Your business may be small, but that doesn?t mean you shouldn?t be thinking BIG!

The Economic Development Offices of Tyngsborough, Chelmsford and Dracut -- in collaboration with the Small Business Administration, CTI?s Entrepreneurship Center, MA Small Business Development Center, the Center for Women & Enterprise, and MassHire -- invite you to connect with experts on such topics as using benefits for hiring and retaining employees, improving profitability with better cash flow management, and cost effective marketing strategies for small businesses.

Bring your finance, HR, and marketing questions for the experts that will be on hand includinglending institutions, insurance providers, and small-business consultants.

The event includes three separate topics aimed at helping you grow your business and we?ve included time for networking and questions before and in between each.

Networking: 9:00-9:30 am

Session 1: ​9:30-10:10

Starting a Small Business Benefit Program (Rules, Regulations, and Funding) 

A benefit program is more than buying insurance, it?s knowing what benefits to offer so you can attract and keep employees. Learn the steps to take in order to get started, and what programs to offer as your business grows. Steve will discuss what to look for when selecting insurance, where to look, and how to fund a benefits program in the most cost-effective way.

Presented by: Steve Mallette, Owner and Founder of New England Medical Insurance Agency

Session 2:​10:20-11:00

The Three Pillars of Small Business Marketing: Digital, Branding, Engagement 

There is no shortage of marketing opportunities for small businesses to reach customers, but where should you focus your efforts and how can you get the biggest return on your investment? Understanding how to leverage digital channels, solidifying and establishing your brand, and consistently engaging with your customers is a great formula for success. Get tips and resources on cost-effective strategies to take your marketing to the next level on a budget.

Presented by: Susu Wong, Founder and Chief Marketing Strategist at Tomo360

Session 3:​11:10-11:50

Grow Beyond Basic Budgeting & Thrive with Better Cash Flow Management 

Your business is running, but is it efficient? Learn how to manage your cash flow so making payroll, paying bills, and negotiating contracts is easier and more profitable for your business. Nancy and Charles will cover simple steps, techniques, and ideas that fit almost any budget and can be put to use immediately to improve how much cash you have on hand so you can sustain or grow your business.

Presented by: Nancy Girardi, Northeast Regional Director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center at Salem State, and Charles Smith, Director of the Lowell Entrepreneurship Center and Adjunct Professor at UMass Lowell Manning School of Business.