Free Seminars/Webinars
Chatham
Please check each individual seminar to see its location and registration information. Attend any 5 seminars with the Core Business Seminar (CBS) designation, and you will receive an Entrepreneurial Foundation Certificate.
Call 919-718-7544 to pre-register or for more information about Chatham seminars.
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Smart Content Marketing, Build a Landing Page & Capture Leads with a Simple Page
Jul15Learn how to go from “idea in your head” to a real, live website in just two hours, no coding experience required. In this hands'on workshop, you’ll use AI (Claude or ChatGPT) to generate a simple, professional one'page site for your actual business offer, then deploy it to the web using beginner'friendly, free hosting. We’ll walk step'by'step through crafting your message, having AI turn it into clean website code, and publishing it so you leave with a real URL you can share on your Google Business Profile, social media, emails, and business cards. You’ll also get a simple checklist and copy'and'paste prompts so you can update or recreate your site after class, turning this from a one'time event into a repeatable skill for your business.
- Start • End Date: 07/15/2026 • 07/15/2026
- Day: W
- Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: SCMC (Siler City Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Next Level (10 Part Series)
Aug25A 10-week program for small business owners who are ready to grow and want a real plan to do it. Running a small business in Chatham County isn’t easy. This program is for owners who are ready for what comes next. Next Level is a hands-on, 10-week course for business owners in Chatham County who are ready for what comes next, whether that’s opening a storefront, reaching new customers, or figuring out how to make more money doing what you already do. Each week, you’ll work through a specific piece of your growth plan with expert guidance, feedback from other local business owners, and tools you can use right away. By the end, you won’t just have ideas. You’ll have a clear, written plan and the confidence to follow through on it. Is this for you? You run a business from home and are thinking about getting a storefront or just want to grow where you are You have a shop, studio, or service business and want more customers You want to sell more online but don’t know where to start You’re ready to grow but feel stuck and want a clear path forward What you’ll walk away with: A real growth plan: Not a template, your actual plan, built week by week around your business. A sharper pitch: Know how to talk about what you do so customers, lenders, and partners say yes. More customers: Learn what drives people to buy and how to reach the ones you haven’t yet. Less guesswork: Understand your numbers, your risks, and how to grow without betting everything. August 25, 2026 Where do you want to take your business? (Next Level Part 1) Set your growth goals and take an honest look at where your business stands today.
- Start • End Date: 08/25/2026 • 08/25/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Is Your Business Ready to Grow and What's in the Way? (Next Level Part 2)
Sep01Identify what’s working, what needs attention, and whether your finances and operations can handle growth right now.
- Start • End Date: 09/01/2026 • 09/01/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Finding Your Next Customers and Revenue Streams (Next Level Part 3)
Sep15Look at your market with fresh eyes. Spot where the opportunities are and which ones are actually worth chasing.
- Start • End Date: 09/15/2026 • 09/15/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Why People Buy and How to Use that Information (Next Level Part 4)
Sep22Learn what actually drives customers to say yes, and how to use that in your sales and marketing, no psychology degree required.
- Start • End Date: 09/22/2026 • 09/22/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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How to Talk About Your Business so People Say Yes (Next Level Part 5)
Sep29Build and practice a clear, confident pitch, whether you’re talking to a customer, a bank, or someone who could send you business.
- Start • End Date: 09/29/2026 • 09/29/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Mr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Get Found Online and Turn Clicks Into Customers (Next Level Part 6)
Oct06Make your website and social media actually work for you. Learn the basics of getting in front of more people, without wasting money.
- Start • End Date: 10/06/2026 • 10/06/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Thinking About a Physical Location? Here's What to Know First (Next Level Part 7)
Oct13- Start • End Date: 10/13/2026 • 10/13/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Reaching Customers You Haven't Connected With Yet (Next Level Part 8)
Oct20Build a marketing plan for a new audience, whether that’s a different part of Chatham County or a completely new type of customer.
- Start • End Date: 10/20/2026 • 10/20/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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The YouTube Academy for Small Business Owners
Oct21In today's digital economy, video is one of the most powerful tools a small business owner can use to attract customers, build trust, and grow revenue. This intensive, full-day workshop gives you a practical, end-to-end roadmap for launching and growing a YouTube presence, from setting up your channel to editing polished videos to turning viewers into paying customers. No prior experience required Session Schedule: 9:00 am " 10:30 am: The Basics of YouTube for Business Owners Cover the fundamentals of using YouTube for business, including channel creation, video optimization for search, and brand leveraging. Learn the core competencies required to ensure your target audience finds you while staying compliant with YouTube's guidelines. 10:45 am " 12:15 pm: How to Shoot Popular YouTube Videos and Shorts Focus on shooting captivating content that resonates with your audience. This session covers both basic and advanced equipment needed for high-quality audio and video, filming best practices, and how to develop your unique creative voice. 1:15 pm " 2:45 pm: How to Edit a YouTube Video or Short to Get Views Discover the basics of video editing, including trimming, cutting, and adding effects or music. Explore different editing software options (from free to paid) and pick up tips on optimizing your final product for maximum views. 3:00 pm " 4:45 pm: How to Gain More Business and Become “YouTube Famous” Learn how to support sales and attract customers through your channel. This session covers revenue streams (advertising, sponsorships, merchandise) and strategies for establishing yourself as a brand while minimizing FCC legal risks. Participants who complete all four sessions will receive a Certificate of Completion. Attendance at every session is required to qualify. The day concludes with a group picture.
- Start • End Date: 10/21/2026 • 10/21/2026
- Day: W
- Time: 9:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Martin Brossman
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Stop the Busy Work for Small Businesses: Master the New Google Workspace Studio Tools (4 Pt. Series)
Oct26You didn’t start your business to spend your life in an inbox. Master the new Google Workspace "Studio" tools to automate your daily tasks and grow your business. Whether you’re running a bakery, a quilt shop, or a professional service, the "paperwork" shouldn't be your second full-time job. Join us for a practical, "plain-English" workshop series where we will roll up our sleeves and actually build the systems that will give you your time back. October 26, 2026 Stop the Busy Work: Master the New Google Workspace Studio Tools (Class 1) The Digital Front Desk: Stop the inbox shuffle. We’ll set up a system that automatically "reads" your mail and separates your urgent customer questions from the junk.
- Start • End Date: 10/26/2026 • 10/26/2026
- Day: M
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Growing Without Betting Everything (Next Level Part 9)
Oct27Understand the real financial picture of your growth plan. Project your costs, manage your risk, and make sure growth doesn’t break what you’ve already built.
- Start • End Date: 10/27/2026 • 10/27/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Stop the Busy Work for Small Businesses: Master the New Google Workspace Studio Tools (Class 2)
Nov02The Hands-Free Filing Cabinet: Never lose a receipt again. We’ll show you how to make your Google Drive folders organize themselves, so your "Tax 2026" folder stays updated without you lifting a finger.
- Start • End Date: 11/02/2026 • 11/02/2026
- Day: M
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Share Your Plan and Leave Ready to move (Next Level Part 10
Nov03Present your business growth plan to the group. Get honest feedback from your peers and instructors. Walk out the door knowing exactly what to do next.
- Start • End Date: 11/03/2026 • 11/03/2026
- Day: Tu
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Dr. Michael Barbera
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Stop the Busy Work for Small Businesses: Master the New Google Workspace Studio Tools (Class 3)
Nov09The Morning Manager: Wake up to a "Daily Game Plan." Your AI assistant will scan your calendar and past orders to give you a morning briefing"like flagging flour price jumps for bakers or low thread stock for quilters.
- Start • End Date: 11/09/2026 • 11/09/2026
- Day: M
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location:
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Stop the Busy Work for Small Businesses: Master the New Google Workspace Studio Tools (Class 4)
Nov16The Growth Machine: Follow up while you sleep. Build a "Welcome Kit" that automatically sends itself to new clients the second they sign up or inquire about your services.
- Start • End Date: 11/16/2026 • 11/16/2026
- Day: M
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Cost: Free
- Instructor: Katie Stokes
- Location Code: PMC (Pittsboro Main Campus)
- Building Location: