JAMESTOWN — Katherine Ross, executive director of the Jamestown Regional Entrepreneurship Center, said several topics are planned for the virtual Women in Business Conference, which will be held March 11-14. The sessions are free and the event is co-sponsored by JREC and the North Dakota Women's Business Network.
“We cover topics that focus on both business development and professional development and personal development,” Ross said. “That's why we're working hard to cover a wide range of topics that will be of interest to both novice entrepreneurs, established entrepreneurs, and working professionals.”
Ross said speakers will include independent consultants from other states with expertise in the Small Business Development Center, professors from Jamestown University, North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota, and representatives from nonprofit organizations.
“Every year I’m really excited about the lineup of speakers, but I think we have a great agenda this year,” she said.
Ross pointed out that the sessions are open to both men and women, and they can participate as much as they like. On average, he said, 100 people register for the event each year, including those in smaller communities outside of the nine-county area that JREC focuses on serving. It also includes people.
Advance registration is required.
“…If you want to participate but don't have the time, we'll send you a recording if you're registered,” Ross said.
This conference will be held for the 7th time this year. This year's event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and First Community Credit Union.
Topics range from food entrepreneurship to an introduction to patents, cybersecurity considerations for small businesses, communication styles, and training tips for occasional trainers.
“We really try to cover everything from technology to the journey of female founders,” Ross said. “We host roundtables where women founders discuss how they got started, the challenges and benefits, and their overall journey to sustaining their businesses.”
Jamestown Regional Entrepreneurship Center Services
JREC hosts monthly virtual workshops on a variety of topics related to small business owners, people starting a business, or professional and personal development topics. We also provide other assistance.
“We also provide one-on-one technical assistance, so if someone needs guidance on startup logistics or help with preparing a business plan or identifying funding sources, we can help with those steps. You can…” Ross said.
Other events include a small business lending workshop and a business pitch competition scheduled for April 2nd.
“We also work with UJ’s marketing department, and if your small business is interested in receiving practical market research support from JREC and its student body guided by marketing professors, please contact the Entrepreneurship Center “You can learn more,” Ross said.
That market research could include logo development, brand development and website development at no cost to business owners, she said. Approximately eight companies are participating in the program this semester.
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women's business conference
when: March 11th to 14th
where: virtual event
Fee: Free; pre-registration required. If you are unable to attend, a link will be provided to watch the session.
Session details:
To register:
https://bit.ly/48q0p4U
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Women's Business Conference Session
Monday, March 11th
10am-noon: Tracy Nofra – “True Colors Communication Styles and Personality Inventory.” The True Colors assessment tool uses her four colors to help participants understand their own operating style and the operating style of others. Explore four ways people communicate. Establish four ways people take in and process information. Identify your personal communication style. Then transfer this knowledge to your organization.
1pm: Elizabeth Fares Oren – Women Founders Roundtable.
2pm: Julie Garden Robinson – “Food Entrepreneurship: From Safety Considerations to Labeling.” Food label details, from ingredient lists to package statements.
3:15-4pm: Lynn Soeth – “Cyber Security Considerations for Small Businesses.” Let's use real-world situations to see how you can actively participate in and grow a safe security culture at work and at home.
Tuesday, March 12th
Provided by/JREC
10-11 a.m.: Molly Kosiarski, Rocky Mountain Regional Director, U.S. Patent and Trade Office – “Introducing Patents.” Introducing patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
11:30am – 12:30pm: Pam Covarrubias – “Building an Aligned Brand.” Interactive exercises and discussions will help participants clarify their vision and mission, define their purpose and promise, identify and embrace their core values, uncover their ideal customer, and create their unique value proposition. , intended to help you refine your message.
1pm: Diana Barbiani – “Pricing, Relationships, and Future Prospects.” The three most important aspects of running a successful business. As a result, it becomes clear how all three areas work independently and how they interrelate with each other.
Wednesday, March 13th
Provided by / Irene Liebler
10 a.m. to noon: Tracy Nofler – “Training Tips for Temporary Trainers.” Aligning training styles with desired learning outcomes, implications for adult learning styles and trainer styles, how to develop innovative designs for training environments, the impact of the training room environment on information retention, and evaluating the effectiveness of training.
Provided by/JREC
1-2pm: Amy Longtine – “The Founder’s Journey.” Longtin is the founder and CEO of Tech4Kids, a nonprofit founded to repurpose used laptops, iPads, and MacBooks donated to children who don't have access to technology at home.
2pm: Professor Scott Lloyd – “Preparing for Keynote Address.” Lloyd is a liberal arts educator and speech and debate coach who uses her writing, speaking, and activism to advocate for a more just and inclusive society.
Thursday, March 14th
9:30am – 11:15am: Professor Sean Valentine – “Human Resource Management in Small Businesses”.He summarizes the basic areas/functions of HRM that SMEs need to oversee, why HRM is important for SMEs, and highlights the key HR issues faced by SMEs.
Provided by/JREC
11:30am – 12:30pm: Professor Diana Lopez-Soto – “Inventory and Production Management Considerations for Small Businesses.” Strategies aimed at improving production efficiency and facilitating informed inventory management decisions.
2-3pm: Marcella Lange – “Succession Planning Tips from Thrivent Financial.” Business succession and continuity planning strategies. Retirement solutions for small businesses. business valuation; tax strategy; Other benefits are also available.
Friday, March 15th
10-11am: Diana Balbiani – “Introduction to Retail”. The fundamentals of opening and running a successful retail store, from space planning and inventory management to sourcing and visual merchandising, to customer service and store atmosphere.
11am-noon: Professor Francisco Casaroti – Introduction to corporate branding and design. Explore the importance of a strong visual identity and the multifaceted aspects that contribute to building an appealing brand presence.
