
FREE Online Classes

Joyful Budgeting
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Welcome to Joyful Budgeting, a transformative session designed to change the way you think about managing your business’s finances. In this Ask the Expert session, we'll embark on a journey that blends practical money management skills with a positive and empowering mindset. Through engaging activities and expert guidance, you'll learn how to create a business budget that aligns with your company’s values and goals, turning financial planning into a source of joy rather than stress. You'll discover techniques for mindful spending, effective saving, and assessment of priorities, all while cultivating a sense of financial freedom and confidence. Joyful Budgeting is not just about numbers—it's about creating a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle that brings happiness and peace of mind. Sign up now!

Digital Growth Essentials: Transform Your Brand & Website Into Lead - Generation Engines
Stop leaving money on the table with an underperforming digital presence. Learn proven strategies to transform your brand and website into powerful lead-generation tools. Through actionable frameworks, discover how strategic brand positioning and user experience directly impact your bottom line. Perfect for businesses ready to turn their digital presence into a revenue driver.
This event is part of a 10 session live event series coordinated by Digital Ready partner National ACE, and featuring subject matter experts from the AAPI community. Each event aligns with a course that has been updated with captions and a worksheet translated into Simplified Chinese. This event’s corresponding course is: Intro to Online Growth Marketing

Determining Your Prices
Confused as to where to start when setting your prices? Do you wish there was a secret formula to determine your pricing structure and make sure it makes financial sense? During this session, an expert will take you through our pricing toolbox (yours to keep) to help you determine all the factors that go into pricing, whether that’s for goods or services. Your expert will walk you through how the model works, how to think about the inputs, and what the numbers mean. When it is complete, you can determine your prices, confident in knowing this is a good financial model! Sign up now!
Who should register:
Business owners unsure if their prices should reflect costs or the market
Business owners who are struggling to be profitable
Business owners that use accounting software or a bookkeeper to track and record their finances
Business owners who want to better understand the economics of their business
This is a high-value session with a finance professional focused on your business, offered to you at no cost!

Research Techniques With AI: Finding, Sourcing, and Synthesizing Information
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Are you overwhelmed by the vast sea of information online? Struggling to find reliable data or organize your research efficiently? In today’s fast-paced world, leveraging AI tools can give your small business a competitive edge. In this session, you’ll learn how to use AI as a powerful research assistant to gather, source, and synthesize information for reports, market research, and content creation. Discover techniques to ensure the data you rely on is both accurate and actionable. Don’t let information overload slow you down—master the art of AI-powered research and take your business to the next level. Sign up now!

Founder SWOT
A SWOT analysis is a valuable exercise to support your business whether you’re starting up, building, or scaling.
Through our partnership with Luminary, we are offering a Founder SWOT event hosted by founder Cate Luzio. In this virtual session, Cate will help you outline:
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities and
Threats
specific to YOUR business and the landscape(s) surrounding it.
What can you leverage?
What is out of your control?
Where do you outshine others?
What is on the horizon that you need to be aware of?
(and many more items to consider!)
Cate will take you through each aspect with examples and questions to ensure this session is as impactful as possible for you to grow your business the way you envision.

Personas To Campaign
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Successful marketing campaigns start with a deep understanding of your audience—and that starts with creating actionable personas. In this session, you’ll learn how to transform audience insights into targeted campaigns that resonate with your customers. We’ll walk you through the process of building detailed marketing personas, then show you how to use them to craft campaigns that drive results. You’ll also learn how to test, optimize, and measure your campaigns to ensure they perform at their best. Sign up now to turn your audience insights into effective marketing!

Small Seeds Grow: Small Business Can Do Big Things
Let's discuss simple methods to present your business in the most professional way that will allow you to attract bigger clients. Small businesses can do big business with strategy and professionalism. Discover how Verizon solutions can support you to professionalize your business and be more collaborative and responsive as you grow.
Learn more about this event's speakers:
Calvin Jackson, President & Chief Creative Officer, LemonAd Stand and Vanessa Jackson, VP Marketing & Operations, LemonAd Stand
Calvin and Vanessa Jackson, the heart and soul behind The Lemon Ad Stand, have woven their lives and careers into a vivid narrative of creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. This duo, bound by mutual ambition and marriage, has created more than just a creative marketing agency; they've brought to life a realm where imagination meets pragmatism, inspired by The Stand’s mission to help you make the world sweeter.
Calvin’s entrepreneurial journey began in third grade when his knack for selling hand-painted ceramics caught the school's attention. Although he transitioned from abstract painting to the digital sphere, his creative essence remained. Founding The Lemon Ad Stand in 2014 marked Calvin’s reimagining of his vision. Today he continues to serve as the President and Chief Creative Officer.
Vanessa, initially reluctant to leave the predictability of corporate America, found her niche within the charm (and chaos) of entrepreneurial life. As the VP of Marketing & Operations, Vanessa has merged her lifelong love for storytelling with her flair for engaging communication.
Together, Calvin and Vanessa exemplify the fusion of diverse talents and visions, driving The Lemon Ad Stand forward. Their story is not just about business success but about how complementary skills and shared dreams can craft a legacy, create a joyful company culture and make life’s journey both sweet, memorable & impactful.
Al Lovell, Associate Director, Verizon
A highly motivated and results-oriented leader with 19 years of experience, Albert Lovell excels in driving revenue growth within high-volume, high-pressure environments. His expertise lies in navigating complex cycles involving technical products and services, particularly within the telecommunications industry.
Albert’s career is marked by a consistent record of exceeding expectations and achieving significant growth. He possesses a unique ability to analyze customer needs, identify value-add opportunities, and deliver tailored solutions that drive customer loyalty.
Currently, Albert leads a national team of communication specialists at Verizon, where he empowers businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology for seamless communication experiences. His leadership and team’s dedication have yielded impressive results, solidifying their position as industry frontrunners.

Assertive Communication for Entreprenuers
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Clear and confident communication is essential for every small business owner. As a small business owner, assertive communication is key to setting boundaries, explaining pricing, and effectively supervising employees—all while staying connected and professional. In this session, you’ll learn how to own your voice, confidently articulate your decisions, and foster a sense of authority and trust in your business relationships. Mastering assertive communication isn’t just a skill—it’s a game-changer for growing and sustaining your business. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your leadership and build better connections. Sign up now!

Building a Scalable Business: Mastering Processes & Onboarding
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Ready to unlock your business's full potential? During this webinar, guests will learn how to build a strong foundation for growth by mastering essential business processes. We'll explore practical strategies for onboarding new employees, streamlining workflows, and creating a more organized and productive business environment. Discover how to avoid common pitfalls and create a system that supports your growth as you scale. By attending, guests will take the first step towards a more efficient and successful future!

Joyful Budgeting
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Budgeting for your small business doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a helpful way to reach your goals with ease. In this session, you’ll learn how to outline a budget that’s fun to use, answers your financial questions, and helps you stay on track. Discover how to plan for unexpected expenses, save by cutting costs you won’t even miss, and align your spending with the things that benefit you and your business. With a joyful budget, achieving your financial goals becomes automatic and rewarding. Sign up now to learn to approach budgeting in an effective, stress-free way!

Unlocking Government Contracts
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Getting started with government contracts doesn’t have to be complicated, and they can open the door to long-term growth opportunities for small businesses. In this Ask the Expert session, learn the basics of government procurement works. Our expert will break down the main parts of government solicitations, show you what to look for, and explain why compliance is so important. Whether you’re new to government contracting or just want to understand it better, this session will give you the tools you need to take the first step. Sign up now and discover how government contracts can help grow your business!

Emotional Intelligence In The Workplace
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
For small business owners, strong workplace relationships and a positive culture are essential to success. In this session, you’ll learn how emotional intelligence can help you improve communication with your team, build trust, and create a more productive work environment. Our expert will break down the core components of emotional intelligence and share strategies for managing conflicts and strengthening connections within your business. By developing these skills, you’ll foster collaboration, boost morale, and set your small business up for long-term success. Sign up now to take your leadership and team dynamics to the next level!

Grow Your LinkedIn Network
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for small business owners, whether you’re connecting with potential clients, collaborators, or industry influencers. For B2B businesses, it's especially crucial to build professional relationships and attract the right partners. In this session, you’ll learn how to grow your LinkedIn network strategically, expand your reach, and build valuable relationships that help your business thrive. Discover best practices for optimizing your profile, engaging with the right audience, and using LinkedIn’s features to open doors to new opportunities. Whether you're new to LinkedIn, looking to enhance your presence, or aiming to strengthen your B2B connections, this webinar will give you the tools to turn your LinkedIn network into a key asset for your business. Sign up now to start growing your connections!

Building an Engaging Brand: How to Attract, Engage, and Retain Lifelong Customers
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Attracting customers is just the beginning—turning them into lifelong brand ambassadors is where the real success lies. In this Ask the Expert session, learn how to build a brand that not only attracts customers but keeps them engaged, loyal, and excited to spread the word. Gain insights into practical strategies for humanizing your brand, fostering trust, and creating a customer experience that drives long-term advocacy. You’ll also learn how to leverage customer feedback, user-generated content, and authentic storytelling to strengthen your brand’s emotional connection with your audience. Sign up now to build a brand that keeps customers coming back—and brings new ones with them!

The Customer Journey
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
For all business owners, customers are central to your success. How does your business come across at each step, as your potential customer encounters your brand, communications, or products? In this Ask the Expert session, learn how to enhance your customers' journey from first impression, to first interaction, to loyal advocacy. Our expert will share practical strategies and tips to optimize every touchpoint, enhancing customer satisfaction to drive your business’ growth. Are you ready to refine your customer-centric approach and elevate your business to new heights? Sign up now!

Using Local Resources To Grow Your Business
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
There’s a little-known secret in your town - hidden within universities, libraries, trade associations, and many other local groups, teams are ready to help you grow your business with special resources, guidance, and programs. Learn what these local resources typically have to offer, how to find them in your area, and how to get started. In this Ask the Expert session, hear from a small business expert who has worked with local groups, schools, and associations to create lasting, impactful partnerships. Sign up now!

Website Usability Review
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Is your website brand new? Or has it been years since you updated it? Are you looking to drive more traffic, or are you having trouble converting visitors into paying customers on your site? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, this session is for you! During this session, you will work with an expert to gain an understanding of strategies for getting more people to see and engage with your website. You will explore ways to improve your site’s pages and navigation and attract more visitors to your website.
Who should register:
Business owners looking to improve their website
Business owners who want to better understand the key elements of a strong website, so that they can improve theirs
Business owners who want to ensure their sites have all the pages needed for their particular business
Business owners who are struggling to convert website hits to sales
This is a high-value session with a digital marketing professional, offered to you at no cost!
How to Prepare:
To get the most out of this session, be ready to share a list of your business website(s) and a list of the attributes of your best customers/target demographics. It will be helpful to also have a list of competitor website links.
Login from a laptop or desktop is preferred.
Sign on 15 minutes before the start time.
If you arrive more than 10 minutes after the start time, you may not be able to participate in the session.

Microlending
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic
Securing traditional bank financing can be challenging for small business owners, especially when factors like loan amounts, time in business, or collateral come into play. Microlenders are here to bridge the gap by offering solutions tailored for small businesses that may not yet meet traditional lending criteria. These loans provide accessible funding while helping you prepare for future opportunities—all without relying on high-interest loans or credit cards. In this session, our expert will explain how microlending works, explore your options, and guide you on accessing the resources you need to grow your business. Sign up today to learn more!

Podcast Power Plays: Conversations Into Conversions
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Tired of the endless hustle on social media with little to show for it? Podcasts are the next big opportunity to grow your business and connect with high-value clients. In this session, you’ll learn how to turn meaningful conversations into conversions by leveraging the power of podcasts. Discover why being featured on podcasts weekly builds authority, grows your audience, and drives sales. Learn how to pitch yourself to the right platforms, land guest spots, and even explore how hosting your own podcast can position you as a trusted expert. Don’t miss this chance to unlock a proven strategy for business growth—sign up now!

Growing Your Profit Margins
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
In this Ask the Expert session, entrepreneurs will learn practical strategies to increase their profitability and achieve sustainable growth as a result. This course dives into key financial principles such as cost management, pricing strategies, and revenue optimization. Participants will explore ways to upsell product, streamline operations, reduce expenses, and improve efficiency without compromising quality. Techniques for maximizing sales through effective marketing and customer relationship management will also be discussed. By the end of the session, small business owners will have a toolkit of actionable insights and best practices to enhance their profit margins and ensure long-term financial health. Sign up now!
To get the most out of this session, users should have:
Figures for the average sale, total transactions, and COGS
Avatars/Personas for your customers

From Creating Personas to Using Them: Crafting Campaigns That Resonate
This is an advanced-level session that provides an in-depth exploration of the topic.
The Brand Amplifiers are back for session 3 of 4 in their Persona Success series! In this Ask the Expert session, explore how to translate audience personas into marketing messages that connect deeply with your target audience. This session
covers messaging, tone, and aligning your campaigns with audience needs.
Learn how to implement messaging strategies for engagement, create campaigns that align with persona insights, and match tone and voice to audience expectations. Sign up now!

Launch and Scale Through Strategic Planning
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Do you have a vision for your business, but need a plan to put it into action? In this Ask the Expert session, gain insights into creating an effective strategic plan that drives growth, ensuring sustainable scaling. Our expert will provide practical tools for aligning business objectives, resources, and market changes. Sign up today to learn the strategies needed to thrive as your business takes off!

Building a Sustainable Business: Strategies for Prioritizing Wellness and Well-being
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Join us for a webinar focused on building a sustainable and successful business by prioritizing your own well-being. As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business and neglect your own health and happiness. In this webinar, we'll discuss essential strategies for time management, stress reduction, and work-life balance. Learn how to avoid burnout, enhance your productivity, and achieve long-term success while prioritizing your own well-being.

How to Build Your Network
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
While it’s easy to click on a button to connect with any of LinkedIn’s 690 million members, building meaningful relationships that support your business growth and development is not easy. Many business owners are spending a lot of time trying to get likes and followers on social media, without it converting to new business or stronger networks. In this two-hour session, we’ll discuss the best tactics and strategies for leveraging online and in-person networking. People often say that your network = your net worth.
Power of Capital: Learn How to Fuel the Growth of Your Business
Join us for an insightful webinar, where we’ll dive into key financial strategies to help your small business thrive. Whether you're looking to optimize cash flow, explore funding options, or position yourself as a strong investment, this session will provide practical guidance to elevate your financial game.
Topics Covered:
Think Strategically About Cash Flow – Learn how to manage and forecast your finances effectively.
Does Your Business Need to Borrow? – Understand when and how to leverage funding for growth.
Why Are You a Good Investment? – Position your business for financial success and investor confidence.
What Financial Data is Important? – Identify key metrics that drive informed business decisions.
What Are Your Credit Options? – Explore different financing avenues to support your business goals.
Begin Building Your Own Empire – Take actionable steps toward long-term financial sustainability.
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your financial foundation and set your business up for success.
Register now to take control of your business finances!

Event One
This is an intermediate-level class and should be attended by those defined below.
Money and credit may not buy happiness but it sure makes starting and growing a business a little easier. In this Ask the Expert session, we will discuss the options for securing capital and lines of credit to start or grow your business, key considerations for raising capital and accessing lines, and to balance the sometimes fuzzy lines of personal and business finances for the entrepreneur. Sign up now!
After taking this session, we recommend “1:1 Review: Financial Projections“ and “Better Taxes Next Year!“.
Note: Log in 15 minutes before the webinar time to be ready for an on-time start. Presentation recordings will not be shared so be prepared to take notes.