Workshop series offered for local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders

The three-part series is being presented by the cfsbank Business Resource Center.

Local entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders looking to sharpen their skills and grow their organizations will have a new opportunity this spring.

The cfsbank Business Resource Center is launching a free Spring Workshop Series designed to help businesses strengthen operations, access valuable resources and plan for long-term growth. The three-part series, held from late March through early May, will cover government contracting, human resources fundamentals and brand development.

Each workshop runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Business Resource Center and is open to local businesses and organizations at any stage.

The series kicks off Monday, March 30, with Government Procurement 101, an introduction for businesses interested in selling to federal, state and local governments.

For many small companies, government contracting can feel complex and out of reach. This session breaks down the basics of how public purchasing works, key requirements and common terminology.

Participants will also learn how the GACO APEX Accelerator at PennWest University supports businesses through registrations and certifications, bid matching, one-on-one counseling and training. The goal is simple: help local companies compete more confidently in government markets.

On Wednesday, April 15, the focus shifts to people management with People, Policies & Problems — Navigating HR in the Real World. Small business owners often find themselves handling hiring, compliance and workplace challenges without a dedicated HR department. This session addresses common real-world scenarios, from bringing on a first employee to managing conflict and understanding required documentation.

Attendees will leave with practical tools they can put to use right away, along with resources to help them manage employees with clarity and confidence.

The final workshop, Make Your Mark — Building a Brand That Customers Remember, will be held Wednesday, May 6. Branding goes far beyond a logo. This session explores how a business defines what it stands for, how it is perceived and why that perception matters.

Participants will learn how to clarify their brand identity, craft messaging that connects with ideal customers and apply consistent visual and tone-of-voice guidelines. The workshop will cover everyday touchpoints such as websites, social media, printed materials and in-person interactions, helping businesses present themselves consistently and build long-term trust.

All three workshops are free, but registration is required.

For small businesses navigating growth, compliance and competition, the series offers more than information. It offers a practical starting point and a chance to connect with experts and fellow entrepreneurs working toward the same goal: building stronger local organizations.