Workshops and Events

Getting through the business loan process requires more than knowing how much money you need. You also need to be prepared to discuss your finances, provide supporting documentation and answer questions about how your business operates. Preparing before you approach a lender can help you navigate the process more confidently and avoid unnecessary surprises.

In this webinar, you’ll learn how to prepare your business finances and documentation for the loan application process. You’ll also hear directly from lending experts about how banks and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) assess borrowers, evaluate financial strength and make lending decisions, giving you a practical look at what happens from the lender’s side of the table.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• How credit, cash flow and collateral factor into a lender’s evaluation
• What financial records and documentation to prepare before applying
• Why keeping personal and business finances separate matters during the lending process
• What banks and CDFIs consider when assessing a potential borrower
• How lenders review a business’s ability to repay a loan
• Questions and considerations that may come up during the application process
• How to approach conversations with lenders with greater preparation and confidence

Learn how to read and understand the key financial statements every business owner needs. Breaking down income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports in simple terms. You’ll gain the knowledge to track your business’ health and make smarter financial decisions.

Please note: This program is being offered by SCORE and you will need to register with them and provide them with your email address in order to attend. You will have the option to opt out of their mailing list when you register. Upon registration with the library, you will be sent the link to register with SCORE. The Zoom link for this program will come directly from SCORE. Upon registration with SCORE, every individual will receive a unique Zoom Link for the workshop. Please contact the Addison Library with any questions or concerns.

In today’s market, manufacturers face constant pressure from rising costs. To stay competitive, leaders need both a clear understanding of cost indices and the right strategies to respond effectively.

This webinar will explore how to use indices as a powerful tool to interpret cost trends, inform purchasing decisions, and guide supplier conversations. You’ll also gain practical approaches to balance cost control with maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Key Takeaways:
• How to read and apply key indices to your pricing strategy
• Ways to use data to anticipate cost changes and strengthen your position
• Techniques for supplier discussions that go beyond simple price negotiations
• Tools to protect margins while sustaining long-term partnerships

Whether you are making purchasing decisions or managing supplier relationships, this session will help you leverage indices and strategies to reduce risk and improve financial outcomes.

To ensure a secure experience for all participants, please log in using your own Zoom account with a username and password. Any Zoom account type is acceptable. When joining, make sure to use your registered first and last name so we can verify your attendance. Please note: Call-in access is not allowed for this session.

*Event details are subject to change.

*Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive it, please check your spam or junk folder*

Without clear financial systems, it can be difficult to understand where your money is going, maintain healthy cash flow or make confident decisions about your business. Building a strong financial foundation can help you organize your finances, monitor performance and prepare your business for future growth and funding opportunities.

In this webinar, you’ll learn essential financial management practices to organize finances, manage cash flow and prepare for business growth. We’ll explore how stronger financial systems can help you make informed day-to-day decisions, prepare for future funding needs and support sustainable business growth. You’ll also learn where business credit cards fit into a responsible financial management strategy.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

• Why separating personal and business finances is essential
• How bookkeeping and budgets help track performance and guide decisions
• How financial statements help you understand profit, cash flow and business health
• What forecasts and financial records can prepare your business for funding
• How to use business credit cards responsibly to manage expenses and cash flow

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring entrepreneurs from the Entertainment, Marketing, and Real Estate industries. Learn how they found their paths to entrepreneurship, the mistakes and surprises they encountered early on, and the insights they’ve gained through experience.

Even if you’re an experienced and careful business owner, you’re not safe from making preventable and costly mistakes. That’s because mistakes happen when everyday business pressure quietly affects how owners think, make decisions and respond to problems.

In this webinar, you’ll learn practical frameworks for recognizing mistake risk, responding more effectively in the moment and building processes that help you catch, contain and learn from problems. You’ll also be introduced to the STORM Framework, the SAFER Response Method and a five-stage approach to reducing repeat mistakes and building a more reliable business.

You’ll learn:

• Why smart business owners miss things, even when decisions feel reasonable
• The operating conditions that quietly increase the risk of preventable mistakes
• Early warning signs that often appear before costly business mistakes
• Practical habits and simple tools to catch problems sooner and reduce their impact
• How successful founders turn setbacks into stronger systems that reduce repeat mistakes