) to apply for and understanding timing considerations
Registering and maintaining your business in gov
Creating an account in MySBA Certifications
Identifying, gathering, and organizing the required certification documentation
Preparing answers, narratives, and letters of explanation
Navigating the MySBA Certifications portal and submitting your application
Monitoring communications and responding to SBA information requests
Receiving the approval or denial of your application

Target Audience: Small business government contractors and APEX Accelerator counselors.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Veronica Doga, nebraskaAPEX@unomaha.edu, (402) 554-6253
Registration Link: https://nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10339

SCORE: Blogging for Small Business: How to Improve SEO and Drive Website Traffic
2026-04-09 12:00 - 13:30
SCORE: Blogging for Small Business: How to Improve SEO and Drive Website Traffic
Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CDT
Description: Blogs remain one of the most effective ways to increase website traffic, but many business owners overlook blogging in their content marketing strategies. A well-written blog can help search engines prioritize your content for potential clients and organically drive them to your business. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to use blogging as a marketing tool that helps your business get found online, build trust with your audience, and bring more people to your website. You’ll also learn how to create effective blog posts and see how one well-written blog turned into content for email, social media and other marketing channels. Participants will receive a Blog Content Planning Workbook and SEO Blog Template to help apply what they learn.

Why blogging is still one of the most powerful tools for small business marketing
How blogging helps your SEO and Google rankings
The blog writing system, keywords, structure, headline and hooks to get clicks
How investing in one blog can save you time creating marketing content across the board

Cost: $15.00
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 1-800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/event/blogging-small-business-how-improve-seo-and-drive-website-traffic

SCORE: AI + CRM: Simple Tools to Grow Your Small Business Faster
2026-04-09 13:00 - 14:30
SCORE: AI + CRM: Simple Tools to Grow Your Small Business Faster
Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 1:00 PM — 2:30 PM CDT
Description: Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for large corporations. Today’s CRM platforms include powerful AI features that help small businesses save time, improve follow-up, and increase sales. In this practical workshop, you’ll discover how AI inside your CRM can:

Remind you who to contact and when
Suggest next best actions
Write emails and marketing messages
Identify which leads are most likely to buy
Help you stay organized without extra staff

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE Twin Cities, twincities@scorevolunteer.org
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/ai-crm-simple-tools-grow-your-small-business-faster

SCORE: How to Actually Grow Your Business - Build a 12-Month Growth Plan
2026-04-14 12:00 - 13:30
SCORE: How to Actually Grow Your Business – Build a 12-Month Growth Plan
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CDT
Description: Most small business owners want to grow but struggle to decide where to focus next. Trying to pursue more customers, higher prices, better margins, and new offers all at once leads to wasted time, inconsistent execution, and slower growth. To grow your business effectively, you need to identify the best opportunity for your business and focus your efforts on it. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you how to choose the right growth strategy based on your business’s current performance, priorities, and constraints. You’ll learn how to evaluate whether your next step should be gaining more clients, increasing revenue, improving margins, or refining your offers. You’ll also learn how to identify the biggest obstacles that could limit growth, from capacity and conversion issues to pricing and margin challenges. You’ll leave with a clear decision on which growth strategy to prioritize and a focused 12-month plan you can confidently execute. Learning objectives:

How to evaluate your business to determine the best growth opportunity
How to decide whether more customers, higher revenue per client, better margins, or offer changes should be your focus
How to pinpoint the key constraints that could limit your growth
How to translate your decision into a clear, focused 12-month plan

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 1-800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/event/how-actually-grow-your-business-build-a-12-month-growth-plan

Create Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI for Social Media Content
2026-04-14 15:30 - 17:00
Create Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI for Social Media Content

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
3:30 PM 5:00 PM

Business & Health Innovation Center, Northern State University1200 S Jay StreetAberdeen, SD, 57401United States (map)

Struggling to come up with social media posts? This workshop shows you how AI can be your new content sidekick. We’ll explore tools to brainstorm ideas, write captions, script videos, and even repurpose content—so you spend less time stressing and more time creating posts that actually work.
Presenter: Dr. Hannah Walters, Northern State University

Register Here

SCORE: Buying A Business
2026-04-15 09:00 - 11:00
SCORE: Buying A Business
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 9:00 AM — 11:00 AM CDT
Description: Are you interested in learning how to evaluate the acquisition of a business? Join our upcoming workshop where we will discuss everything you need to know to make informed decisions when acquiring a business. We will cover the following topics:

Identifying viable businesses
Valuing the business to avoid overpaying
Working with a business broker
Options for financing
Structuring the purchase
Documenting the purchase agreement

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE Twin Cities, twincities@scorevolunteer.org
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/twincities/event/buying-a-business-16

SCORE: Get Found Online: A Small Business Guide to SEO That Works
2026-04-15 10:00 - 11:30
SCORE: Get Found Online: A Small Business Guide to SEO That Works
Wednesday, April 15, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 10:00 AM — 11:30 AM CDT
Description: Get Found Online: A Small Business Guide to SEO That Works gives small business owners a clear, practical introduction to the parts of SEO that help a website perform better. This session will explain what SEO is, how search engines work, the difference between on-site and off-site SEO, what keyword research means, why content matters, how trust is built online, and why clear goals and calls to action are essential to turning visitors into leads. Attendees can expect a hands-on, business-focused presentation built around real-world website improvements they can start making right away. By the end of the program, participants will better understand how to evaluate their own website, spot common SEO weaknesses, and make simple, meaningful updates the very next day to improve visibility, credibility, and results.
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online
Questions contact: Edmund Peterlinz, ed.peterlinz@scorevolunteer.org
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/northchicago/event/04-15-26-get-found-online-a-small-business-guide-seo-works

SCORE: Meet Your AI Team - Save Time and Grow Your Business Using AI Agents
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00
SCORE: Meet Your AI Team – Save Time and Grow Your Business Using AI Agents
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:00 PM CDT
Description: AI can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but many people only use it for simple prompts and one-off tasks. More advanced users are going further by creating customized agentic workflows that understand their business, remember key information, and help handle tasks across marketing, sales, and daily operations. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to move beyond basic AI tools and see how small business owners are building custom AI teams to support their businesses. We’ll break the process down into simple, actionable steps so you can see what AI agents and workflows can do and how to start using them, even without technical experience. Learning objectives:

Understand what AI agents and workflows are and how they can support a small business
Identify ways AI agents can assist with marketing, sales, and operations
See examples of how small business owners are using AI to save time
Set up your LLM to understand your business, offers, and brand
Test and refine your AI to improve its performance over time
Integrate agentic AI into daily workflows to save hours each week

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 1-800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/event/meet-your-ai-team-save-time-and-grow-your-business-using-ai-agents

APEX Accelerator: Maximize Your Potential with the SBA's Mentor-Protégé Program (2026 Update)
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:30
APEX Accelerator: Maximize Your Potential with the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program (2026 Update)
April 21, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CST
Description: Touted as a “gamechanger” when it was first introduced in 2016, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s All Small Mentor-Protégé Program isn’t new anymore. Known now as simply the “SBA Mentor-Protégé Program,” it remains a powerful tool for both large and small contractors. Join us for an insightful webinar with Govology’s Legal Analyst, Steven Koprince, to gain an in-depth understanding of the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program and how it can be a catalyst for your business growth and success in the government marketplace. Mr. Koprince will share practical insights and real-world examples to help you maximize the benefits of the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program. This comprehensive webinar will focus on the following topics:

Eligibility Requirements: Understand who can participate in the program and the criteria you need to meet.
Program Benefits: Discover the advantages of the program, such as forming special mentor-protégé joint ventures that can significantly boost your company’s capabilities, expand its capacity, and provide you with valuable experience. In addition, the Mentor-Protégé program can improve your team’s collective experience and performance history to achieve higher scores during government evaluations.
Application Process: Get a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the program successfully.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls: Learn about the common challenges and mistakes to avoid making the most of the program.

Whether you are a small business owner looking to grow or a mentor seeking to make a meaningful impact, this webinar will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Target Audience: Small business owners and entrepreneurs, government contractors, business development professionals, anyone interested in learning about the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Veronica Doga, nebraskaAPEX@unomaha.edu, (402) 554-6253
Registration Link: https://nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10340

Design Made Easy: How to Use Canva
2026-04-21 15:30 - 17:00
Design Made Easy: How to Use Canva

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
3:30 PM 5:00 PM

Business & Health Innovation Center, Northern State University1200 S Jay StreetAberdeen, SD, 57401United States (map)

If design feels overwhelming, this workshop will make Canva your new best friend. We’ll walk through the Canva Pro tools that make creating clean, consistent graphics way easier—brand kits, templates, photo editing, exporting and sizing, apps, and quick tips to help your visuals look polished without overthinking it. This is a hands-on session, so bring your laptop and come ready to work directly in Canva Pro as we build together.
Presenter: Madeline Dell, Century Business Products & Catalyst IT

Register Here

APEX Accelerator: Who Buys What You Sell? A Step-by-Step Process (2026 Update)
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:30
APEX Accelerator: Who Buys What You Sell? A Step-by-Step Process (2026 Update)
April 23, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CST
Description: Successful government contractors rely on more than opportunity searches—they rely on data-driven competitive intelligence. This course teaches you how to use federal procurement data to understand your market, refine your pricing strategy, and identify the agencies most likely to buy what you sell. Through a step-by-step, real-world example, you will learn how to analyze government purchasing data using multiple federal systems, including SAM.gov‘s Data Bank, and connect information across several government databases to uncover valuable insights about buying patterns, competitor activity, and potential teaming partners. In this course, you will learn how to:

Identify which agencies and military commands purchase what you sell
Determine how frequently agencies buy and how much they typically spend
Use gov‘s Data Bank to research historical procurement activity
Run advanced ad-hoc queries to uncover deeper market intelligence
Identify competitors and analyze historical contract awards
Locate potential teaming partners for upcoming opportunities
Determine whether your pricing is competitive for a specific opportunity
Use Excel pivot tables to quickly analyze large procurement datasets
Why This Course Matters:
Understanding who buys what you sell, how often they buy it, and how much they spend—often referred to as propensity analysis—helps contractors target the right agencies, develop stronger sales strategies, and validate competitive price points.
Many consultants charge $3,000-$10,000 to conduct this type of market research. In this course, you will learn how to perform this analysis yourself, allowing you to independently research opportunities, validate your pricing strategy, and focus your efforts on the most promising government buyers.
Target Audience: Businesses new to government contracting, as well as experienced federal contractors looking to strengthen their competitive intelligence, pricing strategy, and market targeting.

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Veronica Doga, nebraskaAPEX@unomaha.edu
Registration Link: https://nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10341

APEX Accelerator: Meet the Buyers Virtual Conference
2026-04-28 09:00 - 2026-04-30 16:00
APEX Accelerator: Meet the Buyers Virtual Conference
April 28-30, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CDT
Description: Meet the Buyers 2026 | Virtual Conference connects businesses directly with government buyers at the federal, state, and local levels, along with agency representatives, experienced primes, and resource providers. Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to expand existing relationships, Meet the Buyers Conference offers practical insight, meaningful connections, and real conversations that move opportunities forward. Brought to you by Nebraska APEX Accelerator, CIRAS APEX Accelerator, South Dakota APEX Accelerator, ND APEX Accelerator, Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator, and SWCC APEX Accelerator.
What to Expect:

Gain insights from government agencies, prime leaders, and procurement departments about their business operations.
Key Learnings:
Strategies to maintain connections with agencies beyond active procurements.
Methods to discover upcoming opportunities and active solicitations.
Accessing forecast information.
Inclusion goals for diverse businesses in procurement and contracts.
Current agency rosters and registration processes.
Potential partnerships with attending companies.
Networking Opportunities:
Virtually connect with government contracting professionals, agency representatives, potential collaborators, and industry experts.
Who Should Attend?
Business Owners: Network with peers and leaders in Nebraska’s government contracting market involved in county, state, and federal projects.
Entrepreneurs: Learn from successful entrepreneurs and gain valuable advice to elevate your company through government contracts.
Industry Professionals: Expand your knowledge of upcoming projects and selling to the government.
Innovators: Learn about alternative funding, SBIR/STTR, and agencies that are funding innovative R&D.

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Veronica Doga, vdoga@unomaha.edu, (402) 554-6253
Registration Link: https://nbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/10295

SCORE: Prepare for Event Success: Plan for Peak Demand, Operations, and Execution
2026-04-28 12:00 - 13:30
SCORE: Prepare for Event Success: Plan for Peak Demand, Operations, and Execution
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 PM — 1:30 PM CDT
Description: Choosing to participate in a major event like the FIFA World Cup, the Olympics, trade shows, and festivals can be a big opportunity to reach new customers and sales. But once you’ve committed to participating, the real challenge is execution. Without a clear operational plan to deal with the increased demand and unexpected challenges, a big opportunity can quickly turn into a costly mistake. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to prepare your business to run smoothly and perform at its best during major events. We’ll cover how to anticipate demand, plan staffing and inventory, and put simple systems in place so your business can handle the surge without disruption. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear approach to operate with confidence, reduce stress, and make the most of the opportunity. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:

Anticipate demand and plan resources before, during, and after a major event
Build flexible staffing and inventory plans to handle spikes and slowdowns
Create simple workflows to keep operations running smoothly during busy periods
Prepare for unexpected challenges like shortages, delays, or demand surges
Keep your core business running smoothly while managing increased demand

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 1-800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.score.org/event/prepare-event-success-plan-peak-demand-operations-and-execution

Maximize Your Reach: Posting and Scheduling Tips for Entrepreneurs
2026-04-28 15:30 - 17:00
Maximize Your Reach: Posting and Scheduling Tips for Entrepreneurs

Tuesday, April 28, 2026
3:30 PM 5:00 PM

Business & Health Innovation Center, Northern State University1200 S Jay StreetAberdeen, SD, 57401United States (map)

Learn posting best practices and simple strategies to help entrepreneurs build a stronger social media presence with better reach and consistency. We’ll cover when and how often to post, what types of content perform best, and how to stay consistent without overthinking it. You’ll leave with practical tips you can start using right away to show up online more confidently and effectively.
Presenter: Kristin Harms, @TheBasicRanchMom

Register Here

Apprenticeship Summit
2026-04-30 13:30 - 16:00
You are invited to join the Start Today SD Team in celebrating the power of apprenticeship in South Dakota at our Third Annual Start Today SD Apprenticeship Summit.
This year’s theme Liberty + Labor: The Freedom to Build Your Future highlights the role Registered Apprenticeship plays in opening doors to opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and empowering individuals to create their own path to success.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship designates a week in April as National Apprenticeship Week. To kick off the celebration in South Dakota, we’re bringing together employers, apprentices, educators, workforce partners, and supporters to recognize the impact apprenticeships are making across our state.

Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m. CDT
Location: Sioux Falls Convention Center

Highlights of the Summit:

Celebrating Success: We will host a graduation ceremony for apprentices who have completed their programs in the past year, showcasing the tangible results of this workforce model.
Honoring Excellence: We will recognize the visionary organizations and mentors whose leadership has expanded apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Networking for Growth: Connect with Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors and workforce partners to discuss the future of South Dakota’s labor market.

Capacity is limited for this event. We encourage you to RSVP early to secure your spot among the state’s key workforce stakeholders.

Together, we can continue to champion the spirit of apprenticeship and ensure every South Dakotan has the freedom to build a prosperous future.

We look forward to seeing you in Sioux Falls.

SBA: National Small Business Week Virtual Summi
2026-05-05 10:00 - 2026-05-06 17:00
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm CDT
Agenda: https://www.cntvhybrid.com/nsbw2026/agenda
SBA: National Small Business Week Virtual Summit – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Description: Participants will learn about topics varying from manufacturing, digital marketing, human resources (HR), artificial intelligence (AI), business planning, and online business resources. The Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by cosponsors, information about accessing federal resources, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities.
Cost: Free
Location: Online – PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83713

APEX Accelerator: Key Government Contacts to Help You Win More Contracts (2026 Update)
2026-05-05 12:00 - 13:30
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
APEX Accelerator: Key Government Contacts to Help You Win More Contracts (2026 Update)
Description: Winning government contracts isn’t just about what you offer—it’s about understanding who’s involved in the process and how to engage them at the right time. In this training, you’ll gain a clear, practical understanding of the key government personnel who influence buying decisions—and how to position yourself with each one to move opportunities forward. What You’ll Learn

The key roles in the government contracting process—and how they interact
Who makes decisions vs. who influences them behind the scenes
When to engage each stakeholder during the procurement lifecycle
Proven strategies to build relationships that lead to contract wins

Why This Matters

Many contractors lose opportunities simply because they’re talking to the wrong people—or engaging too late in the process. This training helps you focus your efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact.

What You’ll Walk Away With

A smarter, more strategic approach to navigating the government ecosystem—so you can build the right relationships, at the right time, and increase your chances of winning and growing contracts.

Who This Is For

Small businesses and new contractors entering the government market
Existing contractors looking to improve win rates and relationship strategy
Business development professionals responsible for pipeline growth
APEX Accelerator clients and anyone supporting government contracting success

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Veronica Doga, nebraskaAPEX@unomaha.edu
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83592

Your New AI Employee Works 24/7 and Never Calls in Sick
2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:00
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Your New AI Employee Works 24/7 and Never Calls in Sick
Description: You didn’t start your business by spending half your time on administrative tasks. Discover how small business owners use AI automation to handle the tasks that eat up their week — answering calls, following up on leads, organizing files, and generating reports — all without hiring anyone new. Walk away with real workflows you can start using the same day, presented by a consultant with 25+ years in enterprise AI now focused on helping small businesses compete with the big guys.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83703

Business Credit 101: Build Credit, Access Funding, and Grow Your Business
2026-05-06 10:00 - 11:00
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT
SCORE: Business Credit 101: Build Credit, Access Funding, and Grow Your Business
Description: Business credit can help you qualify for better financing, strengthen your credibility, and give your business more room to grow. Unlike personal credit, business credit does not develop on its own. It requires the right structure, intentional action, and consistent financial habits. In this webinar, you’ll learn how business credit works, why it matters, and what it takes to build it over time. We’ll walk through the key steps to help you establish a strong credit foundation, build a credit history, and improve your ability to qualify for funding in the future. What You’ll Learn:

Understand the difference between a business credit profile and a business credit score
Learn how business credit differs from personal credit and why both can matter
Set up the right foundation to begin building business credit
Use trade relationships and payment habits to strengthen your credit profile
Manage credit utilization and understand how it impacts your score
Monitor your business credit and prepare for lender evaluation with more confidence

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83708

Business Transformation Series #3 – Websites & SEO
2026-05-06 11:00 - 12:30
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Business Transformation Series #3 – Websites & SEO
Description: This Business Transformation Series is a deep-dive into Digital Marketing and features breakout sessions led by SCORE Mentors, workbooks and homework assignments and interactive discussion with other mentees and SCORE Mentors. Goals of this session include:

Understand why a website is important for your business and how to get started
Understand and implement website best practices with the principles of SEO
How to monitor your results and diagnose potential issues or improvements

Cost: $50.00
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83709

AI for Small Business ~ Find Opportunities and Take Action
2026-05-06 11:15 - 12:15
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. CDT
SCORE: AI for Small Business ~ Find Opportunities and Take Action
Description: A lot of business owners are already experimenting with AI but want to move beyond basic tasks and start applying it more strategically to create stronger business results. The challenge is knowing where AI fits, what opportunities are worth pursuing, and how to turn ideas into practical action. In this webinar, we’ll walk you through a practical process for evaluating and implementing AI in your business. You’ll see live demonstrations of how AI can be used to address common small business challenges, while learning how to identify high-impact opportunities, assess readiness, and prioritize AI initiatives that make the most sense for your business. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear 7-day plan to start implementing AI in your business. What You’ll Learn:

Identify the best opportunities to use AI in your business
Evaluate whether your business is ready to act on those opportunities
Prioritize AI initiatives based on impact and feasibility
See real examples of AI applied to common small business challenges
Turn ideas into practical next steps you can take right away
Build a simple 7-day plan to start using AI in your business

This webinar is part of the National Small Business Week Learning Lab, happening May 6-7, 2026, featuring free educational content, mentor connections, and a community of entrepreneurs.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83599

Small Business Financial Management ~ What to Put in Place at Every Stage
2026-05-06 12:30 - 13:30
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Small Business Financial Management ~ What to Put in Place at Every Stage
Description: Whether you’re launching a side hustle, starting a business, or preparing to grow, strong financial management plays a major role in long-term success. But for many small business owners, keeping up with bookkeeping, compliance, and the financial decisions needed to support growth can quickly feel overwhelming. In this webinar, our expert presenter will show you what the financial lifecycle of a small business looks like and how your financial systems or support needs change in each stage. By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how to build a stronger financial foundation, make smarter decisions as your business grows, and identify when it’s time to bring in the right support. What you’ll learn:

Build simple bookkeeping habits to keep your records organized from the start
Understand the difference between a bookkeeper and a CPA and when to use each
Identify the financial support your business needs at different stages
Recognize when to invest in services that help you scale, not just stay compliant
Make better financial decisions so you can focus more on running your business

This webinar is part of the National Small Business Week Learning Lab, happening May 6-7, 2026, featuring free educational content, mentor connections, and a community of entrepreneurs.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83600

Access to Capital in 2026 - How to Choose, Prepare, and Qualify
2026-05-06 13:45 - 14:45
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Access to Capital in 2026 – How to Choose, Prepare, and Qualify
Description: Accessing capital through options such as loans, grants, investors, and other funding sources is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs in today’s uncertain funding landscape. Many business owners know they need funding to start, run, or grow, but are unsure which funding option fits their business or how to prepare. In this webinar, presented by business funding expert Marjorie Weber, you’ll learn how to prepare, qualify, and choose business funding in today’s uncertain funding landscape. This session is designed to help you better understand your options, prepare more effectively, and make smarter capital decisions based on where your business is today and where you want to go next. What you’ll learn:

Understand the difference between personal and business credit
Learn how FICO, Vantage, and business credit scores affect funding decisions
Compare grants, debt, and investor funding options
Identify the best funding paths for start-ups versus expanding businesses
Prepare pre-opening, expansion, and pro forma operating budgets
Make more confident funding decisions in a volatile 2026 environment

This webinar is part of the National Small Business Week Learning Lab, happening May 6-7, 2026, featuring free educational content, mentor connections, and a community of entrepreneurs.
Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83688

The Boomerpreneur Roadmap - How to Leverage Your Unique Advantages
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:00
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. CDT
Score: The Boomerpreneur Roadmap – How to Leverage Your Unique Advantages
Description: Starting a business later in life can be a smart way to turn your experience, skills, and resources into income and independence. But many aspiring entrepreneurs over 50 are unsure where to start, how to reduce risk or how to build a business in today’s fast-changing marketplace. In this webinar, bestselling author and experienced entrepreneur Steve Strauss will show you how to leverage your experience and resources to launch a business that supports your lifestyle, goals and legacy. Steve will walk through how to audit your existing capital, identify a profitable market gap and use lean startup strategies to launch. What You Will Learn:

The Capital Audit: How to identify the 4 types of hidden assets you already own that younger founders don’t.
The Human-Centric Edge: How the human connection can help you stand out in an AI-driven marketplace.
Smart Launching: How to minimize financial and reputational risk.
Bypassing the Tech Wall: The ‘Simple 3’ tech stack that allows you to run a modern business without being a coder.
The Owner Mindset: How to design a business that creates freedom and an exit strategy rather than just a new job.
The Breakthrough Roadmap: How to avoid hurdles in the first 90 days that stop most boomerpreneurs.

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83689

Driving Growth ~ Delivering Profitable Sales and Delighting the Customer
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:00
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Driving Growth ~ Delivering Profitable Sales and Delighting the Customer
Description: What you will Learn: How to create a compelling Value Proposition that drives sales and aligns your sales strategy with delivering customer value- focusing not just on closing deals, but delivering solutions that genuinely solve problems and justify premium pricing.
Cost: $10.00
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83710

Building a Business Plan That Works - Key Elements Every Entrepreneur Needs
2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:00
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT
SCORE: Building a Business Plan That Works – Key Elements Every Entrepreneur Needs
Description: Starting a business without a clear plan can leave you guessing about your next steps, your goals, and how to grow sustainably. A strong business plan helps you clarify your vision, make better decisions, and build a stronger foundation for long-term success. In this webinar, our expert presenter will explain why you need a business plan, the key elements every plan should include, and the key sections you should focus on. By the end of this session, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to build an effective, results-driven business plan. Learning Objectives:

Understand why a business plan is important for starting and growing a business
Learn the key elements every effective business plan should include
Identify the sections that deserve the most attention
Build a stronger roadmap for decision-making and growth
Gain confidence in creating a business plan that supports your goals

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83690

Exporting Resources for Small Businesses
2026-05-07 10:00 - 11:30
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CDT
SBA: Exporting Resources for Small Businesses
Description: Go Global, Grow Nebraska: Free Resources for Export Success. Turn local success into a global business strategy. Hear from the people who can help.
Presenters:

Patty Brewer, Export Finance Manager, US Small Business Administration
Meredith Bond, Director, Commercial Services Omaha, US Department of Commerce
Mariel Huasanga, Regional Director, Export-Import Bank of the United States
Heather Ranck, Director, Rural Export Center, US Department of Commerce
Omar Santiago Pagan, Office of Trade Relations, US Department of Homeland Security
Colby Angst, Economic Development Consultant- International Trade, Nebraska DED

Moderator:

Mike Marsh, SBA Nebraska Lender Relations Specialist and District International Trade Officer

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: Mike Marsh, Michael.Marsh@sba.gov 402-221-7216
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83550

How to Design Your Website to Attract, Engage, and Convert More Customer
2026-05-07 11:15 - 12:15
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. CDT
SCORE: How to Design Your Website to Attract, Engage, and Convert More Customers
Description: Are people visiting your website but not booking, buying, or leaving right away? Many small business websites are missing the fundamental elements that help clients navigate their website, build trust, and drive conversions. Join SCORE mentor and marketing strategist Tim Contado as he introduces a practical approach to website design grounded in behavioral science. You’ll discover how to create a website that clearly communicates your message to visitors, builds trust, and motivates them to take action. What You’ll Learn:

Why most visitors don’t read websites and what they do instead
How System 1 thinking affects first impressions and decision-making
How to use nudge theory to guide visitors toward action
What “friction” is on a website and how it prevents conversions
How to structure pages to improve clarity, trust, and engagement
Simple ways to make your website easier to use without redesigning everything
How to evaluate your website objectively and prioritize improvements

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83698

Insurance Basics for Small Businesses
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:30
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
SCORE: Insurance Basics for Small Businesses
Description: Are you a small business owner looking for the right insurance coverage? Join this workshop where we will help you understand the different types of insurance coverage available and which ones are best suited for your specific business needs. LEARN:

When does my small business need an insurance policy?
What questions should I be asking about my business and coverage?
What types of coverage (e.g. people, property) is most essential?
What is covered under various policies?

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, twincities@scorevolunteer.org
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83711

AI in 2026: What’s Changing and What It Means for Small Business
2026-05-07 12:30 - 13:30
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (Online Only)
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
SCORE: AI in 2026: What’s Changing and What It Means for Small Business
Description: Small businesses have largely used AI as standalone tools, but that is starting to change as AI becomes more automated, more connected, and more capable of handling meaningful work. As AI continues to evolve, many business owners are left trying to determine which developments matter, which claims are hype, and where AI can deliver measurable business value. In this webinar, you’ll learn how AI is changing from tools to outcomes and what that shift means for small business strategy and day-to-day operations. You’ll see real-world examples and demonstrations of how AI is being applied across common small business functions today as we cover the trends shaping AI in 2026, where AI can deliver real business value, and which opportunities may not be worth the time or investment. What You’ll Learn:

How AI is shifting from standalone tools to more agent-driven work and what that means for everyday business operations
Learn which AI trends matter most for small businesses in 2026
Identify where AI can deliver measurable business value
Recognize where AI may not be worth the effort or investment
Explore the key strategic decisions small business owners should be making as AI evolves
See real-world examples and demonstrations of AI applied to common small business functions
See real-world examples and demonstrations of AI applied to common small business functions

Cost: Free
Location: Online
Questions contact: SCORE, 800-634-0245
Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/83699
