Store Owner Series

This series of FREE workshops provides valuable training for small businesses located in Philadelphia on topics that are practical and relevant for a business owner at any stage. We also provide opportunities for businesses to network with other small businesses in their local community.

We offer workshops at Community College of Philadelphia's Regional Center locations in Northeast and West Philadelphia, as well as at our Main Campus. We also partner with local community organizations to bring select topics into the neighborhoods for added convenience. You have the option of choosing the location and training that are most convenient for you.

WORKSHOPS

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The SBA Business Smart Toolkit (Ready, Set, Go)

June 3, 2026 | In-Person Workshop | Center for Small Business, 1751 Callowhill, Philadelphia PA
10 a.m.

The SBA Business Smart Toolkit workshops were developed jointly by National Association for Government Guaranteed Lenders and SBA. The workshop lays the groundwork for helping new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea and understand the steps to building a business that is credit ready. The information is laid out simply in three modules. The three modules focus on: 1. Basics of Business Startup Find out the answer to the question “Is entrepreneurship for me?” This workshop lays the groundwork for helping new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea and understand the steps to building a business. 2. Essentials of Becoming Credit-ready Find out how to answer the question of “What options do I have for financing my business?” business. 3. Small Business Support and Educational Resources. Find out “Who can help and support me in launching my business?”

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This workshop is on Zoom only.

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Strong Cybersecurity is Good for Business: The What, Why, and How

June 24, 2026 | In-Person Workshop | Center for Small Business, 1751 Callowhill, Philadelphia PA
10 a.m.

You’ve worked hard to start and grow your business. Are you taking the steps necessary to protect it from cyber criminals? As small businesses have become more reliant upon data and technology to operate and scale a modern business, cybersecurity has become a fundamental risk that must be addressed alongside other business risks. Customers, supply chain partners, banks, insurers, etc. are increasingly expecting businesses of all sizes to have a strong cybersecurity posture. A common misconception for small businesses is that they are too small to be targets of a cyber attack. However, size doesn’t matter to a cyber criminal. They are targeting anyone that serves their interest—often in order to gain your credentials and financial reward.  No business can ever be completely cybersecure. Nevertheless, it is possible—and necessary—to implement a cybersecurity risk management program that balances security with the needs and capabilities of the business. This workshop will: Provide specific, practical steps you can take to protect your sensitive business assets from cyber risks. Identify common cybersecurity risks and scams and how to avoid them. Describe how to use cybersecurity as a competitive advantage for your small business. Share freely available cybersecurity resources you can access to help you with your cybersecurity. And more!

Time will be reserved for questions. About the speaker: Daniel Eliot is the lead for small business engagement within the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Applied Cybersecurity Division. In this role, he works across NIST's cybersecurity and privacy program to advise and support development of cybersecurity resources, communication materials, and collateral tailored for use by small businesses.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This workshop is on Zoom only.

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AI for Customer Discovery - Stop Guessing, Start Knowing

Jun 25, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

You've got a business idea — but do you really know who your customer is? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn how to use AI tools to uncover what your customers actually want, where they hang out, and what language they use to describe their problems. Walk away with a clearer customer profile and a research process you can repeat anytime.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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Understanding Your Philadelphia City Small Business Taxes

June 30, 2026 | Online Workshop
10 a.m.

This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of the city's tax landscape, specifically focusing on the major 2025-2026 legislative shifts. Attendees will learn to navigate the Philadelphia Tax Center and understand critical compliance requirements for the current tax year.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This workshop is on Zoom only.

AI for Business Model Design - Build a Business That Actually Makes Money

Jun 30, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

A great idea isn't a business — a repeatable, scalable model is. In this workshop, you'll use AI tools to design, pressure-test, and refine your business model so you know exactly how you make money, who pays you, and why your numbers work. Come with an idea; leave with a model.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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AI for Tasks & Workflow - Your First Employee Costs $20 a Month

July 22, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

As a small business owner, your time is your most valuable asset — so why are you spending it on tasks AI can handle in seconds? This session gives you a practical, no-jargon introduction to AI workflow tools that handle the administrative grind: emails, scheduling, content, and more. You'll leave with a personalized list of tasks to automate starting tomorrow.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This workshop is on Zoom only.

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