Whether you are looking to start your business, improve revenue or obtain financing, the Florida SBDC at the University of South Florida has the training seminar that is right for you.
Classes are conveniently offered regularly at the regional Tampa office, located at USF CONNECT. Training is also available in other Florida SBDC at USF locations. All instruction is provided by business consultants that have first hand experience with small businesses. The Florida SBDC at USF is proud to offer a wide range of training classes and seminars geared toward small businesses. All Tampa training seminars are conducted by subject matter experts and/or experienced business owners.
You can register for a Tampa training seminar right now from your computer. All registrations must be completed online. Visit the training calendar and select the training seminar you would like to attend. Then just click on the registration link and follow the steps presented. If a seminar includes a fee, you will be directed to our online payment system.
View the Training Schedule and sign up for small business training in Tampa & surrounding locations.
Cancellation, Refund and No-Show Policy: The Florida SBDC at USF does not issue refunds for unattended courses/seminars. If you are unable to attend, please contact our office as soon as possible. You will receive a credit for this course that expires six months from the date of the original seminar. Your credit will enable you to take the same seminar at a later date.
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. To request accommodation or language assistance, please contact Nelson Reyes, 3802 Spectrum Blvd, Suite 201, Tampa, FL 33602, 813-396-2724.
Featured Business Courses
What You Need to Know to Start a Business
You’ve got the idea. Now you need to know how to get on your way. From how to determine feasibility and legal structures, to the types of licenses you’ll need, this class covers all the essentials that help you get your business started.
Business Startup Series
Don’t know which direction to take in launching your business? Let us help you navigate the road to success. We’ve put together six courses that make up the critical business foundation all entrepreneurs need to know before starting a business. The series will take you through determining feasibility and legal structures; developing financial projections; obtaining a loan; accounting and bookkeeping processes; and attracting customers. You’ll learn from Florida SBDC business consultants who are backed by the Small Business Administration, USF Muma College of Business, and the National Association of SBDCs.
SEO Strategies for Improving Your Google Rankings
Search engine optimization is a major component of any successful online marketing. This seminar will teach you how to develop a SEO strategy. You’ll learn how to select keywords that are proven performers, combine the keywords into site content and boost site popularity.
Magical Mystery Tour of Marketing Your Business
You know why your business rocks. Does anyone else? Take this class to uncover the characteristics that make up your business’ DNA. Soon, you’ll be able to boost consumer loyalty and company profits. After answering the two most important questions in all of marketing, you’ll be ready to skillfully implement customer-winning strategies and face the competition.
Creating the Next Great American Brand… Yours!
Strong brand names that deliver a unique position grow more market share and revenue than those with little to no identity or vision. As a current business owner, is your business struggling against better-known competitors? Learn how to create your new brand and position through our seminar, Creating the Next Great American Brand… Yours! In this webinar, the speaker will discuss the value of brands, teach you how to create a brand value proposition and position and show you how to roll it out to your key prospects.
Show Me the Money: Financing Your Business
re you looking for money for your business? Are you considering a SBA loan? This seminar will help you zero in on the right funding choices for your business and avoid money scams. Our financing veteran will educate you on how to ask for a loan and get prepared for the bank.
Woman, Minority, and Veteran Business Certification
It’s no myth… a women, minority or veteran certification could present opportunities for your business. But, there is a process to becoming certified. In this class, you’ll learn how to complete the State of Florida certification application and discover how you can use it to seek business with the private sector and government.
Federal Government Contracting 101
Ready…set…sell to the federal government! This workshop provides information on registering with the federal government, how to locate federal opportunities, who to market to within the federal government, and so much more.
Subcontracting & Teaming
For many small businesses, entry into government contracting will or should begin as a subcontractor. This seminar will provide the small business owner with an understanding of the overall subcontracting process, including the format for a Subcontract and Teaming agreement, how to protect your company during the relationship and the overall benefits of subcontracting. This seminar will also provide the suggested rules of engagement and the contractual relationship between prime contractor, subcontractor and the government, for small businesses in the Tampa Bay region.
Building the Ultimate Business Plan
Plan Big, Grow Bigger – Learn the Secrets to a Winning Business Plan! Business planning is the foundation to starting a new venture, raising funds, or growing your existing business. It serves as an important roadmap for your business. Receive the basic tools necessary to complete a practical business plan in this seminar, including how to conduct the research necessary to make decisions and develop financial projections.
Launching a Home-Based Childcare Business
Thinking about launching a home-based childcare business? Don’t miss this engaging two-part series! Join us to learn everything you need to turn your passion into a thriving business.
Cash Flow vs Profitability
Understanding the difference between cash flow and profitability can prevent the number one reason businesses fail – insolvency. Learn how to use each of them to manage your business more effectively in this one-hour seminar, featuring a real small business case study.
Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make with QuickBooks
Mistakes in QuickBooks are easy to make but sometimes difficult to fix, and can have an effect on your eventual lending needs. In this webinar, learn the top five mistakes our specialists see business owners make, and learn how to fix those mistakes to improve your chances of gaining access to capital, when the time comes.
SBIR/STTR: How to Access Non-Dilutive Funding for Early Stage Innovation
Are you an innovator looking for the right funding? Join us for an enlightening webinar on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, where our speaker will delve into the fundamentals of each program, gaining insights into their goals, eligibility criteria, and how they differ from traditional funding sources while learning the art of identifying and seizing non-dilutive funding opportunities that can fuel your early-stage innovation without compromising equity.
SBA Loans and Resources that Work
Are you looking for funding to start or grow your business? This workshop will explain the role of the SBA, as they do not lend money directly to small business owners. Instead they reduce the risk for lenders which makes it easier for small business to get loans. Lean about 7(a) loans, 504 Loans, micro-loans, lender and SBA loan program eligibility requirements, as well as how to plan your financing request to lenders.
Artificial Intelligence for Marketing
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for business success. This webinar is tailored for small business owners looking to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize their marketing efforts and drive growth. Our professional consultant will guide you through the key principles, practical applications, and tangible benefits that AI brings to the marketing realm.
Holiday Success Strategies for Brick-and-Mortar Businesses
Be prepared for the busiest shopping season of the year by participating in our comprehensive webinar tailored for small business owners, especially those with brick-and-mortar stores. Led by an ex-Hallmark retail store owner, learn how to maximize your holiday sales with expert strategies. Ensure your business is perfectly poised for the holiday rush. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to make this season your most successful yet.
Show Me the Money: Financing Your Business
Are you looking for money for your business? Are you considering a SBA loan? This webinar will help you zero in on the right funding choices for your business and avoid money scams. Our financing veteran will educate you on how to ask for a loan, get prepared for the bank and where to find money in a tight-fisted economy.
Classes in Partnership with Google (Grow With Google)
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish.
Increase Your Sales with Google Tools
Learn how to promote your products online using Google tools. We’ll show how local brick-and-mortar businesses can list products on a Google Business Profile. We’ll also cover Google Merchant Center, a no-cost tool that allows both e-commerce and brick-and-mortar businesses to create free Product Listings on Google.
Make Better Decisions with Analytics
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I register for training?
Register for training can only be done online. Please visit our Training Calendar and click on the link to the class you want to register for. Please follow the prompts. -
What types of payment are accepted for training classes?
The Florida SBDC at USF accepts VISA or Mastercard payments. In addition, all training classes are pre-paid only. No cancellations or refunds will be issued.