This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
By Tara Palacios
Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from some of the regions most experienced business consultants!
Collectively the BizRefresh trainers represent over 100+ years of experience to address key topics impacting your business due to the effects of COVID-19 on the economy. Did we say the cost to attend the co-hort is free? Yes, this 8-week course is at no charge.
BizRefresh Session 1: Know Your Why
Rita Ricks has successfully led Virginia’s Scaling 4 Growth initiative which is an intensive executive-level training to help accelerate the growth of Virginia’s small businesses. Rita is experienced in leading businesses to success. In our first session, business coach Rita Ricks will help you get to your why, helping you develop a resilient vision, mission and strategy.
September 10 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 2: The Economist Viewpoint
Exclusive invitation to hear Anirban Basu, the nationally renowned Economist from Sage Policy Group. Mr. Basu will discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on the regional and national economy. Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate in this important discussion which will provide keen insight into our future economy as we begin to strategize during and post-COVID-19.
September 17 | 2-3:30 p.m.
BizRefresh Session 3: Demystifying Your Target Market
Greg Payne is the President and Principal Consultant at Emerging Market Enterprises. Greg is experienced in helping clients navigate private capital, acquisitions, client management and project execution. He has a passion to help small businesses and nonprofits grow and scale their businesses when facing challenges. Greg, will do a deep dive to help you better identify your target market, target customer and market size while also framing the competition.
September 24 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 4: Is Your Business on Brand?
Carla Uriona is the Chief Content Officer and Founder of Arlington-based Factor 3 Digital. Carla led the first design team at the Pew Charitable Trusts, where she helped Pew launch its first-ever data visualization products. Carla has spearheaded 360 rebranding projects, mentored writers on how to create for digital, and worked with many organizations transitioning from print to digital.
In this session, Carla Uriona, Founder Factor 3 Digital, will help businesses craft a powerful marketing message that not only matches their brand but also resonates with their target market.
October 1 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 5: Maximize Your Digital Presence
In this session, Carla Uriona, Founder Factor3 Digital, discusses how to develop a powerful digital marketing strategy building on lessons learned from the previous session ensuring your virtual storefront harmonizes with your brick and mortar store.
October 8 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 6: Back to Basics — COVID-19 Style
Carl Hairston is a 30-year Banking Executive in the D.C. metropolitan area. He has led innovative teams in the Mid-Atlantic to provide small businesses access to capital and financing opportunities. Carl is currently leading banking efforts at First Citizens Bank serving as their Area Director.
October 15 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 7: Business Sustainability Planning
Building upon lessons learned in the previous session, Carl Hairston Area Executive at First Citizens Bank, returns to discuss how to reassess your current business plan for resiliency and best practices in financial record keeping.
October 22 | 10-11:30 a.m.
BizRefresh Session 8: The Pitch of Your Perfection
In this session, acceleration guru Will Fuentes of the Maestro Group will discuss the art of perfecting your sales pitch during COVID-19. Information on sales trends and how best to communicate to close deals during the current health pandemic are key. Three participants will have the opportunity to present their pitch at the culmination of this final BizRefresh session.
October 29 | 10-11:30 a.m