Coffee & Connections Frederick County: Market Research Resources
2025-04-24 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD, 21701
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Join Frederick County’s monthly networking session with Senior Business Consultant, Karen Kalantzis.
Performing qualitative and quantitative market research is important for creating a business plan and understanding the market, but many business owners don’t know how to go about it. At this month’s Coffee & Connections session, learn about all the free business resources the public library has to offer.

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Rio Grande Entrepreneurs Program (Programa de Emprendedores Rio Grande)
2025-04-24 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-23 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-22 09:00 - 16:00 | Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Largo, MD, 20774
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This four-day intensive training, scheduled for April 22 – 25, 2025, 9 AM – 4 PM daily at Prince George’s Community College, 301 Largo Road, Dukes Student Center, Largo, MD 20774, provides participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch or strengthen their businesses—all at no cost to them. Through this program, we aim to remove financial barriers and foster a thriving community of Latino entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County.
Why attend?
The Rio Grande Entrepreneurs Program is:
✅ Comprehensive – Covers leadership, business planning, HR, accounting, and financial management.
✅ Accessible – Designed for both experienced professionals and first-time entrepreneurs.
✅ Practical – Features real-world examples and hands-on learning.
✅ Ambitious – Integrates business fundamentals with core values for long-term success.
✅ Proven – Has helped countless entrepreneurs achieve financial independence and business growth.

Esta capacitación intensiva, GRATIS, de cuatro días, programada del 22 al 25 de abril de 2025, 9 AM – 4 PM diario en Prince George’s Community College (301 Largo Road, Dukes Student Center, Largo, MD 20774), brindará a los participantes los conocimientos y herramientas necesarios para lanzar o fortalecer sus negocios. A través de este programa, buscamos eliminar barreras financieras y fomentar una comunidad próspera de emprendedores latinos en el condado de Prince George.
¿Por qué asistir?
El Programa de Emprendedores Rio Grande es:
✅ Integral – Cubre liderazgo, planificación empresarial, recursos humanos, contabilidad y gestión financiera.
✅ Accesible – Diseñado tanto para profesionales experimentados como para emprendedores primerizos.
✅ Práctico – Presenta ejemplos reales y aprendizaje interactivo.
✅ Ambicioso – Integra fundamentos empresariales con valores esenciales para el éxito a largo plazo.
✅ Comprobado – Ha ayudado a innumerables emprendedores a lograr independencia financiera y crecimiento empresarial.

Overview of SBA Programs and Services [Webinar]
2025-04-23 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for this free quarterly info session covering SBA programs and services.

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Elements of Entrepreneurship: Launch Your Business [WEBINAR]
2025-04-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-22 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
With so many moving parts and unknowns, it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of entrepreneurship. The third “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Launch Your Business, aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to successfully launch your business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Compare characteristics of common business structures and determine the best choice for your business.
Recognize factors that impact the business’s name.
Locate state and local resources to pay taxes and obtain professional or organizational licenses for the business.
Register a business in the state of Maryland.
Identify professional experts, organizations, and operational systems to support your business launch.

Once you complete this webinar, you’ll confidently understand the key steps to legally register and launch your business, the importance of surrounding yourself with expert advice and support resources, and some of the initial systems needed to successfully launch your business entity.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Creating Your Business Blueprint [WEBINAR]
2025-04-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-01-15 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
The role of planning is crucial for any successful business. The second “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Creating Your Business Blueprint, educates participants on how to create an effective business design, including key elements and best practices to consider for long-term success.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain a problem in the marketplace that your business solves.
Begin to articulate the business’s target market, competitors, and unique selling proposition.
Recognize key financial documents needed during business startup.
Identify operational considerations for starting the business.
Determine when and why businesses need a business plan or pitch deck.

Investing time to comprehensively map out your business blueprint before you launch will save you valuable resources in the long run. It will also raise important questions for you to consider as you move forward in creating a sustainable business.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Building a Strong Business Foundation [WEBINAR]
2025-04-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
The first “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Building a Strong Business Foundation, provides participants with the essential knowledge on what to consider before starting a business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify your inspiration for starting a business.
Distinguish characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
Explore market feasibility of your business idea.
Describe options to cover startup expenses.
Understand how MWBC can support your business dream.

Whether you’re considering starting a small business to create a stable revenue stream or launching a startup that you can scale quickly, this webinar will provide you with the tools and skills necessary to make informed decisions before taking the next step.

Montgomery County is OPEN for Business Event
2025-03-31 09:00 - 12:00 | Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, United States
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Welcome to the Montgomery County is OPEN for Business Event! Join us at the Silver Spring Civic Building for a panel discussion, networking, and opportunities to grow your business. This in-person event is your chance to connect with local entrepreneurs, government officials, and industry leaders. Learn how to do business with the County and discover upcoming procurement opportunities. Mark your calendar and get ready to take your business to the next level!

Learn how to do business with the County and discover upcoming procurement opportunities
Meet the Office of Procurement team
Attend the panel discussion and network with other attendees and vendors

This event includes a presentation, networking and a vendor registration workshop.
If you plan to participate in the vendor registration workshop, please bring:

Your laptop
Tax ID number
Relevant business documentation to register your business

The venue is walking distance from the Silver Spring Red Line Metro Station and nearby parking is available.
Hosted by our partners at the Montgomery County Office of Procurement.

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Speed Meet: Virtual Networking for Frederick County
2025-03-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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Join us for this speed-dating style mixer on Zoom and meet other entrepreneurs in Frederick County (all are welcome)!
Attendees will be broken up into small Zoom breakout rooms to connect with each other. We will mix up the groups every few minutes and everyone will get a chance to network! Meet new people and use those connections to develop local professional relationships.

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Smart Strategies for Success: Marketing Best Practices for Small Businesses [Webinar]
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In today’s digital-first world, small businesses need innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive. The Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) invites you to an insightful webinar on how AI, public relations, social media, and email marketing can help local businesses thrive. Moderated by Karen Sippel, Managing Director of MWBC, this session will feature a panel discussion with industry experts and MWBC Shop Local Alum who has successfully leveraged these strategies to grow their business. Can’t make it to the live session? Register to access the on-demand recording.
Meet the Panelists
Moderator: Karen Sippel, Maryland Women’s Business Center
Public Relations & Social Media Expert: Melissa DiMercurio, Curves Ahead Co.
Email Marketing Strategist: Cory A. Van Horn, High Five Tourism
MWBC Shop Local Alum: Sofia and Maria Tapias, DOV & Company

The webinar will be recorded and sent to all registrants.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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Montgomery County Resources For Your Business [Webinar]
2025-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
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Learn how the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC), Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and the Montgomery County Business Center (MCBC) can help you with your small business. Each organization offers unique resources for all business owners, from aspiring entrepreneurs to matured businesses looking to expand. Access these resources by joining this FREE information session!

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EmpowHER 2025: Small Business Resource Fair
2025-03-06 09:00 - 13:00 | The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Building II, Rockville, MD, 20850, United States
The Maryland Women’s Business Center presents, “EmpowHER: Small Business Resource Fair.” EmpowHER provides a platform for entrepreneurs and professionals to come together to exchange ideas, network, build community and share strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success in today’s business landscape.

Thursday, March 6, 2025
9am – 1pm
The Universities at Shady Grove – Building II
$30

TICKETS OFF SALE
This year’s EmpowHER agenda is inspired by the National Women’s History Alliance 2025 Women’s History Month theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations”. Men are welcome and encouraged to attend. The engaging lineup and resources include:
Keynote Speaker
Hear from Comptroller of Maryland, Brooke Lierman.
Feature Panel
Learn from a dynamic group of industry professionals as they share their expertise and advice on achieving business success in the “Built to Last: Timeless Tips for Thriving through Challenges” panel discussion.
Ignite & Inspire Presentations*
Fast-paced, digestible, and informative presentations on key business topics delivered by subject matter experts. *New for 2025
Resource Row
Discover, support, and network with local businesses and resource partners as they showcase their products and services to help your business.
EmpowHERment Lounge
Immerse yourself in the EmpowHERment Lounge with headshots by Pro Portrait Photographer, Kea Dupree-Alfred (valued at $250) and a mini makeover & consultation by Celebrity Makeup Artist, Ruben Makle of Beauty by Ruben (valued at $165). Book your 15-minute makeup consultation and/or a 15-minute headshot photoshoot below! Both services for $100 or 1 service for $50. Please note that the cost of headshots/makeup is NOT included in your admission, and you must pay for those services separately through the photographer and makeup artist.

BOOK NOW

Networking Hall*
Engage with entrepreneurs at every stage of business and build invaluable connections in the designated Networking Hall. *New for 2025
Donation Drive & Raffle
We are partnering with Interfaith Works in Rockville, MD to collect donations of new/gently used business attire for job interviews, and laundry detergent to maintain their clothing. Interfaith Works aims to provide vital services and essential needs to Montgomery County residents below the Federal poverty line. Attendees that contribute to the donation drive are entered into a raffle!

MWBC Shop Local
Learn about MWBC’s retail incubator program, and explore and purchase products from our current cohort of vendors.
MWBC Counselors
Explore the services and resources offered by the Maryland Women’s Business Center, meet our business consultant team, and learn how to schedule a FREE counseling session.
Light Refreshments
Enjoy coffee and light breakfast refreshments included in your ticket to EmpowHER.
Parking Included
Parking is included in the ticket fee. The parking validation received at the event is ONLY valid for the Traville Gateway Garage and WILL NOT be redeemable at any other garages/lots. To get to the Traville Gateway Garage, enter the following address into your GPS: 9638 Gudelsky Dr, Rockville, MD 20850
If you enter Universities at Shady Grove into your GPS, it will take you to the campus main entrance. Follow the signage around the campus to get to the Traville Gateway Garage. The easiest way to access the Traville Gateway Garage is from Darnestown Rd.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

THANK YOU TO OUR INNOVATOR SPONSORS

Exhibitors (Listed Alphabetically)
Beauty by Ruben
City of Frederick
City of Rockville Procurement
Details Matter Bookkeeping & Advisory
Farallon Bookkeeping
FSC First
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program
Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
Industrious
Interfaith Works
Kea Dupree Photography
Labor Credit Union
Lafayette Federal Credit Union
Maryland Department of Transportation
Maryland Insurance Administration
Montgomery County Black Collective
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation
Montgomery County Business Center
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Montgomery County Office of Procurement
M&T Bank
Nazareth Bonifacino Law Benefit
Universities at Shady Grove
Verizon
Women Business Owners of Montgomery County
WorkSource Montgomery

Is Your Business Lender Ready? [Webinar]
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join this free quarterly webinar to help you find out if you’re ready for a business loan.
You’ll learn about:

Business tax documents, such as a Schedule C, and why lenders always ask for them
The three financial statements (income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet)
The business model, its profitability, and how it helps the lender understand your business

Coffee & Connections Frederick County [Virtual]
2025-02-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Join Frederick County’s monthly networking session with Senior Business Consultant, Karen Kalantzis.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
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QuickBooks Online 101 [Webinar]
2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Learn the basic navigation and functions of QuickBooks Online for your small business with Katie Hanna of Details Matter Bookkeeping.
About the Speaker
Katie Hanna, CB is the Owner & CEO of Details Matter Bookkeeping & Advisory. She is a Certified Bookkeeper & Elite QuickBooks ProAdvisor. She has 13 years of experience in the accounting industry and 8 years of experience as a small business owner. She has a passion for educating small business owners and showing them that numbers don’t have to be scary! She was born and raised in Walkersville, MD and currently lives there with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs.

Turn Conversations Into Clients [Webinar]
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Many women business owners, leaders, and sales professionals want to improve and polish their presentation skills when prospecting or selling. However, they struggle to communicate confidently when it really counts and it’s costing them their reputation, revenue, and relevant relationships.
Conversations that Convert is a perspective-shifting presentation that exposes women in revenue-generating roles to how to strategically verbalize their value by leveling up their language. As a result, their communication confidence is increased allowing them to have a greater influence on those they desire to convert into clients, customers, or higher-paying contract opportunities.
Women in revenue-generating roles will learn how to:

Initiate conversations that result in clients and contracts on sales calls, conferences, or networking events.
Why have conversations that convert is the #1 strategy to increase sales consistently.
How science supports concepts of effective language and communication as a foundation of sustainable sales success.
How to make your voice visible when pitching and presenting even if you are the “only” woman or minority in the room.

About the Speaker
Quinn Conyers is a Public Speaking and Emcee Expert with 19 years of Keynote, Event Emcee and Corporate Training Experience. She is the Founder and CEO of Speak to Society LLC, a savvy sales and business communications training and development company where she shows audiences how to have conversations that convert into clients and contracts.

MWBC Office Closed - Presidents Day
2025-02-17
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Presidents Day.

Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth [Webinar]
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Join WSI Digital Marketing for a focused session on harnessing social media to fuel your business growth. Learn to create a strategy that resonates with your audience and boosts revenue.
Key Takeaways:

Craft Compelling Content: Engage your audience with tailored posts for each platform.
Establish a Consistent Brand Voice: Align your social presence with your overall brand identity.
Engage Your Audience: Convert followers into loyal customers through meaningful interactions.
Choose the Right Platforms: Identify where your target audience spends time and optimize your presence on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Measure Performance: Track key metrics to gauge success and refine your strategy based on insights.

This session will provide practical tips and actionable strategies to enhance your social media reach and drive real business results. Whether you’re new to social media marketing or looking to improve your approach, join us to unlock the full potential of social media for your organization’s growth.

Government Contracting for Beginners [Webinar]
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00
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Join Economic Development Specialist of the Washington Metropolitan Area District Office, Nirav “Nick” Rajpara, for this free quarterly webinar covering the basics of government contracting.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
Click the REGISTER button above to complete your registration.

S.H.E. Pitch Webinar: Your Guide to Success (Frederick Only)
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Are you an aspiring female entrepreneur or business owner in Frederick County looking to take your venture to the next level? If so, join us for an exclusive S.H.E. Pitch 2025 Webinar, designed to guide you through every step of this exciting pitch competition for women entrepreneurs!
This online session will provide:
– An Overview of the S.H.E. Pitch Process: Learn what it takes to participate, from application to final pitch.
– Step-by-Step Guidance: Understand the timeline, key milestones, and what judges are looking for.
– Resources for Success: Discover the tools, mentorship, and support available to help you craft a winning pitch.
– Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by our S.H.E. Pitch team.
Whether you’re preparing to enter or just exploring the opportunity, this webinar will equip you with everything you need to confidently pursue your S.H.E. Pitch journey.
Visit the S.H.E. Pitch website for more information.

Mindset Strategies to Close the Sale [Webinar]
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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In today’s competitive sales environment, uncertainty and stress can hinder your professional growth and revenue targets. Are you ready to accelerate your sales achievement and breakthrough any performance barriers?
In this transformative sales coaching session Naheed Oberfeld will teach you how to Unlock Your Sales Potential. You will:

Decode Emotional Intelligence in Sales: Learn how YOUR emotions fundamentally drive your sales behavior, which leads to either success or disappointment. Understanding this psychological blueprint will give you an unprecedented competitive edge.

Master Your Inner Landscape: Go beyond traditional sales techniques and uncover the subconscious beliefs blocking your potential.

What you will gain:

Profound insights into how emotions influence decision-making

Practical techniques to release sales-related stress and limiting beliefs
A clear distinction between taking responsibility and being in control

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your mindset and elevate your professional performance. Naheed’s clients have reported significant improvements, including record-breaking sales quarters and unprecedented career advancements.

About the Speaker

Prepare to have your socks metaphorically blown off by Naheed Oberfeld, the Mindset Maven extraordinaire! This certified EFT/Tapping practitioner and Mindset Coach is on a mission to silence your inner critic and unleash your full potential.

With an uncanny ability to read minds (or at least mindsets), Naheed has a knack for identifying the unconscious patterns and limiting beliefs holding you back. As one client raved, “I had the best 4th quarter sales ever in the history of my nine years in business!”

That’s because as a mindset maven, she is fluent in the language of self-sabotage and negative mental chatter. Naheed’s process helps her clients break down pesky limiting beliefs freeing them from the shackles of stress, anxiety, and unfulfilled dreams. Prepare to have your paradigm shifted, your beliefs rewritten, and your potential unleashed.

Coffee & Connections Frederick County: Resolution Reset [Webinar]
2025-01-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Join us for our first Coffee & Connections of the year to cultivate well-being through clarity, purpose, and joy.
Learning Objectives:

Recognize Limiting Beliefs: Learn how self-imposed beliefs and internal grudges keep us from pursuing goals
Utilize the Release, Reject, Reclaim Framework: Identify strategies to let go of mental blocks, reject stagnation, and reclaim clarity on what you truly want
Create a Vision for Success: Create actionable steps to create your desired personal and professional life

About the Speaker
Rachelle Rohner is the Founder and Lead Wellness Consultant/Coach of Rohner Wellness Consulting. Along with her experience coaching in the wellness field, including business coaching, since 2020, she brings knowledge from over 15 years of teaching and coaching children and their families in the educational setting. The mission of Rohner Wellness Consulting is to empower and support communities and individuals with simple habits and actions that helped them overcome their wellness obstacles and reignite their confidence to pursue goals of creating balance and well-being. Rachelle is NASM Certified in Personal Training and Nutrition Coaching.

Please note the "Add to calendar" button below does not register you for the training/event.
Click the REGISTER button above to complete your registration.

Elements of Entrepreneurship: Business Development Strategies [WEBINAR]
2025-01-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
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Our “Elements of Entrepreneurship” introduction to entrepreneurship course is a 4-part webinar series. It consists of a multi-layered learning experience that demystifies the process of taking a business from ideation to launch to growth. Through a mix of moderated training, interactive discussions, and assignments, you will learn how to transform a good idea into a sustainable business venture.
Growing your business beyond the startup phase can be challenging. Scaling your business requires strategic planning, resources, effective execution, and forecasting for the future. In the fourth “Elements of Entrepreneurship” course, Business Development Strategies, we will discuss the key elements required to successfully expand your business.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Describe your ideal client.
Identify components of successful unique value propositions and business brands.
Discuss strategies to expand your network of clients.
Express a vision for your business’s future.

This webinar will dive deeper into several facets of business growth, such as successfully building your brand, engaging with ideal clients, and nurturing business relationships. It will prepare you to overcome some of the challenges that women entrepreneurs face, while also inspiring you to continuously dream about and implement expansion strategies.

MWBC Office Closed - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2025-01-20
The Maryland Women’s Business Center will be closed in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Understanding Digital Marketing: An Introduction for Small Businesses Who “Do it All” [Webinar]
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
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Adapting to digital marketing is essential for all businesses and organizations to thrive and expand. This session is designed to demystify digital marketing, providing practical insights and actionable strategies tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses.
This training session will equip small business owners and organizations of all sizes with a foundational understanding of digital marketing. Participants will be empowered to make informed decisions, engage in fruitful conversations with digital marketing professionals when they are ready to outsource, and harness the potential of the online buyer’s journey.
Attendees will leave with a solid foundation and the tools necessary to strategically embark on their digital marketing journey, gain greater visibility, increase revenue, and future-proof their business.
About the Speaker
Katheryne Womack
Principal Consultant
15 years of Strategic Military Intelligence experience directing and delivering impactful results through attentive planning and execution. A data-driven professional ready to help your business succeed.
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to think strategically and identify opportunities for growth and improvement. I am particularly adept at analyzing data and using it to inform marketing strategies that achieve measurable results.
As a 15-year military veteran and successful business owner in Maryland, I am a dynamic and experienced professional with a passion for small business and a deep understanding of the US economy. Throughout my career, I have held a variety of positions, including analyst, intelligence officer, intelligence instructor, full spectrum cyber operations specialist, and strategic planner. My extensive experience in these diverse roles has given me a unique perspective on the world of business and allowed me to excel in a variety of settings.
In addition to my professional experience, I bring a few fun facts to the table as well. I speak Korean, which has proven to be a valuable asset in a variety of situations. And during my time supporting US Navy Aviation, I had the opportunity to coordinate and execute a jet flyover for a NASCAR race. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget.
