Small Business Events You Should Be Attending in May

As spring begins to make its presence known in Metro Atlanta, there are a variety of professional and business-related events taking place around the city. From courses about company cultures to guidance concerning the development of brand authenticity, May has a lot to offer for entrepreneurs seeking to develop their business. Below are six small business events that can provide networking, professional development, and strategic planning opportunities for your company. So, grab your calendar and see which of the below events to add to your itinerary in May.

How Small Businesses Can Leverage AI Now

• Date: May 2, 2019
• Time: 6:45 pm to 9:00 PM
• Location: Elevator Factory
• Lead Organization: Tyrannosaurus Tech

AI and machine learning have seeped into many facets of our daily lives. From using the Google Assistant to utilizing Alexa for everyday tasks, AI is likely here to stay. However, while it does bring convenience to your personal lives, it can also provide a variety of innovative opportunities for small businesses to reach target audiences. A panel discussion sponsored by Tyrannosaurus Tech, TiE Atlanta, and Elevator factory will delve into the ways small businesses can effectively use AI to grow their businesses.

Company Culture: Building the Right Team

• Date: May 8, 2019
• Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
• Location: Roam Perimeter Center
• Lead Organization: TiE Atlanta

Company culture can make or break an organization. While it may seem trivial, it is a critical component of strategic business planning. Company culture combines the ideas behind a company’s mission, value statements, expectations, and even how employees interact with one another as well as with leadership. Building a cohesive and healthy company culture should be on the minds of all small business owners. This course will touch on tactics for building a robust company culture as well as how to hire the right people to be a part of it.

Customer Discovery Theory

• Date: May 14, 2019
• Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
• Location: Techsquare Labs in the ATDC Community Room
• Lead Organization: ATDC

While you may have checked out when you noticed the word “theory,” this course is definitely essential for all B2C-based small businesses. Customer Discovery Theory teaches small business owners and entrepreneurs to understand the needs of customers as they develop a selling strategy. Attendees can expect to discuss the Customer Development Process, Business Model Canvas, and Minimal Viable product components of selling strategies.  

SBIR Topical Class: Partnering to Increase Your Capabilities

• Date: May 20, 2019
• Time: 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Location: Techsquare Labs in the ATDC Community Room
• Lead Organization: ATDC

SBIR grants are funding provided by the government to business owners that can help contribute to a specified research area. They are one of the few government grants out there for small business owners. However, preparing for these grants can be costly. As a small business owner, lowering costs is almost just as important as maximizing profit. One effective way to minimize your expenses regarding this situation is to enter into a partnership. This course will show attendees how to leverage partnerships to acquire skills, equipment, and even facilities that can help move SBIR research along.

Creating a Safe Environment Within Your Startup

• Date: May 21, 2019
• Time: 12:00 pm
• Location: Atlanta Tech Village
• Lead Organization: Insperity

Talking about topics associated with the #MeToo movement and sexual harassment can be uncomfortable, especially regarding potential legal ramifications. The Atlanta Tech Village has partnered with HR-firm Insperity to provide an in-depth look at handling sexual harassment, specifically aimed at start-up or small business owners. The course will define sexual harassment, offer best practices for prevention, and provide strategies for conducting a proper investigation into sexual harassment claims.

Brand Authenticity: Connecting with Your Audience

• Date: May 29, 2019
• Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Location: The Gathering Spot
• Lead Organization: AIMA

Having an authentic brand image is essential in today’s market. More than ever, customers are seeking out brands that are transparent, genuine, and honest in their approach to customer experiences. Today’s companies can easily risk scandal and misinformation while trying to maintain a more personal brand presence with audiences. So, how can brands sidestep this problem and maximize their connections with consumers? This panel discussion will guide attendees in brand safety, best practices, and the act of maintaining authenticity.

Final Thoughts

While you should schedule a vacation or two during this spring season, be sure to also focus on your professional development. Atlanta has a lot to offer regarding insightful and helpful courses and workshops that can help you further develop your business. We hope that the courses above can provide some useful strategies for upgrading your entrepreneurial and business development approach.  

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