Business Development Seminars
Running a small business is hard enough without having to figure out every new tool, trend, and regulation on your own. Our Business Development Seminars bring practical expertise directly to downtown entrepreneurs, free of charge.
Upcoming Topics
We schedule seminars throughout the year based on member feedback and current trends. Recent and upcoming topics include:
- Social Media for Small Business: Building a local following on Instagram, Facebook, and Google Business Profile without spending all day online
- Customer Service That Builds Loyalty: Turning first-time visitors into regulars through genuine service
- Visual Merchandising on a Budget: Window displays and store layouts that draw people in
- Financial Basics for Business Owners: Cash flow management, pricing strategies, and when to hire an accountant
- Holiday Sales Planning: Getting ready for the busiest retail season of the year
- Local SEO and Online Reviews: Making sure people can find you when they search online
Format
Most seminars run 60 to 90 minutes and include time for questions. We keep groups small, usually 15 to 25 people, so there's room for real conversation. Seminars are typically held at a downtown location, often rotating among member businesses.
Some sessions feature outside speakers from the local chapter of SCORE, the Small Business Development Center, or successful entrepreneurs from the region. Others are peer-led, with experienced local business owners sharing what has worked for them.
Who Should Attend
Seminars are open to all downtown business owners, managers, and employees. Members receive priority registration, but non-members are welcome when space is available. If you're thinking about starting a business downtown, come and learn from people who've already done it.
Past Seminar Highlights
"The Google Business Profile session was a game changer. I didn't realize how much I was leaving on the table by not keeping our listing updated. Within a month of implementing what I learned, we saw a noticeable increase in foot traffic from people who found us through Maps."
, Downtown retail shop owner
Request a Topic
Have a business challenge you'd like addressed in a future seminar? We plan our programming based on what downtown business owners actually need. Send us your suggestion and we'll see if we can build a session around it.
One-on-One Support
Beyond group seminars, Main Street Centerville can connect business owners with individual resources:
- SCORE mentoring: Free one-on-one business mentoring from experienced professionals
- SBDC consultations: Expert advice on financing, marketing, and operations from the state Small Business Development Center
- Peer networking: Informal introductions to other downtown owners facing similar challenges
- Grant guidance: Help navigating our Open 4 Business grant application and other funding sources
Stay Informed
Seminar dates and topics are announced through our monthly newsletter and on the events calendar. Become a member to make sure you don't miss any announcements.