Event Notices From August 10-12
Webcast Lets Your Nonprofit Start Integrating with Billhighway Connect: Learn how Billhighway Connect brings together every part of your financial process to help you accomplish your mission faster. Connect helps nonprofits integrate member and donor data with existing software such as accounting, payroll, banking, or CRM systems. If you rely on donations or membership transactions and need a way to seamlessly integrate online, phone and mail payments in real-time, you won't want to miss this webcast, to be held Wednesday, Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. More at www.billhighway.com.
Merit Offers Fundamentals of Linux Platform Security: Ann Arbor-based Merit Network Inc. will present Fundamentals of Linux Platform Security, an online workshop on the essentials of securing Linux-based workstations and servers. The workshop will be taught via desktop interface during five evening sessions on Oct. 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29. Class will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern time each day. This workshop is designed as an intensive, hands-on learning experience in how to assess and secure your Linux platform infrastructure using current open-source tools, techniques and best practices. The focus will be on studying current attack methodologies, examining your platform for vulnerabilities, presenting recommended solutions and best practices for mitigation, and assessing the effectiveness of the tools and methods used. The workshop is based training developed for system administrators at the University of Michigan; instructor Charles Antonelli developed and taught the UM course and updates the course material continuously with the latest attacks, defenses and tools. He has delivered similar courses to Merit Member groups in 2009 and 2010. The course will emphasize practical application of security principles and tools. It is appropriate for system administrators, advanced users and others who need expertise in Linux platform security fundamentals and best practices. The course can serve either as a basic primer for novices or as a refresher course for experienced administrators. This online course will be taught using Merit WebConnect, a desktop learning environment. Students will need an Intel-based computer and a cable-modem network connection (or better) to participate. Access to a phone may also be required in some cases. Your computer may run a Windows, Linux/UNIX, or Mac OS X operating system and should be loaded with VMware Player, Server or Fusion as well as the class virtual laboratory environment, which will be available to you a week or so before the class begins. Registration for the online workshop is $699 for Merit Members and $799 for non-Members. Scholarships for this event are available through the Professional Learning scholarship program. Anyone from a Merit Member organization may apply for a scholarship if funding to attend is not otherwise available through the organization. Scholarship applications must be received by Friday, Sept. 14. For more information, contact learning@merit.edu.
Kuka Robotics Sets 'ReThink & ReShore' Tech Event: Kuka Robotics will hold a "ReThink and ReShore" technology event to showcase its new location at 51870 Shelby Parkway in Shelby Township on Aug. 14 and 15. Kuka Robotics is showcasing 20 operating robotic demonstration cells for a variety of applications and introducing the KR Agilus Robot Series to North America at this event. The event gives manufacturers ideas on how to rethink their sourcing strategies and consider reshoring as a viable option when automating processes. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Visit www.kukaconnect.com/ to register to attend the event.
September Business Workshops Offered by Oakland County
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP -- Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistance are encouraged to attend seminars offered by the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center.
Wednesday, Sept. 5: Michigan Get Your Business Online, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Michigan businesses can get free tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers and grow their businesses, when Google offers Get Your Business Online Workshop in your community. Google is partnering with Intuit to provide easy-to-build websites, a customized domain name and web-hosting for one year. Participating Michigan businesses will also receive a listing on Google Maps. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Wednesday, Sept. 5: Michigan Grow Your Business Online, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Michigan-established businesses can learn more about Google's top tools for small businesses, including Google Places, Google AdWords, Google Analytics, and Google Apps. Learn the basics of how other people find your business online, with methods like search engine optimization, Web analytics and more. Run your business more efficiently with online tools, including applications for improving collaboration and communication. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Thursday, Sept. 6: Small Business Loan Workshop, 9 a.m. to noon. Getting a small business loan can be a challenging process. Learn the "5 C's of Credit," how to develop a winning loan proposal and what you need to know to position your business to be "bankable" before you meet with a lender. Presented by The Service Corps of Retired Executives, U.S. Small Business Administration and the Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center. Fee: $20. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Friday, Sept. 7: Oakland County Venture Forward, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. An intensive, 11-week program designed for owners, CEOs and top management team members of businesses with at least two years of operating experience, six to 99 full time employees (W2s) and between $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue. Focused on issues most important to business health and growth, attendees gain knowledge to make critical decisions about their business and strategy, investigate next-stage growth and opportunity, plan for strategic growth, build and maintain a competitive advantage and maximize cash flow for profitability. Venture Forward is normally $800 per participant. Sponsor support allows us to offer a scholarship-reduced rate of $299. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Wednesday, Sept. 12: C.E.E.D. Microloan Orientation, 9 to 11 a.m. Many small business owners face obstacles when trying to obtain a business loan. The recognition of the serious need for working capital for existing businesses, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and job creation is not the priority it once was. If you need alternative financing, you should consider the Microloan Program. The orientation is presented by Oakland County and the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Thursday, Sept. 13: Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion, 9 a.m. to noon. Thinking of starting a business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to benchmark your profit margin and other measures against similar size businesses? Do you want to identify market trends and opportunities to grow your sales? Are you looking for new customers or to diversify your market base? Business Research shows you ways to find your ideal customers, your competitors, perform competitive analysis and more. Presented by Oakland County Market Research and an Oakland County Public Library business reference librarian. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Thursday, Sept. 20: FastTrac GrowthVenture, 6 to 9 p.m. Intensive 10-week session through Nov. 29 designed for owners, CEOs and top management team members of small businesses with at least two years of operating experience, minimum of two employees (W2s), and annual revenue of between $100,000 and $749,000. FastTrac GrowthVenture is normally $700 per participant. Sponsor support allows us to offer a scholarship-reduced rate of $140. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Friday, Sept. 21: Women's Business Certification (WBE) Orientation, 9 to 11 a.m. Learn about the benefits and process of becoming a Women's Business Enterprise. Benefits include certification to private sector WBE's and access to procurement opportunities with major national companies. For additional information visit miceed.org. Presented by the Michigan Women's Business Council. Fee: $25. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Thursday, Sept. 27: Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan, 9 a.m. to noon. For small business owners who are developing their plan to success. Workshop participants discover the elements commonly found in effective plans and develop these for their own business. Fee $40. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
Thursday, Sept. 27: QuickBooks Essentials, Session One from 9 to 11:30 a.m., Session Two from 12:30 to 3 p.m. This introduction to small business financial management provides an overview of accurate recordkeeping, report interpretation and utilization, and management of the variety of tools provided in this system. Session One covers basic accounting terminology, new company file setup, customizing forms and letters and working with bank accounts. Session Two covers invoicing customers, receiving payments and making deposits, entering vendor bills, paying vendor bills and using credit card accounts. Fee: Either session $40, both sessions $75. Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The building is west of Telegraph Road. For pre-registration and location specifics, visit www.AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call (248) 858-0783.
