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

---

Understanding Philadelphia City Small Business Taxes

September 23, 2026 | Online Workshop
10 a.m.

It is essential for local business owners to understand how to navigate Philadelphia’s Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) and Net Profits Tax (NPT). This workshop breaks down rules, deadlines, and exemptions to ensure seamless compliance. The Philadelphia Revenue Department will provide the information and connections Small Businesses need to comply with current tax laws in the City of Philadelphia.

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---

The SBA's Introduction to Federal Government Contracting for Small Business

September 29, 2026 | Online Workshop
10 a.m.

• Is the government market right for my business?
• What does it mean to be Procurement Ready?
• Socio-Economic Certifications – purpose and leverage
• Resources for Small Businesses in Government Contracting SBA

Presenter “Natasa Borcanin possesses 25 years combined experience in Government Contracting, small business ownership, international development, human resource management and retail real estate leasing and management. It is exactly this mix of experience that makes Natasa effective in her current role as a Business Opportunity specialist with SBA at the Eastern Pennsylvania District Office. Borcanin formerly worked as a Program Director of a DOD OSBP-funded APEX Accelerator (PTAC) program assisting small business navigate government market. Borcanin holds a Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s from Millersville University.”

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---

The SBA Small Business Smart Toolkit

October 1, 2026 | | In-person Workshop | Center for Small Business at CCP, 18th & Callowhill St. Philadelphia
10 a.m.

The SBA Business Smart Toolkit 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. Topics covered include: Basics of Business: Is Entrepreneurship For Me? focuses on helping new and aspiring entrepreneurs understand the steps to building a business; Essentials of Becoming Credit-Ready: What Financing Options Do I Have To Fund My Business? focuses on financing options from self-financing to lending options; Where to Find Small Business Support: “Who can help and support me in launching my business? focuses on how and where to find additional small business technical assistance, business support and educational resources. (This workshop is in-person only at the Center for Small Business at CCP. 18th & Callowhill St. Philadelphia.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing directions and parking instructions.

---

AI for Small Business Finance: Know Your Numbers, Grow With Confidence

October 1, 2026 | | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

You don't need to be an accountant to make smarter financial decisions. In this workshop, you'll use AI tools to understand cash flow, explore pricing and profit scenarios, and turn confusing numbers into actionable insights. Bring your questions; leave with a clearer financial picture and a repeatable process for making confident, numbers-driven decisions.

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---

Artificial Intelligence Workshop Series (Part 1 & 2 Oct 6th & 7th as part of Med Week)

Workshop 1: Game Changing AI Tools Every Small Business Owner Should Be Using
October 6th

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate, market, and grow. In this practical training, small business owners will be introduced to five powerful AI tools that can help save time, increase productivity, streamline workflows, and improve business results. Participants will learn real-world applications for content creation, research, design, presentations, and everyday business tasks, along with practical tips for integrating these tools into their daily operations to work smarter and achieve more with less effort.

Workshop 2: The Art of Prompting: How SBO Can Get Better Results from AI
October 7th

AI is only as effective as the instructions you give it. In this practical training, small business owners will learn the fundamentals of prompt engineering and how to write better prompts that generate more accurate, useful, and actionable results. Participants will discover simple techniques for communicating with AI tools more effectively, saving time, improving content, and quality of output. These two workshops during Med Week will be followed by a series of 3 more workshops in the coming weeks. "Attendees do not need to attend the other 3 workshops to gain basic knowledge of the topic. Registration will only include these two workshops."

These workshops are in Person Only at Community College of Philadelphia
1751 Callowhill Street Philadelphia
When: Oct 6th & 7th, 2026 10:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register for both days

After registering, you will receive a confirmation and directions to the event location.

---

Brand You: How to Stand Up and Show Up with Purpose Online. (Part 1)

October 20, 2026 | In-person Workshop | Philadelphia Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave.
2 p.m.

Your personal brand is your digital first impression, what people think, feel, and say about you when you're not in the room (or off the screen). This interactive workshop is designed to help you discover your voice, define your message, and position yourself as a leader in your industry or field. Whether you're a professional, creative, or entrepreneur, you'll walk away with a clear understanding of how to build and maintain a personal brand that's authentic, consistent, and impactful across your social media platforms.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing directions to the Northeast Philadelphia Regional Library.

---

The Price is Right

October 21, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

Setting the right price for your product or service is one of the most critical decisions you'll make as a business owner. This workshop will explore the key factors that contribute to a successful pricing strategy, helping you avoid common pitfalls like underpricing and overpricing. You'll learn why lower prices don't always mean higher sales and how understanding your customers' perception of value can unlock your business's true earning potential. Walk away with actionable insights and strategies to price confidently, ensuring profitability and sustainability for your business.

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---

Brand Your Business: Build A Social Media Presence That Connects and Converts (Part 2)

October 27, 2026 | In-person Workshop | Philadelphia Northeast Regional Library. 2228 Cottman Ave.
2 p.m.

Your business brand is more than a logo; it's the story, voice, and visuals that make your company recognizable and relatable. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of building a strong, consistent brand that attracts your ideal audience and communicates what your business stands for. Ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners, this session helps you align your brand identity with your business goals and translate it into a smart, strategic social media presence.

Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing directions to the Northeast Philadelphia Regional Library.

---

Get Your Business Online in Under an Hour (and for Less Than $50)

November 18, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

Ready to take your business online without breaking the bank? This workshop will guide you through free and low-cost strategies to create a professional online presence. Learn how to set up a web landing page, a business email address, and get your business listed on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Nextdoor. Using a step-by-step example, we'll show how even the most tech-challenged entrepreneurs can go from zero online presence to a polished, professional look that today's consumers expect. Start building your online footprint today—no technical skills or expensive consultants required!

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---

Finishing the Year Strong

December 16, 2026 | Online Workshop
2 p.m.

The close of the year is the perfect time to take stock of your business and position yourself for success ahead. This workshop will guide you through essential year-end steps — including financial reviews, tax planning, risk management, and operational adjustments — while looking ahead to identify growth opportunities and strengthen your foundation. Walk away with a structured plan to finish 2026 on solid ground and start 2027 with clarity and confidence.

Register in advance for this meeting

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

---