Whether you&rsquo\;re a new entrepreneur or an established business owner ready to level up\, this interactive workshop is designed to help you strengthen your foundation and scale with confidence. Strengthen &\; Scale brings together experts in banking\, legal\, accounting\, insurance\, marketing\, website development\, and personal/business finance to provide clear\, actionable guidance you can implement immediately.
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\n\nDuring this session\, participants will:
\n\n&bull\; Identify critical components of a strong business foundation
\n\n&bull\; Learn practical steps to protect\, fund\, and structure your business
\n\n&bull\; Explore proven strategies to streamline operations and manage finances effectively
\n\n&bull\; Understand essential marketing and website practices to attract and retain customers
\n\n&bull\; Gain insights from industry professionals who will share real-world tips\, tools\, and best practices
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\n\nWhether you&rsquo\;re looking to tighten up your processes\, fill in knowledge gaps\, or prepare for growth\, this workshop will equip you with the tools\, clarity\, and confidence to take your business to the next level. Open to all members of the community\, join us and invest in the long-term success of your business!
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\nGeorge Kimble with the Maricopa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will guide participants through the robust support services available to small business owners. Learn how SBDC provides one-on-one\, no-fee\, and confidential business counseling\; assistance with business planning\; access to capital\; financial reviews\; sales and marketing strategy\; and more. Participants will also discover the no- or low-cost training programs\, tools\, and resources SBDC offers to help businesses at every stage of growth. Plus\, get an inside look at their signature &ldquo\;4-Legged Stool&rdquo\; concept and how it supports long-term business success.
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\nJä\;n Simon with Robertson Ryan &\; Associates / Foundation Insurance Services will help demystify the often-confusing world of business insurance. Gain a clear understanding of what coverage your business may require&mdash\;from general liability and workers&rsquo\; compensation to commercial auto\, professional licenses\, and bonds. Jä\;n will walk you through the essentials\, outline common gaps\, and equip you with the key questions every business owner should be asking to ensure you are fully and consistently protected.
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\nHeather Parker with The Parker Law Office will explore the essential legal considerations every business owner should understand&mdash\;whether you&rsquo\;re just starting out\, currently operating\, or navigating changes within your business. She will cover key topics such as choosing the right business structure (LLC\, Corporation\, etc.)\, understanding and using agreements and contracts effectively\, and recognizing situations where consulting an attorney is in your best interest. Through practical guidance and real-world examples\, Heather will walk participants through legal best practices to help strengthen\, protect\, and confidently grow their business.
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\nGeoffrey Cummings and Brennan Wemmer with National Bank of Arizona will provide a clear and practical understanding of SBA Loan Essentials. Since accessing capital is often one of the biggest challenges for small business owners\, SBA loans can offer a powerful solution.
\nHear directly from the experts as they explain how SBA loans work\, what is required to apply\, how they differ from traditional lending\, and why they can be a strategic tool for helping small businesses grow and reach the next level.
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\nDeDe Jacques with Account on DeDe shares essential tips and strategies for small business bookkeeping and taxes. Learn practical steps to stay compliant\, organized\, and stress-free&mdash\;because what you don&rsquo\;t know can cost you later. DeDe will provide insights on what to watch for\, how to keep your finances simple and consistent\, how to plan effectively\, and when investing in an accountant can be a smart decision for your business.
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\nStuart &ldquo\;Zero&rdquo\; Preston with Cingularis will present 7 Steps to Smarter Marketing with a Little Help from AI\, providing a strong foundation for a marketing strategy designed for success. Stuart will guide participants through choosing the best platforms\, defining your brand and target customers\, promoting your business consistently\, and understanding the value of customer feedback. Learn how to make your website work harder for your business and discover practical ways AI can help streamline your marketing efforts and lighten your workload.
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\nAshlee Hanover with Desert Financial will close out the day with &ldquo\;To Mingle or Not to Mingle: Best Practices for Personal vs. Business Finances.&rdquo\; Managing personal and business finances separately can often be confusing for small business owners and\, if mishandled\, can create complicated situations. Ashlee will help clarify the distinctions\, provide practical guidance\, and walk participants through best practices to confidently manage both personal and business finances for long-term success.
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\nMust meet minimum registration requirements
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\nThis workshop is made possible\, in part\, by these Foundation Donors:
