VeteranStartup.org

Cyber Security and Information Security 101
2026-05-05 14:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | VIRTUAL
This Digital Ready session will provide a deep dive into well-established and growing need for information security in the business environment. The discussion will cover 21st century cybersecurity landscape, what businesses need to do to get to a baseline security standard to secure their data and to stay ahead of cyberthreats and information security mistakes.
To register:

Create a FREE account at veteranstartup.org/verizon
Navigate to the “events” tab to find the class and register

Unlock the $10,000 Verizon Small Business Grant – Info Session
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 | VIRTUAL
Join us for a free information session on the upcoming $10,000 Verizon small business grant opportunity. During this call, we’ll walk you through eligibility requirements, key deadlines, and practical tips to help you submit a strong application. We’ll also answer your live questions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to get prepared and position your business for funding success!
REGISTER HERE

Choosing an Email Marketing Platform
2026-04-27 15:00 - 17:00 | VIRTUAL
You’re doing Facebook Lives, dancing on TikTok, and trolling people on LinkedIn, desperately trying to connect, but what about your email list? Despite the social media craze, email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. In this Ask the Expert session, we’ll discuss strategies for building your email list, best practices for email marketing content, and summarize how you can measure the effectiveness of your email marketing campaigns. If you want to learn or better understand how to leverage the power of email marketing, this is the session for you.
To register:

Create a FREE account at veteranstartup.org/verizon
Navigate to the “events” tab to find the class and register

Forecast Your Financial Future
2026-04-20 12:00 - 14:00 | VIRTUAL
This is a hands-on, working session (not a lecture or a webinar) designed to help you build a clear financial roadmap (financial projections). You will work directly with a financial expert in a small classroom to plug in your own numbers.
To register:

Create a FREE account at veteranstartup.org/verizon
Navigate to the “events” tab to find the class and register

Strategies for Building Business Credit
2026-04-09 15:00 - 16:00 | VIRTUAL
Join Mastercard and Dun & Bradstreet for a one‑hour session designed to help small business owners understand how business credit works, why it matters, and the practical steps needed to build a stronger financial foundation. They’ll break down the key factors that shape your business’s credit profile, how lenders view your credibility, and what you can do today to unlock better financing options.
REGISTER HERE

From this session, you’ll come away with:

Strategies for building business credit so your company is set up with a strong and credible foundation.
How to monitor your Delinquency Predictor Score and Failure Score, and why these scores influence your ability to access capital, rates, and terms.
Actionable steps to strengthen legitimacy and improve creditworthiness so you can secure the financing needed for sustainable growth.

How to Apply: Info Session for SOAR Veteran Business Accelerator
2026-04-02 14:00 - 15:00 | VIRTUAL
Interested in growing your veteran-owned business? Join this info session to learn how to apply for the FREE 8-week SOAR Veteran Business Accelerator, discover program benefits, and get tips to strengthen your application.

REGISTER HERE

Contracting 101
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00
This Ask the Expert session will provide a deep dive into the legal necessity and structure of contracts. The discussion will cover what goes into creating a legally binding contract and how to keep from getting burned. Our experts will explain the key ingredients required for a contract to hold up in a courtroom.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Cybersecurity: More Than Just Passwords!
2026-03-19 12:00 - 14:00 | VIRTUAL
This is a must-attend session for every business owner trying to navigate security in a digital-dependent economy. The discussion covers topics such as phishing, malware, identity theft, and public misinformation campaigns.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

The New Rules of Being Found Online
2026-03-18 12:00 - 13:00 | VIRTUAL
This webinar is held in partnership with Thryv, a leading marketing and sales platform that offers marketing solutions for small businesses. Customers are searching for businesses like yours every day—but showing up takes more than just having a website. In this session, we’ll share key statistics and commonly overlooked tactics related to Google Business Profiles, online listings, social presence, websites, and customer reviews, and how getting these right can directly impact discovery, bookings, and growth.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Manage Your Business Taxes Like a Pro
2026-03-05 18:00 - 19:00 | VIRTUAL
Join Mastercard, Intuit TurboTax, and FiBrick for a one‑hour session designed to help small business owners better understand their business taxes, avoid costly mistakes, and keep more of what they earn. First‑time filers will learn the key differences between filing business and personal tax returns. We will also cover the most common errors that can cost money, how to prepare your books so filing takes less time, and where small businesses often miss deductions.
REGISTER HERE
From this session, you’ll come away with:
1. The top tax mistakes that increase your risk and tax liability
2. How to prepare more efficiently so tax season is less stressful
3. Simple steps to capture money‑saving deductions this year

Your 2026 Guide: Getting Started with Business Accounting
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 | VIRTUAL
Starting and growing a business is exciting, but understanding the financial accounting side can feel overwhelming. This beginner-friendly 1-hour webinar is designed for business owners who want to get started with basic bookkeeping for their business for 2026.
REGISTER HERE
We break down the essentials of personal and business accounting in plain language so you can confidently make decisions, avoid common mistakes, and build a strong foundation for your business’s future.
You will walk away with:

Smart habits to keep your early-stage business financially healthy
A clear understanding of revenue, expenses, profit, and cash flow
How to separate personal and business finances, and why it matters
The basics of budgeting for your new business
Confidence to think like a financially savvy business owner from day one

BONUS: Just for registering, you’ll receive a 6-month free trial of Xero accounting software — a $500+ value!
Whether you’re launching a side hustle, starting a small business, or turning a passion into profit, this session gives you clarity, practical tools, and confidence to move forward.

Pitch Deck Building and Practice
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00 | VIRTUAL
This session is designed to help business owners prepare for capital-seeking opportunities. Participants work in two groups: one for building a pitch deck (a slideshow sales presentation required for seeking investment partners or loans) and one for practicing an existing pitch. We will explore what must be included in a 10-minute pitch, how to present compelling stories and metrics, and identify what finance professionals seek. Those who practice their pitch will receive 10 minutes to present and receive necessary expert feedback.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

The Cash Flow Masterclass
2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:30 | VIRTUAL
Are you stressed about managing your business’s cash flow? Join us for an in-depth masterclass where we’ll demystify cash flow and provide you with actionable strategies to keep your business running smoothly. We will cover how to speed up payments, manage expenses, and use financial reports to make smarter decisions. You’ll also see how QuickBooks can automate these processes, freeing up your time to focus on growth.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

AI and Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Business While You Grow
2025-12-10 13:00 - 14:30 | VIRTUAL
Explore how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape, both for attackers and defenders. Walk away with practical steps to safeguard your business, plus learn how Verizon solutions can help you stay protected as you adopt new AI tools.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

$10,000 Small Business Grant: Tips & Best Practices
2025-12-01 14:00 - 15:00 | VIRTUAL
Join us for an informative session on how to maximize your chances of winning a $10,000 small business grant through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. We’ll share expert tips, best practices, and real examples from past winners to help you prepare a strong application.

REGISTER HERE

To best prepare for the session create a free account at veteranstartup.org/verizon today (suggested but not required).

Building a Digital Presence
2025-11-25 14:00 - 16:00 | VIRTUAL
Setting up shop online is more than simply building a website and hoping people find it. What are the best practices in business for using Google, Facebook, Next Door, Yelp, and Instagram?
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

AI and Customer Service: How Small Businesses Can Deliver Big Experiences
2025-11-19 13:00 - 14:30 | VIRTUAL
See how AI can act as a digital assistant for your business, helping you answer calls, respond to customers faster, and manage interactions more securely. Learn how Verizon supports these tools so even small teams can deliver big business service.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

AI and Automations for the Win
2025-11-13 08:00 - 17:00
Do you sometimes wish you could clone yourself in order to get more done in a day? Automating your repetitive tasks through automation software or AI (Artificial Intelligence) will simplify and streamline your processes, reduce your workload, and give you time back to focus on your customers and craft.

To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Smarter, safer, stronger: Tools and insights to help your small business compete in the digital economy
2025-10-30 18:00 - 19:00 | VIRTUAL
A webinar for small businesses hosted by Mastercard Strive USA
Thursday, October 30
6-7 p.m. EST / 3-4 p.m. PST
Register Here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/ArjxBy1e4ZrvqD8FLQauXFVYBVB8qL2OPkPfhfv7hM4LSkP4pEur~ApWhQIFONBqy8eY_4x0DgnLc9WZp2aMdM7swjRVqvIEag1OSWS9rb2Bs-w
Small business owners know today’s economic landscape is both demanding and full of possibility. To meet challenges like security threats, financial uncertainty, and limited support, Mastercard created the Small Business Navigator — a free toolkit designed to help entrepreneurs protect and fuel their passions and growth.
From cybersecurity support and economic insights to virtual CFO access, the Small Business Navigator toolkit delivers the tools, education, and protection solutions that small businesses need to scale with confidence. It builds on Mastercard’s existing Digital Doors program, which helps small businesses strengthen their online presence and financial resilience.
Why attend?
Four Mastercard leaders will walk you through these free tools, share practical insights, and answer your small business questions directly:

Colleen Galvin, Director of Financial Inclusion for Mastercard’s North America small business team. Colleen has spent her career creating capital access and digital enablement opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including leading New York City’s small business recovery efforts after 9/11.
Suning Wang, Senior Specialist for the Small Business Navigator. Suning works closely with small business owners to design tools that address real-world challenges, from financial management to digital security, and draws on her own experience starting and supporting ventures in education and retail.
Michele McCray-Howard, Director of Global Brand Innovation at Mastercard. Michele has pioneered the Digital Engine™, a marketing platform powered by AI and automation, and co-founded Small Business AI, bringing technology-driven solutions to entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Arash Kahvazadeh, Director of Product Management at Mastercard. Arash leads the development and expansion of in-person payment acceptance across North America, focusing on delivering low-cost solutions that simplify card payments for small businesses.

We hope you’ll join us for this webinar on October 30th!

Mindset & Mindfulness in Entrepreneurship
2025-10-23 12:00 - 14:00 | VIRTUAL
In this Ask the Expert session, you’ll learn practical strategies to stay mentally strong, improve decision-making, and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with greater ease and clarity. Whether you’re just starting or scaling your business, this class will help you thrive from the inside out.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Driving More Traffic to Your Website
2025-10-20 15:00 - 17:00 | VIRTUAL
In this Ask the Expert session, you will learn the most important elements of a great website and how to get more people engaged on your site. We will also review the range of tools available to help you create a great website without breaking the bank.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Avoiding Predatory Lending in a Shrinking Market
2025-10-14 16:00 - 18:00 | VIRTUAL
Every day, small businesses across the country are searching for capital. The problem? They are shopping for it like they would for personal credit cards. Unfortunately, the same regulations that apply to personal lines of credit are not the same as those for commercial or small business financing. In fact, buying capital online is often referred to as the “Wild Wild West” of small business financing because anything goes.
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Startup Funding Secrets: Tools Every Founder Should Know
2025-09-03 15:30 - 16:30 | VIRTUAL
In this beginner-friendly webinar, we’ll demystify two of the most common early-stage funding tools—Convertible Notes and SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity)—and show you how they can help you secure investment faster and with less hassle.
You’ll learn how each works, why investors like them, the benefits and risks for founders, and how to decide if they’re the right choice for your next funding round.
REGISTER HERE
About the Speaker:
Helen Ogbara Reeves advises founders, investors and emerging companies through transformational transactions — from business formation and fundraising to governance and exit planning. She works with clients across sectors including healthtech, consumer, digital media, e-commerce and SaaS, helping them make decisions about ownership, capital structure and operational challenges.
With experience on both sides of the table, Helen knows how terms will be received by founders and investors. She helps clients anticipate pushback and structure agreements that hold up under pressure. Whether the issue is dilution, board control or founder vesting, clients appreciate her ability to anticipate the long-term impact of each decision. As clients mature, they often rely on her as outside general counsel, supporting key decisions around operation and governance.

Subscription-ready: Transform your website for predictable revenue
2025-07-31 12:00 - 14:00 | VIRTUAL
This is an advanced-level session that requires prerequisites: a built ecommerce website, and an email campaign application.
Consistent leads for your website are one of the main ways to increase your revenue as a small business owner. When clients stay in the loop on your business, you’ll have more consistent conversions and sales. Ready to step up your website game to boost your revenue? Sign up today!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

2025 PowerUp Conference
2025-07-27 00:00
Join us for a two-day event designed for small business owners! Get hands-on TikTok trainings, explore the latest in AI technology, learn about Verizon’s small business programs, and enjoy valuable networking opportunities. The day also includes a delicious lunch and much more to help you grow and connect.
This event will leave you feeling energized and excited to continue your entrepreneurial journey!
Learn more about the event here
Scroll down to purchase your ticket(s)

KIVA Information Call: Learn How to Access 0% Interest Loans
2025-07-23 14:00 - 15:00 | VIRTUAL
REGISTER HERE
Looking for capital to grow your business—without high interest rates or a lengthy approval process? Join us for a free KIVA Information Call to learn how you can access 0% interest, no-fee microloans up to $15,000 through the KIVA platform.
We’ll walk through who qualifies, how to apply, and how this unique crowdfunding model helps entrepreneurs like you gain visibility and support. Whether you’re just starting out or need a boost to expand, this session will help you decide if KIVA is the right fit.
Perfect for:

Startups and early-stage businesses
Entrepreneurs who need capital but may not qualify for traditional loans
Business owners with community support and a growth mindset

Bring your questions—we’re here to help!

The Best Conversions: Email marketing, lead magnets, and landing pages
2025-07-17 14:00 - 16:00 | VIRTUAL
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Did you know that email marketing, over any other digital marketing niche, converts more viewers into sales. That’s more than social media or advertising. You are missing out on sales if you are not building an email list of customers and fans. Email marketing starts with a list that you own and control. Join us for a concise yet comprehensive exploration of email marketing best practices and strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer or just starting, this session has something for you! Don’t miss out – sign up now and unlock the full potential of your digital strategy!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit hope2women.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Angel Investing 101: What Business Owners Need to Know
2025-07-17 12:00 - 13:00 | VIRTUAL
Curious about angel investing and how it could support your business? In this
webinar, we’ll break down what angel investing is, how it works, and what investors are
really looking for. Whether you’re actively seeking funding or just exploring your options,
this session will equip you with the knowledge to navigate early-stage investment with
confidence.
Register Here
We’ll cover:
● What angel investing is and how it differs from other funding sources
● What investors look for in early-stage businesses
● How to position your business to attract angel investors
● Common red flags that turn investors away
● Practical tips for pitching your business and building investor relationships

About the Speaker:

Liz Sara is a successful businesswoman with more than 30 years of experience in the national entrepreneurship community. Most recently, she served as President of the SCORE Foundation and prior to that, was a presidential appointee as Chair of the National Women’s Business Council. Liz ran a successful marketing agency in the DC area, providing executive leadership to nearly 100 early stage tech companies for more than 20 years. Liz has been an angel investor for several years and a regular speaker at industry conferences and podcasts focusing on startups, entrepreneurship and access to capital.

Black Friday – Are You Ready?
2025-07-14 17:00 - 19:00 | VIRTUAL
This is an introductory-level session that provides a foundational overview of the topic.
Prepare yourselves, entrepreneurs! As the clock ticks closer to Black Friday, the starting gun of the most pivotal two months in the marketing calendar, it’s imperative to arm yourselves with readiness. Anticipate the surge, harness the frenzy, and pave the way to unprecedented profits!
To Sign up for the Event:
-Visit veteranstartup.org/verizon
-Create a free account
-Search for this webinar under “events”
-Register!

Overview: GDEI Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia
2024-01-04 14:00 - 15:00 | VIRTUAL
Are you dreaming of exploring how to export your products or services? Have you been interested in attending a Global Trade Mission but not sure if the investment will help your business?
Join the information session on January 4 to learn about the Global Diversity Export Initiative (GDEI) Trade Mission to Panama, Costa Rica, and Colombia from March 10-15, 2024, that will include the Opportunities for Woman-Owned Businesses in the Americas Conference in Panama City, Panama on March 10-11, 2024 and learn about qualifications and expectations to attend.
This business conference is organized by the United States Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration is the most affordable opportunity to attend a global trade mission which will have a focus on tools, and resources to help women entrepreneurs and executives accelerate their exporting journey. There will also be prearranged one-on-one consultations with U.S. commercial officers and diplomats representing 15 countries in the Americas.
U.S. Embassies participating in the event are from the following countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay.

Overview session: Thursday, January 4, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. PT / 2 – 3 p.m. ET
Click here to register.

*Please note: Recruitment and consideration will be extended to all export-ready U.S. companies, including small businesses, trade associations and other exporting organizations that meet the established criteria for participation in the mission. ITA is seeking to improve outreach and representation of businesses with owners and/or leaders from underserved communities, including through the GDEI. This webinar will provide an overview of the Trade Mission and Business Conference.
