Sierra Small Business Development Center

Please join U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza on Thursday, January 7 at 1PM ET for a live webinar to announce the launch of Ascent. Ascent is a first-of-its-kind digital online learning platform geared to help women-owned small businesses grow and scale their existing business. With Ascent, female entrepreneurs will be able to utilize this platform that brings a modern, e-learning experience specifically targeted for women business owners. h...ttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/launch-of-ascent-digital-learn This virtual event will include discussion panels with real women entrepreneurs, success stories leaders, and a take a look into how the Ascent platform can help you on your small business journey. Discussions will include small business solutions to Disaster and Economic Recovery, Strategic Marketing, Your People, Business Financial Strategies, and Access to Capital.

There are several excellent - and FREE - Webinars coming up this week: 06 Jan Writing a Successful Business Plan (Webinar) Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 10:00am to 12:00pm... San Francisco 06Jan SHIFT YOUR RESTAURANT - Pivot Your Restaurant for Takeout, Delivery and Provisions Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 1:30pm to 2:30pm 06 Jan Webinar | Online Marketing Strategy: Plan How to Engage Your Customers Online Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 2:00pm to 3:30pm 07 Jan Starting a Small Business Thursday, January 7, 2021 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm 07 Jan Start-Up Essentials: Get All Your Business Basics Here Thursday, January 7, 2021 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm 08 Jan How to Negotiate a Lease Friday, January 8, 2021 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm

This community has rallied in ways that many communities haven’t, said Kristin York, vice president of business innovation for the Sierra Small Business Development Center at Sierra Business Council. Read the full story from the Sierra Sun:

Don't feel like cooking? Support a local business tonight instead! Visit Truckee, California

Truckee Winter Wonderland is a collaborative partnership of the Town of Truckee, Nevada County, Truckee Downtown Merchants Association, Truckee Chamber of Commerce, and Sierra Business Council.

WEBINAR | ONLINE MARKETING STRATEGY: PLAN HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR CUSTOMERS ONLINE Wednesday, January 6, 2021 2:00pm to 3:30pm This class will help you create a simple strategic approach to what you're doing online. Topics include:... - What are your options on the Internet? What's right for your type of business? - How do you make your business found online? - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn -- Oh my! What is realistic when you don't have the time and budget to be everywhere? - Do reviews really matter? - What is SEO and how much does it matter? - How does online advertising fit in? **This workshop includes a 1-hour 'power hour' class, followed by an optional half hour where you can ask questions and delve deeper.** Join Cathy Balach, Napa-Sonoma SBDC Strategic Marketing Advisor and certified NxLevel Instructor, to get your online strategy in order.

Thank you to the Truckee Chamber of Commerce for the honor of a Hometown Hero award! The SBDC team is very grateful for the recognition. We look forward to continuing our work in the community through impactful programming and technical assistance to help our small businesses survive, pivot, and thrive!

We have reopened our Placer Shares grant program for small businesses! If you are a small business or know of one that could use some extra funds, applications are currently being accepted through Oct. 23. Learn more at placer.ca.gov/shares.

OCTOBER 14th at 9AM: Digital Marketing How to Network During the Pandemic and Beyond Networking can be tough in even in normal times but today’s remote world forced upon us due to the pandemic can add not only new challenges but offer some opportunities. During this digital marketing hour, we will discuss how to make new connections and what to bring to the virtual relationship, strategies for building and maintaining your network connections and tips for how to network at virtual conferences. https://www.sierrasbdc.com//digital-marketing-hour-how-net

Know of a Colfax business that needs a little pandemic related assistance? Direct them here: www.Colfax-CA.gov

October 6th, and October 13th from 12-1PM FREE WEBINAR INNOVATING THROUGH COVID-19 Crisis creates opportunity. Let us help you thrive in the next normal. https://www.sierrasbdc.com//webinar-innovating-through-cov

How to Manage and Forecast Cash Flow in a COVID World October 1 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Learn proven strategies and practical techniques to plan and manage your cash flow. As a bonus, attendees will get a tool to help them. https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us//regi/WN__-9LWZIDS-6IPGv4YvJ0Ag

https://www.sierrasbdc.com//webinar-innovating-through-cov

September 29th, October 6th, and October 13th from 12-1PM FREE WEBINAR INNOVATING THROUGH COVID-19 Crisis creates opportunity. Let us help you thrive in the next normal. https://www.sierrasbdc.com//webinar-innovating-through-cov

Shopify Basics: Launching an E-Commerce Website Sept. 29 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Get your Shopify online store up and running, DIY style. Learn more & register here: https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us//regi/WN_QTLga8xUSaa0ydKLAIz0uA

How To Take Control Of Your Credit During A Pandemic Sept. 24 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Good credit will help you get access to capital when you need it. Learn about credit scores and reports, why they matter and what you can do about yours. Learn more & register here: https://norcalsbdc.zoom.us//regi/WN_nJ_H0VSXQjqehFIZt704HA

Our country lost an icon last week with the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Kristin York, Sierra Business Council's VP of Business Innovation and Director of the Sierra SBDC, reflects on this loss (and what RBG has represented to four generations of strong, working women in her family) in our most recent blog:

Re-imagining How You Sell Online September 24th 9AM-11AM Most successful online stores are more than well-designed product listings. They also attract shoppers through compelling stories, unique offerings, and by demonstrating a deep understanding of their customers. Business owners who are willing to reimagine how and what they sell online are more likely to adapt to rapidly changing consumer behaviors. From tech startups to mom-and-pop shops, Robert Trent is passionate about helping entrepreneurs build successful strategies and reach their audiences. https://www.sierrasbdc.com//webinar-reimagining-how-you-se