Discover how to grow your business by working with the State of California! This free virtual workshop will provide an overview of the certification process, show you how to navigate procurement systems, and help you identify contracting opportunities. Gain insider tips, tools, and resources to confidently compete for state contracts and take your business to the next level.

Resources: 

• Slideshow - How to do Business with the State

 

This fast-paced, practical workshop designed to equip nonprofit leaders with three actionable strategies and accessible tools to strengthen your board, jumpstart your fundraising efforts, and kick off your next strategic plan. This session will provide clear guidance on building organizational capacity, engaging supporters, and aligning your mission with long-term goals.

Resources: 

• Presentation Deck: Brentwood Nonprofit Workshop 
• TAKEAWAY California 501c3 Benefits You May Be Missing
• Strategic Board Gap Analysis
• Session 1a. Board Self Evaluation and Gap Analysis

 

 

Don’t leave money on the table! Join us online to learn how smart tax planning can boost your bottom line and help your business stay financially resilient. Whether you're new or experienced, you’ll leave with actionable tips and resources you can put to work right away. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, hear from an expert, and build confidence in your financial planning.

Resources: 

• Maximize Your Tax Savings - Slide Deck

 

Abraham Salinas led an informative workshop on the City of Brentwood’s Economic Development Grant Program, providing an in-depth overview of program guidelines, eligibility requirements, the evaluation process, and how to apply.

During the session, Abraham emphasized that grant funding is designed to support community-wide projects and events, not individual businesses. He also outlined important applicant requirements, including the need for a current business license and insurance.

The workshop covered the competitive nature of the program, available funding opportunities, and the application timeline. Potential applicants are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines and submit their applications before the deadline to be considered. Learn more about the Economic Development Grant Program at 2025-2026 Economic Development Grant Program.

Boost Your Brand

Boost your brand and grow your business with social media! This free virtual workshop for small businesses will teach you how to attract customers, create engaging content, and maximize your reach without spending a fortune.

Resources:

• Boost Your Brand - Slide Deck_February 20, 2025
• Boost Your Band WorkBook

 

 

Business Intelligence: Bridging Human Intelligence, AI, and Business Innovation

This workshop was designed to empower small and medium-sized businesses by exploring the connection between human intelligence, artificial intelligence, and practical business system solutions. Participants learned how these tools could help streamline operations, make smarter decisions, and compete effectively in a fast-changing market.

 

Marketing Made Simple

During this workshop, participants discovered the essentials of marketing their business. They learned the value of effective marketing and explored simple, free tools that can help grow their brand and connect with more customers. Whether they were just starting out or looking to refine their strategy, the session provided practical insights and resources to help elevate their business to the next level.

Resources:

• Small Business Marketing - Y Media Presentation
• Digital Marketing - Weblative Presentation

Local Business Networks

In October, participants learned how local chambers of commerce and downtown business coalitions could support their growth and community impact. Guest speakers Amy Tilley, Executive Director of the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, and Karri Reiser, President of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, shared insights on promoting business development and driving local economic vitality.

 

Resources:

• Building a Place for Brentwood - DBC Presentation 
• Brentwood Chamber of Commerce - Presentation

Negotiating a Business Lease

Strategies for securing the best terms. Mastering the art of negotiating a business lease in this virtual workshop. You’ll discover practical strategies for negotiating terms, identifying red flags, and understanding the fine print. Whether you’re opening a new location or renewing an existing lease, this session will equip you with the knowledge to secure the best deal for your business.

 

Business Banking Basics

Speakers:

• Rapa Yosofi, Senior Business Banker, Tri Counties Bank
• Selina Rodriguez, Spec. Treasury Management Solutions, Fremont Bank

This virtual workshop will cover the fundamentals of business banking, including the distinctions between checking, savings, and merchant services accounts. Attendees will learn about the benefits of online banking tools for efficient financial management and strategies for building and maintaining good business credit. The session is designed for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to enhance their financial knowledge and stability.

Resources:

• Tri Counties Bank Presentation
• Fremont Bank Presentation

Accessing Business Loans 

Speakers:

• Eric Ng, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager, Fremont Bank
• Chris Horton, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

This virtual workshop covered how to access Small Business Administration (SBA) Guaranteed Lending and explored how these funds can help start, grow, or expand businesses. Attendees gained valuable insights from industry experts Eric Ng, Senior Commercial Relationship Manager at Fremont Bank, and Chris Horton, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), enhancing their business financial strategies.

Resources:

• Fremont Bank SBA Presentation

 

Business Planning 101: Improve and Grow Your Business

Speaker: Nancy Mangold

This informative session provided valuable insights into how a well-crafted business plan can serve as a solid foundation for a business's success. Participants gained knowledge from an industry expert, Nancy Mangold, CSU East Bay professor and Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center who shared practical tips and best practices for creating an effective business plan.

Resources

• EBSBDC Presentation-Brentwood Business Planning
• Sample Business Plan: Kona-Q Healthy Restaurant