Business Building Workshop for Small Businesses and Manufacturers

Event description

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 8:00 AM - 4:30 PMEST

Ivy Tech Community College
8204 Highway 311
Sellersburg, IN 47172

AGENDA:

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Registration and Light Breakfast

• Attendees arrive, check-in, and enjoy a light breakfast.
• Opportunity for informal networking.

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Welcome and Introductions

• Opening remarks by the host.
• Overview of the day's agenda and objectives.

8:45 AM – 9:45 AM: Marketing & Sales Strategies presented by Amy Rudy with Impact Sales Systems

• Current Trends:

• Leveraging Social Media for Local Engagement: Utilizing platforms like Facebook and Instagram to connect with the Southern Indiana community, employing location-based targeting, and partnering with local influencers.
• Content Marketing Essentials: Developing a content calendar, creating blog posts and videos addressing local interests, and optimizing for search engines.
• Building Customer Relationships: Implementing CRM tools, personalizing communications, and collecting customer feedback to drive loyalty.
• Hands-On Activity: Participants develop a brief content plan tailored to their target market, focusing on local engagement strategies.

9:45 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning Break

• Time for refreshments and informal discussions.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Business Law and Expansion presented by Jason Lopp, CLLB and Matt Hall, 1si

• Current Trends:

• Legal Structures and Compliance: Choosing the best business structure (e.g., LLC, Corporation) and staying compliant with zoning and licensing.
• Contract Essentials: Drafting clear contracts with essential clauses like payment terms and confidentiality.
• Intellectual Property Basics: Protecting brand assets with trademarks and copyrights, registering IP, and enforcing rights.
• Hands-On Activity: Attendees review a sample contract to identify key clauses and potential issues.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Human Resources Best Practices presented by Lisa Bottorff and Amy Olds, HR Affiliates

• Current Trends:

• Effective Recruitment Strategies: Crafting clear job descriptions, using local job boards, and implementing structured interviews.
• Employee Onboarding: Developing a structured onboarding process, providing training, and assigning mentors.
• Performance Management: Setting expectations, conducting regular evaluations, and creating development plans.
• Hands-On Activity: Participants outline an onboarding checklist tailored to their business needs.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch and Presenting Sponsor

• Presenter: Anthony Nicks, Transformative Sales Systems
• Lunch provided on-site.
• Additional "free-sources" by Rachael Armstrong, 1si

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Financial Management and KPIs presented by Angela Gardner and Patrick Harbeson with Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. and Georgian Simion, ISBDC

• Current Trends:

• Understanding Financial Statements: Interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Developing budgets using historical data, adjusting as needed, and planning for growth.
• Identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Selecting relevant KPIs, monitoring regularly, and using data for strategic decisions.
• Hands-On Activity: Attendees analyze a sample financial statement to assess business health.

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Afternoon Break

• Time for refreshments and informal discussions.

2:15 PM – 3:15 PM: Government Contracting Opportunities presented by Laura Schafsnitz, U.S. Small Business Administration

• Current Trends:

• Navigating the Procurement Process: Registering with SAM, researching opportunities, and understanding the bidding process.
• Certification Benefits: Leveraging minority-owned or women-owned certifications for competitive advantages.
• Compliance Requirements: Keeping accurate records, maintaining compliance, and staying updated on contracting laws.
• Hands-On Activity: Participants draft a capability statement highlighting their business strengths.

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM: Overcoming Leadership Challenges

Presenters are Cathy Scrivner with Louisville Water Company, and Chip Pfau with Geo.Pfau's Sons Co.

• Discussion Focus:

• Effective Communication: Enhancing team collaboration, listening actively, and utilizing diverse channels.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Developing strategies for quick, informed choices and learning from past decisions.
• Building a Positive Company Culture: Fostering employee engagement, recognizing contributions, and encouraging feedback.
• Interactive Component: Panelists share personal experiences, followed by live polling and a Q&A session to engage the audience.

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM: Closing Remarks

• Summary of key takeaways.
• Information on upcoming events and resources.