Small Business and Nonprofit Conference

Resources for Promoting Your Small Business

Wednesday, October 2, 10:00-11:50  a.m.

Discover how to utilize 3D printers, laser cutters, embroidery machines, and other tools to craft promotional materials for your business right here at the library! 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Unleashing Your Business Superpower: Discovering Your Competitive Edge

Wednesday, October 2, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by VetBiz
Whether you have an idea for a business, or are already running your own business, this workshop is about helping you figure out what makes your business stand out in the crowd. We'll use hands-on activities and practical tips to show you how to be more competitive.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

So You Think You Want to Start a Nonprofit?

Wednesday, October 2, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts

Is starting a new nonprofit organization right for you? Join us for helpful hints, practical checklists, success stories, and cautionary tales.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Mastering Business Success: Navigating Common Mistakes for New and Existing Owners

Wednesday, October 2, 11:30-12:15 p.m.

Presented by Urban League Women’s Business Center
Whether you’re just starting out or already established, this workshop will provide invaluable guidance on identifying, understanding, and correcting business pitfalls. From financial missteps to strategic errors, we’ll equip you with practical solutions and proven techniques to help steer your business towards success. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Disability Isn’t a Dirty Word

Wednesday, October 2, 11:30-12:15 p.m.

Presented by Paraquad
From a young age, we learn that it's bad to have a disability. In this presentation, we'll talk about how disability is another part of human diversity. You'll leave with basic tools to help your business better support the disability community.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Design Your Own Logo

Wednesday, October 2, 12:00-12:50 p.m.

Presented by Anna Sher
Explore how to create a captivating logo that embodies your brand identity, and learn strategies for promoting your services using banners or posters crafted in Creative Experience.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Brand Identity Photography

Wednesday, October 2, 1:00-1:50 p.m.

Presented by Lily Notz
Learn methods for taking engaging branding photographs that effectively convey the identity and values of your brand.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Product Photography

Wednesday, October 2, 2:00-2:50 p.m.

Presented by Heidi Drexler Photography
Discover new ways to take interesting product photographs that successfully display the quality of your brand and products.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Open a Business in the City of St. Louis 

Wednesday, October 2, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by St. Louis Development Corporation
Save time and work with the Business Assistance Center (BAC) team to streamline the process to open your business in the City of St. Louis. The Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC) is a centralized center focusing on business empowerment, capacity building, and workforce development for businesses and residents. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Grant Writing 101

Wednesday, October 2, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by Amy Lottes, GPC
Nonprofit professionals will learn the basics of grant writing, determine if their organization is grant-ready, and gain insight on some do’s and don’ts for writing a winning proposal. Amy Lottes, GPC, a nonprofit consultant with 30 years of experience in nonprofit development and grant writing, will share her wisdom and anecdotes about both the successes and failures she has experienced.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Small Business Databases

Wednesday, October 2, 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Learn how to target your market, find potential customers, research competitors, and more using the Library’s free business databases.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Social Media Content Creation

Wednesday, October 2, 3:00-3:50 p.m.

Presented by Mason Cooksey
Learn how to create content and images that show off your business and develop an online presence.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Introduction to Grant Research

Wednesday, October 2, 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Learn about the resources offered at SLPL’s Grants & Foundation Center to help identify potential nonprofit grant opportunities, including Candid’s Foundation Directory grant search database. Get an overview of Guidestar, Candid’s collection of nonprofit profiles that nonprofit organizations can “claim” and update to earn a seal of transparency and more importantly, paint a more accurate picture of the organization.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Simple Ways Women Can Invest in Themselves to be Successful in Business

Wednesday, October 2, 4:00-5:30

Presented by Sara Gelsheimer of Plancorp and inspireHer Plancorp Women’s Initiative
Investing in yourself is vitally important-in order to be successful in business but in your life in general. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Legal and Accounting Resources for Entrepreneurial Artists

Wednesday, October 2, 5:00-5:50 p.m.

Presented by St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts
Learn about the available resources for artists and art-related businesses.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Podcasting for Small Businesses

Wednesday, October 2, 6:00-6:50 p.m.

Learn how to use recording rooms and audio production software to create podcasts.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slpl.org or calling 314-241-2288.

Nuts & Bolts of Starting a Nonprofit

Thursday, October 3, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Learn about the various steps involved in starting a nonprofit organization, from state incorporation to applying for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS and everything in between, as well as how to stay in good standing once your nonprofit is up and running.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Navigating MBE/WBE Certification

Thursday, October 3, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by Women’s Business Center
Learn the process of obtaining Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to expand opportunities, this session will provide clear guidance and practical tips to navigate the certification journey successfully.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Programs and Funding Options for Startups

Thursday, October 3, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by SCORE
Discover the various programs and financing opportunities throughout the stages of business growth, including equity, grants, and loans, as well as local incubators and accelerators.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Introduction to Podcasting for Small Businesses

Thursday, October 3, 10:00am- 11:15am

Unlock the potential of podcasting to grow your small business! Explore the basics of podcasting and how it can be a powerful tool for marketing, customer engagement, and brand building.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Board Engagement, Retention & Your Mission

Thursday, October 3, 11:30-12:45 p.m.

Presented by Travers Training & Consulting
The level of engagement and collaboration with your board members has an impact on a nonprofit’s success in achieving its mission. Learn how to identify useful methods to attract and recruit board members, discover ways to increase board engagement and retention by meeting four core needs, and create actionable items to educate, engage, and empower your board by meeting these needs.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Unleashing Your Business Superpower: Discovering Your Competitive Edge

Thursday, October 3, 11:30-12:45 p.m.

Presented by VetBiz
Whether you have an idea for a business, or are already running your own business, this workshop is about helping you figure out what makes your business stand out in the crowd. We'll use hands-on activities and practical tips to show you how to be more competitive. Learn how to bring fresh ideas, understand what your customers really want, and make your business shine in a busy market.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

I Need Help! How to Hire Employees

Thursday, October 3, 11:30-12:45 p.m.

Presented by HR Managed and Danna McKitrick, P.C.
You know you need to hire but you are not sure where to start. Learn tips to get your business ready to be a W-2 employer, how to write a great job posting, and how to manage the hiring process.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Leveraging Industry Databases for Business Success

Thursday, October 3, 11:30-12:45 p.m.

Unlock the power of industry databases to boost your business. Learn how to effectively utilize these resources to identify market trends, target potential customers, and enhance your product and service offerings.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Basics of Grant Writing

Thursday, October 3, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Presented by Let’s Build Hope
Participants will gain insight into the fundamental elements of a grant proposal and engage in hands-on exercises to draft an application tailored to their organization.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Allies and Advocates: Important Business Partners for Your Small Business

Thursday, October 3, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Presented by Accelerate Law STL, Kreismann Bayer, Rhea and Associates, and US Bank
Learn about some of the important partners you'll want in your corner when you start a business, like your B.A.I.L.: Banker, Accountant, Insurance Agent, and Lawyer. Together, we'll cover the basics of what these professionals can do for you, and who you need to know to grow.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Get Your Business on Google Search & Maps

Thursday, October 3, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Presented by Growing with Google 
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.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Credit Fair

Thursday, October 3, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Presented by Educational Opportunities Committee of the Saint Louis Metropolitan CRA Association (MSLCRA)
Register for  a free credit report and a 15-minute consultation with a credit advisor. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Grant Research and Tracking

Thursday, October 3, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by Let’s Build Hope
Learn where to prospect for grants, assess compatibility, and use fundamental solicitation techniques to improve chances of having grant proposals accepted. Participants will be provided with a complimentary grant tracking tool and receive step-by-step instruction on its usage.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Franchise Ownership: An Introduction

Thursday, October 3, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by FranNet
Franchising may be the right opportunity to own or operate a small business. Join us for a general overview of the industry and how it operates, pros and cons of being a franchisor, and how to begin research and due diligence.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Build a Better Business Plan Workshop

Thursday, October 3, 2:30-5:15 p.m.

Presented by Small Business Development Center
Dive into the essential elements of crafting a comprehensive business plan. Explore the importance of having a plan, identify your target audience, learn about the available resources to assist with building your plan, and some steps to effectively execute it. Throughout this two-part workshop, we’ll do some exercises to apply the principles to the creation of your plan. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Fundamentals of Video Production for Small Business

Thursday, October 3, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Learn the basics of how to record and edit audio and video for a commercial spot.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

10 Financial Mistakes Nonprofits Make

Thursday, October 3, 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Presented by St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts
Join this fast-paced session highlighting common financial mistakes made by nonprofit arts organizations and how to avoid them!. Participants will leave with a bird-eye view of topics like board and stakeholder relationships, budgeting, compliance pitfalls, and more.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

NO SWEAT Public Speaking

Thursday, October 3, 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Presented by Fred Miller
Learn how to develop, practice, and deliver an awesome presentation with - NO SWEAT!
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300.

Virtual Program: Business Tax 101

Friday, October 4, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by the Internal Revenue Service
IRS Stakeholder Liaison will present on several useful topics to help you navigate your federal tax compliance requirements. Learn about general tax information, Schedule C and small business taxes, how to navigate IRS.gov to maximize self-service, and year-round recordkeeping habits that will make tax season go smoothly.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: The Basics of Exporting - Selling Internationally

Friday, October 4, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by World Trade Center St. Louis
95% of the world’s consumers live outside of the US! Discover the benefits and risks of exporting and e-commerce, determine whether your business is a candidate for selling internationally, and learn the steps to get started. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Introduction to Trademarks

Friday, October 4, 10:00-11:15 a.m.

Presented by the United States Patent & Trademark Office
Learn about the process for registering and maintaining a federal trademark, as well as why you would want to go to the trouble. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Community-Centric Fundraising

Friday, October 4, 11:30-1:00 p.m.

Presented by Gladiator Consulting
Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) is a movement to encourage fundraisers and other nonprofit professionals to re-examine every fundraising philosophy and practice they have been taught through a lens of radical collaboration, racial equity, social justice, and decolonization; engage in vigorous ongoing conversations; and explore doing fundraising in ways that reduce harm and further social justice.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Discover Your Customer Base

Friday, October 4, 11:30-12:45 p.m.

Presented by Reference Solutions
Explore effective methods to pinpoint your target audience and boost your business or nonprofit with data-driven insights. Learn how to unlock the power of analytics with Reference Solutions to locate potential customers and supporters in any area.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Legal Office Hours for Entrepreneurs

Friday, October 4, 11:30-1:30 p.m.

Presented by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Join one of our community virtual legal clinics to have a chance to speak to an attorney one-on-one for 30 minutes.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Leveraging AI to Propel Small Business Efficiency and Innovation

Friday, October 4, 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Presented by Dr. James Hutson, Lead XR Disruptor at Lindenwood University
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands as a transformative tool for small businesses, offering new avenues for enhancing operational efficiency and driving innovation. By integrating AI technologies, businesses can automate complex processes, personalize customer interactions, and analyze data more effectively, thereby optimizing performance and fostering competitive advantage.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Introduction to Grant Research

Friday, October 4, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Learn about the resources offered at SLPL’s Grants & Foundation Center to help identify potential nonprofit grant opportunities, including Candid’s Foundation Directory grant search database. Get an overview of Guidestar, Candid’s collection of nonprofit profiles that nonprofit organizations can “claim” and update to earn a seal of transparency and more importantly, paint a more accurate picture of the organization.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Franchise Ownership: An Introduction

Friday, October 4, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by FranNet
Franchising may be the right opportunity to own or operate a small business. Join us for a general overview of the industry and how it operates, pros and cons of being a franchisor, and how to begin research and due diligence.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: SBA Services Overview

Friday, October 4, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Presented by Small Business Administration
Small business entrepreneurs, from startups to established businesses, can benefit from the services offered by SBA. This event will include an overview of SBA programs with an emphasis on how to finance your small business.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Marketing On Any Budget

Friday, October 4, 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Learn how to create your own customized list of potential customers in any area by income, consumer habits, lifestyle, age and more. Research your target market and explore free online courses with tips and tricks for social media and traditional marketing on any budget. 
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.

Virtual Program: Digital Growth: Unlocking Website Potential

Friday, October 4, 4:00-5:15 p.m.

Presented by Treehouse
Discover the critical role of websites in modern business strategies and unlock the power of online presence with Treehouse. Learn HTML and CSS effortlessly, equipping yourself with the skills needed to craft compelling websites that elevate your business's digital footprint.
Adults. Registration required by visiting www.slcl.org/events or calling 314-994-3300. Participants will receive Zoom information via email immediately after registering.