Join AARPNY and SBDC for a Small Business & Entrepreneur Workshop Series!

At AARP, we envision a world where workers aged 50-plus are empowered, valued and have the opportunity to create new business and work for as long as they need or desire.  For many small business owners and entrepreneurs, it is cluttered, competitive, can be difficult to navigate, and does not offer the unique guidance and resources that they need. As people live longer lives and the nature of work evolved, they will need to find ways to continually reskill and translate experience to new jobs and careers.

Owning or starting your own small business means finding solutions to unexpected challenges by leveraging life experience, professional skills and dedication.  Many 50+ entrepreneurs can launch and thrive as small business owners with the right training and resources. 

That’s why AARP New York is proud to present New York’s Small Business Development Center at Farmingdale State College Virtual Workshops this May/June and September/October. These sessions consist of invaluable expertise on optimizing digital marketing, executing a social media strategy, and efficient financial planning.

We look forward to supporting new and existing businesses as they learn how to start, grow and succeed as entrepreneurs. AARP members and guests are invited to join us on any of the workshops offered below. Please register to reserve your spot!

Workshop Dates and Descriptions:

Fall Kickstart Series - The Fundamentals to Success!
All workshops will be presented virtually Thursdays, through a Google Meet from 11:00am – 12:00pm and will last one hour. We invite you to participate in some or all of what we are offering!

• September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• October 7, 14, 21

Business Basics - Evaluating Best Business Practices
Understanding the different legal structures, tax requirements, record keeping, and employer obligations will be discussed to ensure you have all the information you need to open a business and understand the required steps to become a legal entity.  
Thursday September 2, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC0902  

Writing a Business Plan – Why do you Need it
An overview of all the necessary aspects to include in a business plan will be discussed.  Details of information to include will be shared and participants will have all the necessary information on how to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a successful start of their business.    
Thursday September 9, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC0909

Marketing Analysis / Marketing Strategy
Marketing analysis is an important aspect of a comprehensive business plan.  This session will focus in-depth on the customer, competition, and marketing strategies that need to be implemented to build a solid foundation for a successful business.  Advertising, appropriate use of social media, web presence, branding, networking and strategic alliances will all be discussed. 
Thursday September 16, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC0916

Financial Planning & Financial best practices
Preparing financial budgets is key to ensure financial health and profit. The webinar will provide an  in-depth review of record keeping and working with a CPA.  You will learn what tax laws can benefit your business, your bottom line and prepare you for a stronger business and financial future. 
Thursday September 23, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC0923

Learn How You Can Make the Government Your Next Customer! This series is designed to help small businesses understand what they need to do to make the government their next customer. Each webinar will go over a specific area of government contracting and help small businesses understand how to do business with the government.

Government Contracting 101
This webinar will help you understand what you need to become a government contractor with the Federal, New York State, New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk County governments. It will go over registrations, certifications, and how to look for opportunities.
Thursday September 30, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC0930

MWBE Certification Bootcamp
This webinar will review what is needed to get certified as a New York State, New York City, Nassau, and Suffolk Minority/Woman Owned Business Enterprise. It will also go over the benefits of certification and how to use certifications to win government contracts.
Thursday October 7, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC1007

Marketing to the Government
In this webinar, businesses will understand how the government buys, and how they can communicate their value to particular government agencies. The workshop will also review how to be a pro-active bidder and learn about government contracting opportunities before they become public.
Thursday October 14, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC1014

How to Respond to an RFP
This webinar will help businesses understand how to write winning proposals for government contracts. By the end of the webinar, businesses will be able to identify contract opportunities realistic for them, understand how the government describes what it needs, prepare responsive and effective proposals, and improve their chances at winning government contracts.
Thursday October 21, 2021
11:00am – 12:00pm
Register: https://aarp.cvent.com/SBDC1021

PREVIOUS CLASSES - SPRING 2021 PROGRAM

May 6, 2021: Business Basics - Evaluating Best Business Practices
Understanding the different legal structures, tax requirements, record keeping, and employer obligations will be discussed to ensure you have all the information you need to open a business and understand the required steps to become a legal entity.

May 13, 2021: Writing a Business Plan – Why do you Need it
An overview of all the necessary aspects to include in a business plan will be discussed. Details of information to include will be shared and participants will have all the necessary information on how to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure a successful start of their business.

May 20, 2021: Marketing Analysis / Marketing Strategy
Marketing analysis is an important aspect of a comprehensive business plan. This session will focus in-depth on the customer, competition, and marketing strategies that need to be implemented to build a solid foundation for a successful business. Advertising, appropriate use of social media, web presence, branding, networking and strategic alliances will all be discussed.

May 27, 2021: Financial Planning & Financial best practices
Preparing financial budgets is key to ensure financial health and profit. The webinar will provide an in-depth review of record keeping and working with a CPA. You will learn what tax laws can benefit your business, your bottom line and prepare you for a stronger business and financial future.

June 3, 2021: Marketing Series: From Networking to Brand Development to Your Digital Footprint. Networking to Build, Grow and Brand your Business
Do you want to accelerate your business growth? It's time to get out and connect, business to business. It's time to NETWORK!! Learn the secrets to using this valuable tool to propel you forward to success and increase your brand awareness.

June 10, 2021: Embracing Your Inner Salesperson Workshop
In this workshop you will embrace your inner salesperson which includes:
• A mindset that keeps you goal oriented, focused and resilient
• The ability to influence with sincerity while building trust
• The comfort to initiate new relationships and find new prospects
• Processes to check your emotional temperature during negotiations
• A self -awareness practice to bypass procrastination and jumpstart your energy

June 17, 2021: Digital Marketing Workshop
In this workshop we'll discuss:
• The Importance of your Logo!
• How to Claim & Optimize Your Google My Business Map Listing
• Why On-Line Reviews are Important!
• Your Website - Is it User/Mobile Friendly and Convertible?
• How to Utilize Google to Increase Your Market Share

• June 24, 2021: You've Got a Social Media Account: Now What?
In this workshop we'll:
• Take a closer look at the popular social media networks - Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest.
• Look at the benefits of using each.
• Understand how other organizations and retailers are marketing with them.
• Check out the do's and don’ts of each channel.
• Determine if your social media activity is working.

We hope to connect with you virtually at one or all of these workshops!