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