SBOSS Montgomery

June Small Business Mixer: Juneteenth Celebration Art Edition
2025-06-25 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Dream Makers Studio, 39 Dexter Avenue, Suite 209, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
Join the Small Business One Stop Shop (SBOSS) for a powerful evening celebrating the intersection of art, entrepreneurship, and cultural identity at the Small Business Mixer: Juneteenth – Art Edition. This month’s mixer, themed “Freedom to Create. Power to Build.”, is a tribute to Juneteenth and the creative power that fuels sustainable community growth.
The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Terrance Baldwin (Digital Media Co. & TBaldwin Studio), with influential speakers representing Montgomery’s arts and nonprofit sectors:

Dionysios “Danny” Mitsios, Artistic-Executive Director, Montgomery Ballet
Zephaniah Jones, Founder & Creative Director, Think All Be All
India Wilson, Head of Operations, Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts
Kalonji Gilchrist, Executive Director, 21 Dreams Arts & Culture
Jenny Brown, Executive Director, ClefWorks

Panel topics include:

Pricing and valuing your art
Building sustainable arts organizations in underserved regions
Creative entrepreneurship and leadership
Expanding arts access through outreach and education
Public funding, youth development, and the civic value of art
Leveraging digital tools and cross-cultural collaboration

In addition to the panel, the mixer will include:

A 10–15 minute resource spotlight featuring the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and the Department of Cultural Affairs
An artist vendor showcase
Networking opportunities with fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and resource partners
Light refreshments in a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere

Whether you are a visual artist, musician, writer, dancer, filmmaker, designer, or arts advocate, this event is designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
Admission is free, but registration is required.
Register Here: https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/580/1874

Small Business Mixer: Retail & Ecommerce Edition
2025-05-21 17:30 - 19:30 | 39 Dexter Avenue, 1st Floor, 39 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
Event Description:
The Small Business Mixer: Retail & Ecommerce Edition Part II is back by popular demand—and we’re diving even deeper! Join us for an energizing evening built for entrepreneurs, retail business owners, and ecommerce professionals who are ready to grow, innovate, and thrive in a digital-first world.
This time, we’re bringing the insights in two dynamic interview segments:First, hear from Mykela Marshall, owner of Fashionably Greek, as she shares her ecommerce journey—from the platforms she used to the challenges she overcame and the results she’s achieved.
Then, gain a forward-thinking perspective from Jovel Green, Senior Technical Project Manager at Koniag Government Services, as he breaks down the digital tools, automation strategies, and emerging tech trends that every small business should have on their radar.
Whether you’re looking to optimize your online store, integrate new technology, or make meaningful connections, this mixer offers practical strategies and real inspiration. With support from TechMGM and the STEM Learning Ecosystem, this event also highlights how innovation and education intersect to drive small business growth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and level up alongside Montgomery’s thriving small business community.
Speaker Bio (Mykela Marshall):Mykela Marshall is the dynamic owner of Fashionable Greek, a premier brand specializing in custom apparel and merchandise for sororities, fraternities, and organizations nationwide. With over a decade of experience in retail and ecommerce, Mykela has grown her business from a local boutique to an award-winning online brand serving customers across the country. Known for her commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement, she empowers small business owners to embrace ecommerce and leverage technology for sustainable growth. Mykela’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey and practical insights have made her a sought-after speaker and mentor for aspiring business leaders.
Speaker Bio (Jovel L. Green)
Jovel L. Green, Senior Master Sergeant (Retired) is the Director of Air Force Contracts for Koniag Government Services. He brings 21 years of experience in Logistics & Traffic Management, Quality Assurance and Transportation Data Systems, specializing in management, leadership, talent development, compliance and safety within logistic operations. He was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina and graduated from Fort Dorchester High School. He serves as the Director of Air Force Contracts for Koniag Government Services managing multiple Department of Defense contracts. He’s a critical component for Koniag’s business development operations in the Alabama River Region. He currently oversees daily operations for contractors geographically dispersed over 16 states including Koniag’s Air Force Identity (AFID) and Subject Matter Expert III (SME3) contracts.

Register Now!

How to S.I.P – Save, Invest, and Protect Your Finances
2025-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Training Topics: Accounting/Budget, Business Financing, Credit Counseling
Description:
Join us for an insightful discussion on saving, investing, and protecting your finances with Mikala McCurry, Senior Public Affairs Specialist at the Alabama Securities Commission. We’ll highlight a range of topics – from budgeting and financial goal setting to safe investing and protection from financial scams. You’ll also receive free resources to jumpstart your personal financial journey.

Pitch Perfect Elevator Pitch
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Training Topics: Marketing/Sales
Description:
If you’ve ever watched Shark Tank, you know one of the most important components of the episode: the pitch. Creating and utilizing an elevator pitch for your business is critical for communicating the services and products of your business and realying why it matters to your audience. If your elevator pitch needs some pizzazz, join the REACH WBC team for this workshop!

Montgomery Tech Lab: Tech Talk
2025-05-08 11:30 - 12:30 | Dream Makers Studio, 39 Dexter Avenue, Suite 209, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
Cryptocurrency and digital assets continue to shape the financial landscape, but with innovation comes risk, regulation, and the need for consumer protection. Join us for an insightful MTL Tech Talk Lunch & Learn featuring Amanda Senn, a leading expert from the Alabama Securities Commission, as she breaks down the opportunities, risks, and regulations surrounding cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

What to Expect:
💰 Crypto 101: Gain a deeper understanding of cryptocurrency, blockchain, and their impact on modern finance.
⚖ Regulatory Landscape: Learn about the role of the Alabama Securities Commission in protecting investors and ensuring compliance in the evolving crypto space.
🔍 Scams & Security: Discover common cryptocurrency frauds, scams, and red flags to look out for.
💡 Future Outlook: Explore how digital assets are being integrated into mainstream finance and what regulations may look like in the future.
Why Attend?
✅ Understand the basics of cryptocurrency and how it’s regulated.
✅ Learn how to protect yourself and your business from crypto-related scams and fraud.
✅ Get expert insights into the future of blockchain and digital finance.
✅ Network with entrepreneurs, financial professionals, and tech innovators.
About the Speaker
Amanda Senn is a key leader at the Alabama Securities Commission, working to ensure investor protection and regulatory compliance in Alabama’s financial markets. Her expertise in cryptocurrency and securities law will provide attendees with valuable insights into the intersection of technology, finance, and regulation.
🚀 Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge on one of the most talked-about topics in finance!**
🔗 Spots are limited—RSVP today! https://form.jotform.com/250765071316151

Ask the Expert: Accessing Capital
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Business Financing, Business Start-up/Preplanning
Description:

Have questions about funding your business? Join us for an interactive Q&A session with a local lending expert who will break down the process of accessing capital. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, this is your chance to get clear, practical answers about business loans, lines of credit, what lenders look for, and how to position yourself for success.
Come ready with your questions — and leave with valuable insights and next steps to help you secure the funding you need!
Register Here: https://catalystcenter.ecenterdirect.com/events/972575

SBDC AI Unlocked: Empower Your Business with ChatGPT, Beautiful Ai and More!
2025-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Celebrating National Small Business Week!
Join us for an exciting live virtual workshop in celebration of National Small Business Week, where you’ll learn how to boost your business productivity using today’s most powerful AI tools!
In this hands-on session, we’ll walk you through step-by-step demonstrations of tools like ChatGPT, Beautiful AI, Canva, and more. Whether you want to create engaging content, design stunning presentations, or streamline everyday tasks, this workshop will equip you with practical skills to help take your business to the next level.

Live demonstrations will include how to:
Use AI to write a business plan
Develop digital marketing content
Design proposal presentations and visuals

Don’t miss this opportunity to see how artificial intelligence can simplify your workflow and increase efficiency—empowering you to do more with less.
Course instructed by Andrea Mosley, Center Director, Alabama SBDC at ASU
Hosted by Alabama SBDC at Alabama State University

Understanding Competitive Analysis
2025-05-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Business Start-up/Preplanning
Description:
Discover the fundamentals of competitive analysis in our beginner-level workshops. Gain insights into understanding your market, identifying competitors, and developing strategies to outshine the competition. This workshop is perfect for those new to competitive analysis or looking to sharpen their skills in this essential small business practice.

Register Here

Alabama SBDC at ASU Entrepreneurship 101: How To Start A Business in Alabama and Write A Business Plan
2025-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
Celebrate National Small Business Week with Us!
In honor of National Small Business Week (May 4–10, 2025), the Alabama SBDC at Alabama State University invites you to attend a free, virtual 2.5-hour workshop designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners with the foundational tools for success.
Whether you’re just getting started or need a clear roadmap for your business journey, this session will walk you through the essential steps of launching a business and developing a business plan that sets you up for success.
Course Instructor: Andrea Rogers Mosley, Director, Alabama SBDC at ASU
Hosted by Alabama SBDC at Alabama State University

Strong Coffee, Strong Women: Crafted & Curated Edition
2025-05-06 08:30 - 23:00 | Dream Makers Studio, 39 Dexter Avenue, Suite 209, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
✨ Where Creativity Meets Caffeine ✨
Get ready to sip, savor, and spark some serious inspiration at this extra flavorful edition of Strong Coffee Strong Women — Crafted & Curated! We’re bringing together four fabulous entrepreneurs who know how to mix, plate, plan, and capture magic in Montgomery.
🎤 Meet the Makers:
🍸 Marcia Parker, the magnetic mixologist behind FoxyTenders, shaking up the local bar scene
🍽️ Alanna Dennis of Alanna’s Gourmet, dishing out bold flavors and elevated catering experiences
🎉 Ashley Jernigan of JDB Hospitality, the ultimate experience curator and event mastermind
📸 Adrienne Quick of Dreamers Photography, turning moments into memories with every snap
This lively morning panel is all about what it takes to build a brand, own your craft, and curate unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of starting your own creative venture or just love a good success story over your coffee, this event is for you.
Come for the coffee. Stay for the sparkle. Leave with inspiration.

SBDC Surviving Tariffs: Smart Moves for Small Business
2025-05-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
When the cost of products from other countries goes up, small businesses can lose money fast.
If you run a store, sell items online, or buy your products from overseas, this workshop is for you.
Join the Alabama SBDC at ASU for a free 1-hour online training during National Small Business Week.
You’ll learn what tariffs are, how they affect your business, and simple ways to deal with rising prices. We’ll do a short risk checklist, talk about smart ways to manage suppliers and money, and give you tools you can use right away to protect your business.
This session is great for store owners, online sellers, and small manufacturers who buy or sell goods from other countries.
Course Instructed by Taisha “Tai” Aracen, J.D., Corporate Sponsorship Strategist and Social Enterprise Architect Consultant, founder of AracenCo, a real estate development firm, and SocialSynergy818 (SS818), which is a social enterprise consulting firm.

Business, Beards, & Bourbon
2025-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | 23 Cigar Bar, 23 Court Street, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
Failure & Grit: The Grind Behind Growth
Presented by SBOSS Montgomery,
Step into an afternoon of bold conversations, refined energy, and powerful connections.
Business, Beards, & Bourbon is an exclusive networking experience designed for male entrepreneurs, professionals, and civic leaders who are ready to engage in real dialogue about the challenges and triumphs of business ownership.
This year’s theme — Failure & Grit: The Grind Behind Growth — highlights the untold stories of setbacks, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of success. Attendees will hear firsthand from a panel of seasoned business owners who’ve faced failure and emerged stronger, offering lessons that inspire and strategies that work.
Set in the upscale ambiance of a cigar lounge, this experience includes:

Your choice of 1 bourbon & cigar or 2 bourbon pours
The Grind Talk Panel featuring local entrepreneurs
Lounge-style networking with business leaders, resource partners, and city stakeholders
A relaxed, masculine-leaning environment designed to spark connection and community

This event is open to men at every stage of entrepreneurship — from barbershop owners and realtors to nonprofit leaders, city officials, and aspiring founders.
Come for the bourbon. Stay for the brotherhood. Leave with a better business mindset.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: 23 Court, Montgomery, AL🎟️ RSVP Required: Register Now

Accounting for Small Businesses: WaveApp 101
2025-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Program Format: Online Meeting (Live)
Training Topics: Accounting/Budget
Description:
In this part of our Accounting series, join The Catalyst’s Operations Manager and CPA, Sandy Edwards, as she goes through the basics of WaveApps. This online accounting platform offers its basic service for free, with the ability to add payments and payroll features. Ms. Edwards will help highlight how to set up company books, how to enter expenses and payments, and how to set up products and services among other topics.
Join us for this introductory walk-through of a free resource you can utilize for your small business accounting!
Register Here

Small Business Certifications
2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
This foundational class is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners through the complex landscape of business certifications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the various certification programs available to small businesses, including federal, state, and local certifications.
Key Topics:

Understanding Certifications: Learn the importance of certifications and how they can enhance your business credibility, open doors to new markets, and provide access to exclusive contracts and opportunities.
Types of Certifications: Gain insights into the most common small business certifications, such as the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certifications.
Eligibility Requirements: Understand the specific criteria and documentation required for each certification, ensuring you know what to prepare before starting the application process.
Benefits and Opportunities: Discover how certifications can help you gain a competitive edge, access government contracts, and network with larger corporations looking to diversify their supplier base.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the value of obtaining small business certifications.
Identify and differentiate between various certification programs.
Prepare and submit complete and accurate certification applications.
Maintain and leverage certifications for business growth and development.

Register Here

Small Business Mixer: Food & Beverage Edition
2025-04-16 17:30 - 19:30 | 39 Dexter Avenue, 1st Floor, 39 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL, 36104, United States
Calling all chefs, bakers, food truck owners, and restaurant dreamers! Join SBOSS for our Small Business Mixer: Food & Beverage Edition on Tuesday, April 16 from 5:30–7:30 PM at the SBOSS Dream Makers Studio.
This month’s mixer, “Breaking Bread & Breaking Barriers,” brings together Montgomery’s food entrepreneurs for an inspiring panel discussion, open networking, and real talk about what it takes to thrive in the industry. Panelists include Chef Shawn Nelson (ISpeakFood), Fedelia Coleman (Cakeology), and Councilman Andrew Szymanski (Hilltop Public House)
Event Purpose
To spotlight the unique experiences of local food and beverage entrepreneurs in Montgomery while creating an open space to address the policies, systems, and support that impact their ability to grow and succeed. This mixer aims to uplift real voices, break down barriers, and build stronger support networks for businesses in the food ecosystem.
Who Should Attend
Food entrepreneurs in Montgomery including personal chefs, bakers, caterers, restaurant owners, food truck operators, pop-up vendors, and aspiring business owners in the food & beverage industry.
Registration Opens: APRIL 4th

Make Better Decisions with Google Analytics
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Learn best practices and analyze trends about how customers engage with your business online, then turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.
In this session, we’ll cover:

An introduction to Google Analytics
Creating and understanding reports
Making goals
Using Analytics with other Google tools

Register Here

Ask the Expert: Buying a Business
2025-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Thinking about purchasing an existing business? This interactive session is your opportunity to get expert insights on what it takes to buy a business and set yourself up for success. Whether you’re exploring business ownership for the first time or looking to expand, this workshop will cover the key steps in the business buying process.
Key Topics Covered:

How to find businesses for sale
What to look for when evaluating a business
Understanding business valuations and pricing
Financing options for purchasing a business
Questions to ask during due diligence
Tips for a smooth transition after purchase

Bring your questions for a live Q&A with our expert, Ken Penn, to gain the knowledge and confidence you need to take the next step toward business ownership.
Who Should Attend:
Aspiring business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals interested in purchasing an existing business.
