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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250403T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250403T153000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250228T142303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T145800Z
UID:10004047-1743674400-1743694200@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Finance for the Non-Finance Professional
DESCRIPTION:This course introduces and explains the basic finance terms\, concepts\, and tools. Participants will explore how to speak the language of finance as well as read and understand typical reports used by finance and business leaders in the company. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 3\, 2025\, from 10:00am to 3:30pm. \nThe course is minimum for 12 people. \nIn this course participants will learn how to create and manage budgets. They will also learn how to analyze budget variances effectively. \no Define the purpose of the Income Statement\, the Balance Sheet\, and the standard entries on these reports\no Examine the critical nature of cash flow in the organization and how it is often not well represented in the Income Statement and Balance Sheet\no Compare and contrast the operation of privately held and publicly held companies\no Discuss the potential business impact that comes from investing in programs because of inflation\, market\nconditions\, and overall risk\no Identify methods and considerations associated with tracking the costs of employment\no Estimate the return on the investment for programs and projects \nPoint Value: 4
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/finance-for-the-non-finance-professional/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Finance.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250407T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250407T113000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250311T141347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T141347Z
UID:10004054-1744012800-1744025400@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Stop Wishing. Start Leading: A No Nonsense\, Straight Talk Session for Women Leaders
DESCRIPTION:This course will assist women with skills that can help them personally and professionally. It’s critical for women to understand the corporate landscape\, myths surrounding women and leadership and why women sometimes do not achieve the success they desire. It’s vital to understand barriers and strategies to navigate them to be a successful leader. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually in two half-day sessions on April 7 and April 14\, from 8:00am to 11:30am. The course minimum is 8 people and limited to 20 people. \nSuccessful leaders have a mindset. We explore the characteristics of the mindset and how they impact women. Leaders also need to examine the three levels of leadership and the choices that accompany them. Participants will complete a self-assessment and other pre-work ahead of the course. This will help to tailor the sessions and content to the participants’ level of skills. Exercises will be customized based on the pre-work. Some of the content blocks include: \n\nIntroduction to leadership & tips\n11 traits of successful leaders and the art of balancing them (speed round-your leadership strength)\nWhat great leaders don’t do\nBe a Strategic Thinker\nHow do you influence others\nCommunicate with power\nLet’s talk – how to have better business conversations\nGiving and receiving feedback\nTaking criticism\nHandling tough situations\nKnowing when to change course and evolve\n\nThis course would be beneficial to women business owners\, supervisors\, and those who are looking to advance their careers. \nPoint Value: 4
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/stop-wishing-start-leading-a-no-nonsense-straight-talk-session-for-women-leaders/2025-04-07/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/womenleaders.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250407T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250407T163000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250311T140810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T142124Z
UID:10004053-1744038000-1744043400@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Minicourse: Is it Time for a Communication Makeover?
DESCRIPTION:This course will focus on the five things companies need to do now to pivot their internal and external communications\, and what companies should stop doing. We will look at what is trending in communication vehicles\, some simple ways to conduct research\, the pros and cons of doing it yourself or hiring pros and how to go digital. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 7\, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm. The course minimum is 10 people and limited to 40 people. \nThere is a direct link between great communications and business outcomes. This course will describe the issues facing businesses today including more communication channels\, virtual audiences\, the need for speed\, and people do not read. There are various communication needs and opportunities with internal and external audiences to be explored. These include: \n\nRecruitment and retention videos\nTraining – internal processes and portals for customers\nVirtual events – product launches\, demos\, co-branded webinars\nThought leadership\n\nThis course will highlight the role of leaders in communication (when leaders should be out front) and the role of the communications team (creating the vehicles and developing the skills of communicators). This course will explore the production process so that an organization’s staff can direct outside resources or choose to do some work internally. \nThis course would be beneficial to communications\, sales\, and marketing staff. \nPoint Value: 1
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/minicourse-is-it-time-for-a-communication-makeover-2/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/CommunicationMakeover.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250410T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250410T170000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20240819T211455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T211455Z
UID:10003627-1744297200-1744304400@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Let Her Speak
DESCRIPTION:Let Her Speak will help female-identifying business leaders wanting to learn how to speak in their authentic voice and have fun doing it! \n\n\nThis nine-session series will be held in-person at Traverse Connect (202 East Grandview Parkway\, Traverse City\, MI 49684)\, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The course minimum is 8 people\, and the capacity is limited to 12 people. \nThe program dates include:\n• October 17\n• November 14\n• December 12\n• January 9\n• February 13\n• March 13\n• March 20\n• April 10\n• April 24 \n\n\n\n\nExclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/let-her-speak/2025-04-10/
LOCATION:Traverse Connect\, 202 East Grandview Parkway\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49684\, United States
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Let-Her-Speak.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250410T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250410T180000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250311T151435Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T151435Z
UID:10004058-1744297200-1744308000@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Walsh Leadership Academy (WLA): Making the Dream Work
DESCRIPTION:Unleash the leader within you! Walsh Leadership Academy is offered monthly for businesses looking to build skills on their team in leadership\, so they can build an empowered team as they grow. In this session you will learn about the principles of leadership and influencing teams for action. \n\n\nThis series will be held in-person at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Rd\, Troy\, MI 48083) every month from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The course minimum is 5 people\, and the capacity is limited to 30 people. \n\n\n\n\nExclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/walsh-leadership-academy-wla-making-the-dream-work-2/
LOCATION:Walsh College\, 3838 Livernois Rd\, Troy\, MI\, 48083\, United States
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Making-the-Dream-Work.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250414T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250414T113000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250311T141347Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T141347Z
UID:10004055-1744617600-1744630200@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Stop Wishing. Start Leading: A No Nonsense\, Straight Talk Session for Women Leaders
DESCRIPTION:This course will assist women with skills that can help them personally and professionally. It’s critical for women to understand the corporate landscape\, myths surrounding women and leadership and why women sometimes do not achieve the success they desire. It’s vital to understand barriers and strategies to navigate them to be a successful leader. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually in two half-day sessions on April 7 and April 14\, from 8:00am to 11:30am. The course minimum is 8 people and limited to 20 people. \nSuccessful leaders have a mindset. We explore the characteristics of the mindset and how they impact women. Leaders also need to examine the three levels of leadership and the choices that accompany them. Participants will complete a self-assessment and other pre-work ahead of the course. This will help to tailor the sessions and content to the participants’ level of skills. Exercises will be customized based on the pre-work. Some of the content blocks include: \n\nIntroduction to leadership & tips\n11 traits of successful leaders and the art of balancing them (speed round-your leadership strength)\nWhat great leaders don’t do\nBe a Strategic Thinker\nHow do you influence others\nCommunicate with power\nLet’s talk – how to have better business conversations\nGiving and receiving feedback\nTaking criticism\nHandling tough situations\nKnowing when to change course and evolve\n\nThis course would be beneficial to women business owners\, supervisors\, and those who are looking to advance their careers. \nPoint Value: 4
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/stop-wishing-start-leading-a-no-nonsense-straight-talk-session-for-women-leaders/2025-04-14/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/womenleaders.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250414T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250414T163000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250311T141953Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T141953Z
UID:10004056-1744642800-1744648200@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Minicourse: The Art of Business Storytelling
DESCRIPTION:Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time but only recently has business storytelling been a focus for organizations. It has value with several audiences: employees\, customers\, and suppliers. The business story can be leveraged for several media platforms and in-person presentations. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 14\, from 3:00pm to 4:30pm then participants will set up an individual session with CK. The course minimum is 5 people and limited to 7 people. \nThis course will begin with a group session where participants will learn how to develop their story and do several short storytelling exercises. One exercise will be to “spot” the inconsistences in stories that are provided to read. Another exercise will be to critique several videos of storytellers for language and non-verbal communication. The content will include: \n\nUnderstanding what outcome you are trying to achieve (show challenges\, inspire pride\, etc.)\nWhat do you want people to learn?\nTechniques that get results\nUsing vivid language\nWhy non-verbal communication is critical to storytelling\nTailor your story to different audiences\nExamples of great business storytelling\n\nAfter the group session\, participants will set up individual sessions to work on creating their story. The session will be focused on reviewing and revising the story. \nThis course would be beneficial to any employees that must present content about the company. \nPoint Value: 3
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/minicourse-the-art-of-business-storytelling/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/businessstorytelling.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250416T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250416T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250321T220611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T220611Z
UID:10004068-1744801200-1744808400@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Employee Benefits 101: What Every Small Business Owner Should Know
DESCRIPTION:This course will help businesses understand tools to recruit and retain top talent\, cover health and welfare plan design\, funding options\, retirement plans\, paid time off\, and creative benefits. Participants will learn how to choose and fund the right benefits strategy for their employees and business. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 16\, 2025\, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The course minimum is 5 people and is limited to 10 people.  \nSmall business owners need to know about all of the tools available to them to recruit and retain the top talent they will need to succeed in business. Understanding all of the various types of employee benefits and how they operate is essential to that goal. In this program\, you’ll learn about:  \n\nHealth and welfare plan design\, including medical\, dental\, vision\, prescription\, life insurance\, short- and long-term disability coverage. \n\n\nHealth and welfare plan funding options. \n\n\nDetermining a benefits strategy on cost-sharing with employees. \n\n\nQualified retirement plan designs\, including defined benefit\, defined contribution (such as 401(k)’s)\, and combo plans. \n\n\nPaid time off plan design options. \n\n\nCreative benefit ideas utilizing the Internal Revenue Code. \n\n\nAncillary benefits such as indemnity plans and specific disease programs. \n\nAfter attending this program participants will also be able to:  \n\nChoose the benefit array that’s right for the owner and their employees. \n\n\nDetermine how to best fund their employee benefit offerings.\n\nInternationally recognized as an expert in the field\, Gary Kushner is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on HR strategy and employee benefits. He has advised four U.S. Presidents on health care and has testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\, The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Small Business Committee on employee benefit issues.  \nGary Kushner is also a frequent resource to the news media outlets including the Wall Street Journal\, the New York Times\, Associated Press\, Knight-Ridder\, the Kiplinger Washington Newsletter\, CNN News\, Fortune\, MSNBC\, and “Good Morning America” among others. Additionally\, he serves on the Editorial Review Board of HR Management magazine and an adviser to the Hope Health Letter.  \nThis course would be beneficial to owners and staff with responsibilities for designing and funding an employee benefit offering to themselves and their employees.  \nPoint Value: 2
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/employee-benefits-101-what-every-small-business-owner-should-know/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/employeebenefits.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250423T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250423T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250321T220407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T220407Z
UID:10004067-1745409600-1745413200@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:ACA and ERISA Compliance: 11 Steps to Avoid (or Survive) a Department Of Labor Audit
DESCRIPTION:This course will cover the key requirements for employers sponsoring health and welfare plans. Participants will learn about DOL audits\, common compliance pitfalls\, and how to document actions to ensure readiness. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 23\, 2025\, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. The course is minimum is 5 people and limited to 10 people.  \nWith two comprehensive federal laws and their regulations\, there are a lot of requirements that employers sponsoring health and other welfare plans (medical\, dental\, vision\, prescription\, life insurance\, short- and long-term disability plans and others) need to ensure they are performing. During this fast-moving session\, one of the country’s most highly rated speakers\, Gary Kushner\, SPHR\, CBP of Kushner & Company\, will walk through 11 items you’ll want to review to make sure you have all of the processes and documentation you’ll need to be compliant\, especially if your small business is ever the subject to a DOL audit.  \n\nLearn what the DOL looks for when they do an audit (and what you can do to be totally prepared). \n\n\nIdentify the pitfalls that many employers miss when sponsoring plans that can show up on audit. \n\n\nLearn what and how to document your compliance actions in the event of an audit. \n\nAfter attending this program participants will also be able to:  \n\nChoose the benefit array that’s right for the owner and their employees. \n\n\nDetermine how to best fund their employee benefit offerings. \n\nInternationally recognized as an expert in the field\, Gary Kushner is one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on HR strategy and employee benefits. He has advised four U.S. Presidents on health care and has testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee\, The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee and the U.S. House Small Business Committee on employee benefit issues.  \nGary Kushner is also a frequent resource to the news media outlets including the Wall Street Journal\, the New York Times\, Associated Press\, Knight-Ridder\, the Kiplinger Washington Newsletter\, CNN News\, Fortune\, MSNBC\, and “Good Morning America” among others. Additionally\, he serves on the Editorial Review Board of HR Management magazine and an adviser to the Hope Health Letter.  \nThis course would be beneficial to owners and staff with responsibilities for designing and funding a compliant employee benefit offering to themselves and their employees.  \nPoint Value: 2
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/aca-and-erisa-compliance-11-steps-to-avoid-or-survive-a-department-of-labor-audit/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/doacompliance.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250424T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250424T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20250321T220041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T220041Z
UID:10004066-1745492400-1745496000@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:I Need to Hire! – Talent Acquisition 101
DESCRIPTION:This course will help your business improve hiring processes\, teach how to build a strong candidate pool\, understand legal requirements\, and refine strategies for better hiring outcomes. \n\n\nThis course will be held virtually on April 24\, 2025\, from 11:00am to 12:00pm. The course minimum is 10 people and limited to 30 people.  \nWalsh & Associates offers next level talent acquisition courses\, geared to those who need to improve their talent acquisition process or need to take a deeper dive into strategies that will help them improve their hiring outcomes.   \nWhether your business is ready to make that first hire\, or just in need of a better process for finding top talent\, I Need to Hire! – Talent Acquisition 101 will cover all of the basics of talent acquisition to make owners successful in their approach to hiring. Participants will be taught how to develop a pool of good prospects for open positions as well as the legal requirements of hiring that first employee. \nThis course would be beneficial to anyone looking to develop or refine their talent acquisition strategy. \nPoint Value: 1 
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/i-need-to-hire-talent-acquisition-101/
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/talentacquisition101.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250424T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250424T170000
DTSTAMP:20260504T073641
CREATED:20240819T211455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240819T211455Z
UID:10003628-1745506800-1745514000@www.sbam.org
SUMMARY:Let Her Speak
DESCRIPTION:Let Her Speak will help female-identifying business leaders wanting to learn how to speak in their authentic voice and have fun doing it! \n\n\nThis nine-session series will be held in-person at Traverse Connect (202 East Grandview Parkway\, Traverse City\, MI 49684)\, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The course minimum is 8 people\, and the capacity is limited to 12 people. \nThe program dates include:\n• October 17\n• November 14\n• December 12\n• January 9\n• February 13\n• March 13\n• March 20\n• April 10\n• April 24 \n\n\n\n\nExclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.
URL:https://www.sbam.org/event/let-her-speak/2025-04-24/
LOCATION:Traverse Connect\, 202 East Grandview Parkway\, Traverse City\, MI\, 49684\, United States
CATEGORIES:SBAM Foundation
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.sbam.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Let-Her-Speak.jpg
END:VEVENT
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