Business Development Center
Business Education & Networking
Learn. Connect. Grow.
Business owners do not grow in isolation.
Access to practical information, experienced professionals, other entrepreneurs, and new relationships can help business owners make better decisions and discover opportunities they may not find on their own.
SSA's Business Education & Networking program brings entrepreneurs, professionals, businesses, and community partners together to learn from one another and build meaningful connections.
Business Education
SSA organizes practical workshops, presentations, and educational activities for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners.
Topics may include:
- Starting a business
- Business structures
- Licensing and registration
- Business planning
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Digital marketing and social media
- Artificial intelligence and business technology
- Financial planning
- Pricing and profitability
- Access to capital
- Business growth
- Hiring and workforce development
- Business operations
- Other topics identified by local entrepreneurs
Topics and schedules change based on community interests, available speakers, partnerships, and resources.
Learn From Professionals
Practical information from people with real-world experience.
SSA works with business owners, accountants, attorneys, lenders, marketing professionals, government agencies, financial institutions, educators, and other subject-matter experts to bring practical information directly to the community.
Guest speakers allow participants to learn from professionals with real-world experience while building connections with organizations and resources that may help their businesses.
Business networking
Relationships Build Businesses.
Sometimes the most valuable result of attending an event is meeting the right person.
SSA creates opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to connect through:
- Business networking events
- Business-to-business introductions
- Entrepreneur meetups
- Roundtable discussions
- Business showcases
- Professional presentations
- Community events
- Partner activities
These connections can lead to customers, vendors, referrals, collaborations, professional resources, and new business opportunities.
Business-to-Business Connections
One local business is often exactly what another one needs.
- A local business may need an accountant.
- An accountant may have a client who needs a contractor.
- A restaurant may need a cleaning company.
- An employer may be looking for workers.
- A growing company may need marketing, transportation, printing, technology, or another professional service.
The Business Development Center helps create an environment where these connections can happen.
From Learning to Action
Education is most valuable when it leads to practical next steps.
Participants who need additional assistance after a workshop or event may connect with Business Startup & Growth Services for individual support. Businesses can also increase their visibility and community connections through the SSA Business Directory.
Bring Your Expertise to the Community
Are you a business owner or professional with knowledge that could benefit other entrepreneurs?
SSA welcomes opportunities to work with qualified professionals, businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, and community organizations interested in presenting, mentoring, sponsoring, or partnering on business education.
Learn Something New. Meet Someone New.
Whether you are considering entrepreneurship or have operated a business for years, continued learning and stronger relationships can create new opportunities.