Sunnyvale Public Library Podcasts

More and more business software applications are being made available online. There are many considerations for a small business when assessing whether to use online hosted solutions, also known as Software as a Service. This class will help you make the right business decision by teaching you what to look for in an online application, how to assess whether it will provide the right return on investment, and what some of the common pitfalls of relying on hosted services are. Presented on Thursday, November 29, 2007.

Presented by Ray Mausling, Silicon Valley SBDC Technology Advisory Program (TAP)

 Ray Mausling: Using Online Apps to Manage Your Business [132:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday, November 19, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

Representatives of a bank, a credit union, a nonprofit lender, and the U.S. Small Business Administration explain how to access financing programs available for small businesses. Learn how you can finance the startup of a new business, or the expansion of an existing business. Find out what the are looking for.

Panel Members:

Steve Bangs, U.S. Small Business Administraion

Niki Wong, United American Bank

Jeff A’ana, KeyPoint Credit Union

Maryam Akbaryar, Lenders for Community Development

 Panel of Lenders Workshop [85:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Friday, November 16, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series

This FREE seminar is for anyone interested in starting a new business or would like to expand their existing one. Business planning is the most important component of the process. Learn what your thought processes and considerations should be in the business planning process. Outline the steps you should take in developing a business plan and why.

The program will be led by Darlene McKinnon, Deputy District Director for the San Francisco District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Ms. McKinnon has reviewed hundreds of business plans at the SBA and developed quite a few of her own. She has taught business planning seminars and university courses for the past 15 years.

 Developing A Business Plan [175:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series

Are you looking for a major change or opportunity in your life? Entrepreneurship may be just the answer!

This seminar discusses the personal characteristics and capabilities that are needed to succeed in business. We discuss “Questions to ask yourself” for you to evaluate if you have what it takes to be a business owner. We also discuss the business climate of today and steps to starting a business. Suggestions for preliminary market research and methods to determine the financial feasibility of your business ideas are offered. Requirements to succeed in business and the SCORE resources for getting advice and help are also provided in this two hour seminar. This seminar may be the start of a new and exciting adventure for you. Workshop narrated By Marty Schwartz from SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

Topics of the seminar:

· Today’s business climate and the role of the small business

· Personal characteristics & capabilities to help you succeed

· Requirements to succeed in a new business

· Preliminary market research & planning for a new business

· Examples of businesses you might start

· Steps to getting started in business

· Determine if the business is feasible and the business plan makes sense

· Advice and help available from SCORE

 Should I Start A Business? [113:25m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday November 5, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

Part five features Rhonda Pryor from NOVA@CONNECT! Business Services.

 Rhonda Pryor [20:01m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday November 5, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

Part four features Gail Buettgenback from Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center.

 Gail Buettgenback [23:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday November 5, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

Part three features Linda Snook from Anew America Community Corporation.

 Linda Snook [17:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday November 5, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

Part two features Guy Thompson from SCORE: Counselors to America’s Small Business.

 Guy Thompson [18:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Originally presented on Monday November 5, 2007 as part of the Business Workshop Series.

A workshop where small business owners and prospective small business entrepreneurs will learn how the programs of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help them start, manage, and grow their companies. Expert speakers from SBA and its resource partners will provide practical information on SBA’s three main program areas: management training and counseling, access to financing, and access to federal government contracting oppertunities. Program benefits, eligibilty requirements, and application procedures will be covered. If you are thinking of starting a small business, or simply want to expand your existing business, this workshop is for you!

Part one features Michele Devito from SBA Programs and Services.

 Michele DeVito [27:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download