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.
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.
Featured Business Courses
Starting Your 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 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 FSBDC business consultants who are backed by the Small Business Administration, USF Muma College of Business, and the National Association of SBDCs.
Building Your Business Plan with LivePlan
Business planning is the foundation to starting a new venture, raising funds or growing your existing business. Receive all the tools necessary to complete a practical business plan. Seminar registration includes a six-month subscription of the LivePlan web-based business planning software. Our expert advice simplifies conducting the research necessary to make decisions and develop financial projections.
Using SEO to Improve 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.
Ignite Your Online Marketing: A Guide to Google Tools
Stuck in “the web?” Online marketing doesn’t have to be so frustrating. Attend this seminar to learn how you can take advantage of incredible online marketing tools that will enable your business to have a successful online presence. You’ll learn about the four Google resources that can help you attract customers as well as how to get local exposure with Google Places; how to increase productivity with Google Apps; and how to measure success with Google Analytics.
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.
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.
Social Media Strategy: The Basics
Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and LinkedIn are all relationship building tools you can use to win the hearts and minds of your customers (so they think of you first when it comes time to buy). These tools also serve as a way to help prospective customers discover your business. This seminar focuses on what you need to know to use social media to promote your business.
Woman/Minority/Disabled Veteran 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.
Basic Business Taxes
There’s no way to get around it– every business must report taxes. But how you pay your taxes all depends on the type of business you have. This class explores the taxation process and filing requirements for sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs.
Bookkeeping Basics
Proper bookkeeping is essential to managing your business. Learn how to classify and record basic business transactions, enter data into an account, chart accounts, and many basic accounting terms. You’ll also learn what you must hold on to for tax compliance and find out what accounting software might be useful to help make your bookkeeping easier.
Understanding QuickBooks
Creating invoices, writing checks and managing customers, QuickBooks makes it all easier. This introductory class takes you through the basics of the software program. This course gets you started on making your company’s bookkeeping simpler.
