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Dear Business Leaders & Friends,
Join SCORE Boston today for an important webinar on reopening your business and staying open! At 1pm, SCORE mentor Suzanne McGrath will help business owners learn from the experience they’ve had over the summer to minimize costs and maximize
revenue through market positioning, develop strategies for dealing with capacity limits (especially in a restaurant context), and more.
Sign up to join!
Feeling like you need a boost to keep your business morale going during these difficult times? On August 19, the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development is offering a
free virtual event to share some good news and get inspired to persevere through these challenging times. Featured guest speakers will share their experiences and practical tips to help you keep moving forward!
Learn about more upcoming events like these in the newsletter below, and browse resources we've compiled to help your business prosper. Check out free online webpages, like the
COVID-19 Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources from the Small Business Administration, and learn how you can benefit from a variety of funding options and relief programs.
Look for this newsletter every other week. We have also
developed a website to host even more information online.
We encourage you to share any of these resources—or this newsletter—with businesses and entrepreneurs in your network. If you would like to continue receiving this newsletter, please
sign up online.
Best,
Jim Barrows
Associate Director, Community Affairs and Economic Development
Harvard Public Affairs & Communications
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The Harvard Ed Portal has launched a small business survey in the hopes of better understanding the needs and wants of small businesses during this time. Please fill out this
5-minute survey here, or click the link below.
We understand that your current situation is unpredictable and ever changing. We would like to know more about the communications and information challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presents to your business, and what we can to help support you.
This information will help us better craft our email monthly newsletters, mid-month updates, and provide you with links to useful business support resources and online webinars. The information collected will be aggregated for planning purposes. No individual
information will be shared. |
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Online Events for Businesses |
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Reopening and Staying Open: How to Assess the Past 60 Days and Prepare for What's Next
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Today! August 6, 1:00pm–2:00pm, FREE
Online event—SCORE Boston
If you’re like many businesses, you are probably working overtime to navigate the ever-changing landscape created by COVID-19. Whether you’ve already reopened or will be opening this summer, August will be an ideal time to assess what you’ve experienced already
and develop a strategic plan for the rest of the year.
This session, presented by SCORE mentor Suzanne McGrath, will help business owners—including retailers and restaurants—learn from the experience they’ve had over the summer to:
- Create a pro forma Profit & Loss statement as a basis for planning the next 12 months
- Minimize costs and maximize revenue through market positioning
- Develop strategies for dealing with capacity limits, especially in a restaurant context
- Consider how to plan for a potential second wave as well as long term changes in consumer behavior
- Analyze options for dealing with lease issues
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Raising Capital in a COVID-19 era and LIVE Virtual Pitch
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August 6, 10:00am–11:00am, FREE
Online event— The Startup Course
What's in it for you?
- Get feedback from successful serial entrepreneur and entrepreneurship professors for pitch optimization.
- Learn more about the most important aspects of raising funding.
- Meet business experts that have over 15 years of experience helping founders build a successful startup and have over $750 million of combined funding raised under their belt.
- Get answers on any of your biggest questions in raise funding.
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COVID-19 Innovators Series: Coping with Stress: Parents and Kids—COVID-19
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August 10, 12:00pm–1:00pm, FREE
Online event—YSpace, York University
What are the stress effects on dealing with COVID-19 on your family? We will be exploring triggers, coping mechanisms, and activities to enhance your "shelter at home" experience caused by physical distancing.
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How to Leverage a Virtual Assistant in a Pandemic
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August 11, 11:00am–12:00pm, FREE
Online event—SCORE
A Virtual Assistant can be a valuable asset for any business but especially when resources are scarce and access to funds is limited, such as during the current pandemic. Leveraging a VA can help you manage your time more effectively and allow you to focus
on activities that translate faster to business development and growth.
In this webinar, presented by Owner of Virtual Assist USA Danielle Julia Cuomo, you'll learn how:
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Outsourcing can save your business
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To plan versus panic in times of uncertainty
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You can afford a Virtual Assistant
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To figure out what to delegate to a Virtual Assistant
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Small Business Requirements and Resources (SBRR) COVID-19 Impact Webinar
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August 11, 8:30am–10:30am, FREE
Online event—Small Business Liaison Team
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us into unprecedented times, and State and federal leaders have had to react for the health of our people and economy. This webinar provides a quick overview of some of the state responses, resources, and other impacts affecting
small businesses.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- General workplace safety and health requirements, including employee and customer face masks.
- Food establishment safety and reopening guidelines.
- Workers’ compensation insurance impacts and premium reporting.
- Paid Sick Leave, and Family and Medical Leave.
- Dept. of Revenue tax returns and outstanding balances.
- Unemployment impacts – pandemic unemployment benefits, job search, return to work, and refusal to work.
- US Small Business Administration PPP and EIDL loan updates.
- And more!
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Webinar: Small Business Plans? Think Big!
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August 11, 1:00pm–1:45pm, FREE
Online event—Philadelphia Campus
Join us as we discuss small business branding during COVID-19 and another educational opportunity for continuing education with the Bachelor of Science in Business with a Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship Certificate.
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SBA Disaster Assistance Programs and Other Small Business Resources
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August 12, 10:00am–10:45am, FREE
Online event—SCORE
Throughout our series of webinars, Kim Stout, Economic Development Specialist at the SBA Eastern Pennsylvania District Office, will discuss the latest details of SBA Disaster Assistance Programs, including PPP and EIDL. Guidelines for these programs are frequently
changing, so we’ve set up bi-weekly sessions for you to stay up to date!
Each biweekly session will also include information on other current small business resources. Additional topics are listed next to each date below. Stay tuned as additional topics will be updated on a biweekly basis.
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Business SWOT Analysis Fundamentals: An Easy Way to Ensure Your Business Succeeds
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August 13, 1:00pm–2:00pm, FREE
Online event—SCORE
A SWOT (Strengths–Weaknesses–Opportunities–Threats) analysis is fundamental in identifying the critical factors of your business and the foundation of developing your strategic plan for a successful future.
This session, presented by John G. Tile, "Principle" Advisor for LITE Advisors and Susquehanna SCORE Chapter Chair, will cover the key aspects of a SWOT analysis and how it fits into your business's strategic plan.
Attend this webinar to:
- Learn what a SWOT analysis is and why it is so important through real-life examples
- Understand where the SWOT analysis fits in the strategic planning process
- Develop an understanding of how to do a SWOT analysis for your business
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Post COVID-19 Comeback for the Entrepreneur
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August 14, 11:00am–12:00pm, FREE
Online event—Office of Business Diversity & Compliance
The post-COVID-19 comeback will address business owner mindset after the pandemic (before and after are indeed different) and get you back in the saddle of your ship and moving forward!
OBDC's Business Services Coordinator Taylor Tagg will provide you an action plan that gets results and increases your confidence about the future of your business.
This is a can't-miss workshop if you want success in dealing with others and adjusting your mindset for greater results.
Topics covered:
- What successful entrepreneurs are doing to increase business
- What business owners have missed out on since the pandemic
- How to increase your confidence and focus in your comeback
- How to breakthrough to a new level of success
- Simple exercises you can do to begin creating again
- Finding and utilizing your unique superpower
- Q&A
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What Small Businesses Need to Know When Considering Bankruptcy
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August 17, 9:00am–10:30am, FREE
Online event—SCORE
The webinar will consider the issues in connection with both a liquidation and reorganization proceeding under the federal bankruptcy laws (including a review of the recently enacted Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 and the CARES amendments), as well
as out-of-court alternatives to liquidation and reorganization.
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Surviving COVID-19: Useful Tips & Success Stories for Businesses
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August 19, 10:00am–11:30am, FREE
Online event—Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development
Business owners and entrepreneurs across the nation are reevaluating their operations in response to the international pandemic. Have you been wondering how to make the best of your SWOT analysis and pivot for success?
Tune in to this informative virtual event for some good news and get inspired to persevere through these challenging times. Featured guest speakers will share their experiences and practical tips to help you focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.
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How to "HR Pivot" after COVID-19
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August 19, 1:00pm–2:30pm, FREE
Online event—NJSBDC at Rutgers-Newark/RNSBDC
This webinar will explore best practice techniques to provide effective HR when returning to the office.
We will explore topics such:
- Workplace safety
- Remote vs. Office practices
- How to address employee benefits
- New hires and onboarding practices
- Policy changes
- And other topics as they relate to the effect of COVID-19 and Human Resources.
Human Resources provides the tools for the organization to meet their goals and identify new and improved opportunities for change.
We will explore options that employers can take when confronted with general employee concerns. We will also provide a checklist of HR Do's and Don'ts and a listing of local services that will assist the small business owner to navigate through these unchartered
experiences.
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Closing a Business: How to Legally Close Your Company
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August 20, 1:00pm–2:00pm, FREE
Online event—SCORE
In trying times, you may be looking to close or sell a business. Join Deborah Sweeney, a former corporate and intellectual property attorney turned entrepreneur, and learn key considerations for the process of closing your business.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:
- Determine the value of your business
- Find a buyer
- Avoid fines, fees, or continued liability by selling or legally closing your company
- Communicate your plan with employees, customers, and partners
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Reopening Massachusetts
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Mass.gov
The Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19.
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Coronavirus Resources
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U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor has resources to help workers and employers prepare for the COVID-19 virus (also known as novel coronavirus).
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Businesses and Workplaces
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Plan, prepare, and respond with guidance for businesses and employers, workplace testing, considerations for restaurants and bars, and more.
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SBA: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
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U.S. Small Business Administration
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
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Brighton's Takeout/Delivery & Open Business List
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Brighton Main Streets
In a matter of days, COVID-19's impact uprooted how many of the Brighton Main Street businesses operate. Due to these regulations, we want to be promoting all the hard work our Brighton businesses are putting into facing this challenge. If you want to be sure
your restaurant information is up-to-date, submit that information
here.
Click the link below for a list of some of our local businesses and their adjusted hours of operations.
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Business Information & Articles |
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Why You Should Speed Up Your Digital Transformation During the Crisis
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Entrepreneur, July 21, 2020
The current health crisis has changed the business community with guidelines and mandates on remote work and social distancing. Even if you're fortunate enough to continue operating, this radical change may mean it’s time to take a deep dive into a digital
transformation, rather than just baby steps.
Here's why you need to change now, and how to do so on a lean budget.
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Want More Revenue From Current Customers? Try These 15 Retention Strategies
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Forbes, July 22, 2020
Businesses often prioritize spending money on lead generation. While attracting new customers is necessary for growth, it's important not to not forget about your current ones.
Retaining existing customers–the ones who will become repeat buyers and even brand advocates–is just as vital to a company’s growth as is bringing in new clients, and it's often much more cost-effective.
So how can business leaders inspire loyalty with their current customer base? The members of Forbes Business Council share their top tips.
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What Opportunities Are Right Under Your Nose?
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Forbes, July 22, 2020
Anyone who uses social media for business—especially Instagram—knows that you can’t just post a screenshot or some other boring image if you want people to take action. This is even more important when you’re asking people to donate or spend money. If you haven’t
made the post engaging or the cause compelling, why even share it?
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How to Survive a Crisis as an Entrepreneur
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Entrepreneur, July 22, 2020
Recessions are temporary, but how you use your time now can pay off well into the future.
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Marketing Your Business In The Midst Of COVID-19: 5 Tips To Stay Afloat
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Forbes, July 22, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the lives of consumers and businesses alike. And, with this major change and a "new normal" comes a new way to market to customers.
To pivot your marketing amidst the coronavirus and help keep your business thriving during trying times, use these five COVID-19 marketing tips.
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3 Leadership Keys To Support Your Team Through A Crisis
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Forbes, July 22, 2020
Of all the things business leaders have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important aspect of leadership is communication. Through open and honest communication with staff, managers, and leadership, your business will fare far better than if you
fail to communicate effectively with your team.
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13 Concrete Ways Aspiring Entrepreneurs Can Build Their Self-Confidence Against The Naysayers
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Forbes, July 22, 2020
As a budding entrepreneur, you're likely to meet a lot of people telling you "no." While some of these people are well-meaning, the constant negativity can eventually impact your self-confidence.
The unfortunate truth is that you can't avoid naysayers altogether. While their negativity is depressing, sometimes they have valuable knowledge and information you will need.
So how can an aspiring young business owner deal with this situation? We asked 13 members of Young Entrepreneur Council about their experiences dealing with those types of people and how they overcame the negativity to be successful. Here's what they had to
say.
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7 Hands-On Tips For Hiring Entrepreneurs (And Avoiding Wantrepreneurs)
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Forbes, July 27, 2020
Tumultuous times, such as the current pandemic, can force people to make dramatic and irrational career choices. In some cases, the need to find employment makes it difficult for people to be intellectually honest regarding their suitability to a particular
industry or company.
For instance, in tough economic times, job candidates departing large organizations may under appreciate the risk and ambiguity associated with a startup. In such cases, the applicant might convince themselves that they have the resolve and tenacity to be an
entrepreneur, when in fact, they are a wantrepreneur.
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How to start a business during the coronavirus shutdown using skills you already have
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CNBC, July 30, 2020
The coronavirus shutdown can be the perfect opportunity for you to become an entrepreneur, according to best-selling author Patrice Washington.
Washington lost her real estate business in 2008 and spent the next decade building a new career helping others with their finances. She is also the host of "The Redefining Wealth Podcast."
The 39-year-old author recommends that you start you identifying your natural talents and building a business tailored to your specific skills.
Check out this video to learn her four-step process to starting a new career and to see examples of companies she’s helped others start.
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Invest In A Lifestyle, Not A Business
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Forbes, August 3, 2020
There is a reason that young children often grow up wanting to be actors, dancers, football players, firefighters, and astronauts. These are exciting jobs. These glamorous-sounding jobs can be a lot more challenging and grueling than they appear, but to a little
kid they seem exciting, whereas running a business—not so much. Of course, even some business owners might say that their work isn’t all that appealing. But if that’s your mindset, you’re probably doing something wrong. Because, honestly, I think business
is about the most thrilling career you can have. It isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle, a calling and a chance to be a community leader. Here’s what I mean.
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How Adapting To Consumer Trends Can Safeguard Small Businesses
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Forbes, August 3, 2020
For starters, the stock market is by no means a representation of the economy. Hence the clichéd distinction between Main Street and Wall Street. However, that’s not to say that it should be completely ignored when considering long-term trends of the economy.
The market can be seen as a forbearer of economic trends. In fact, economists rely on economic indicators and market conditions to help predict the future of the economy.
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Three Reasons Customer Feedback Is Important For Your E-Commerce Business
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Forbes, August 3, 2020
When you run an e-commerce business, you need feedback from customers to meet your goals. Your customers make your business go round, and without them, it’s impossible to grow your brand.
Beyond making sales and expanding your business, do you truly understand the importance of customer feedback? It’s more than the opinions of your customers; it’s also social proof that other consumers need to move forward with your brand and produce conversions.
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Harvard Ed Portal LinkedIn
Interested in continuing your professional development or improving your business? Follow the Harvard Ed Portal on LinkedIn and receive the latest updates on free workshop offerings, insight from industry leaders, and more.
Connect with us. |
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Harvard Business Review (HBR) Working Knowledge Newsletter
Interested in improving your business? Learn about fresh research and ideas from Harvard Business School faculty. Sign up for the weekly Working Knowledge e-mail newsletter, offering business leaders cutting-edge research and ideas from Harvard Business School
faculty. Subscribe here. |
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