Welcome to Our Small Business Education Workshop Resources
Explore valuable resources and insights from our educational workshops designed to empower small business owners in Lakewood. As champions of economic vitality, the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Lakewood, are proud to present our curated collection of workshop materials, aimed at bolstering the success of local enterprises.
UPCOMING: Financial Panel
More Info to Come
Past workshops and downloadable event materials are outlined below.
AI Made Simple: Practical Tools and Tips for Small Business Success
Event Was Held: January 14, 2025
Speaker: Kathy Cruz The Savvy Shopkeeper
Kathy demystified AI, breaking it down into simple, actionable insights tailored for small businesses of all types—not just retail. She reviewed how to:
• Save time and optimize workflows
• Enhance customer experiences
• Simplify daily operations (NO technical expertise required!)
Kathy Cruz’s Presentation on AI, complete with contact information
Increase Your Sales with Google Tools
Event Was Held: October 29, 2024
Speaker: Lindsay Sims McKee Entrepreneur and Educator
Entrepreneur and Educator Lindsay Sims McKee shared how to promote products online using tools like Google Business Profile and Google Merchant Center.
Cost Savings Strategies for Small Business
Event Was Held: June 11, 2024
Moderator: Steve Meka Owner of STEM Handmade Soaps, Chamber Board Member, Chamber Vice Chair of Education
Panelist #1: Darlene Shutovich Health and Life Insurance Broker
Panelist #2: Christian Fedor President of Schooley Mitchell
Panelist #3: Lauren Small President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
An open panel discussion explored cost-saving strategies and opportunities that local small businesses may not have been aware of.
Cost Savings Strategies for Small Business PDF, complete with contact information
Digital Marketing with Lindsay Sims McKee
Event Was Held: May 7, 2024
Speaker: Lindsay Sims McKee Entrepreneur and Educator
Entrepreneur and Educator Lindsay Sims McKee taught how to harness the power of digital marketing and social media to drive business success.
Digital Marketing with Lindsay Sims McKee PDF, complete with contact information
Creating Memorable Customer Experiences
Event Was Held: March 19, 2024
Moderator: Steve Meka Owner of STEM Handmade Soaps, Chamber Board Member, Chamber Vice Chair of Education
Panelist #1: Ines Rehner Owner of Sweet Designs Chocolatier
Panelist #2: Diana Hlywiak Owner of Apple Jax Toys
Panelist #3: Carlos Ramos Owner of The Tea Lab
Event Sponsor: Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Participants learned how to transform their retail spaces into destinations that customers loved to return to, and discovered how small retailers could continue to thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape.
Creating Memorable Customer Experiences PDF, complete with contact information
Unveiling the 7 Pillars of Independent Retail from the Savvy Shopkeeper
Event Was Held: March 5, 2024
Moderator: Steve Meka Owner of STEM Handmade Soaps, Chamber Board Member, Chamber Vice Chair of Education
Speaker: Kathy Cruz The Savvy Shopkeeper
Savvy Shopkeeper Kathy Cruz unveiled the essential strategies and key principles crucial for thriving in today’s dynamic retail landscape.
Unlock Financial Success in 2024:
Expert Insights from Tax, Finance, and Legal Pros
Event Was Held: January 10, 2024
Moderator: Steve Meka Owner of STEM Handmade Soaps, Chamber Board Member, Chamber Vice Chair of Education
Panelist #1: Michael Daso Financial Professional, Equitable Advisors
Panelist #2: Patrick Ertle Lawyer, Truax Law Group
Panelist #3: Kevin Patno CPA, Trifiletti & Loy, Inc.
Event Sponsor: Equitable Advisors
Attendees navigated the complexities of finance, taxation, and legal considerations with confidence. They accessed expert advice and practical tips from industry professionals to pave the way for financial prosperity.
Unlock Financial Success in 2024 Presentation PDF, complete with contact information
Ohio Means Jobs: Employee Recruitment and Retention:
Human Resource Strategies
Event Was Held: October 30, 2023
Speaker #1: Diana Strozewski, MPA Business Service Lead, Ohio Means Jobs
Speaker #2: Valarie A Nash, SHRM-SCP, CLRP Owner of 821 Consulting
Participants delved into effective strategies for employee recruitment and retention through comprehensive workshop materials. They gained invaluable insights from human resource experts to elevate their workforce management practices.
Ohio Means Jobs Presentation PDF, complete with contact information
OMJCC Employer OJT Letter Word Document
OMJCC Job Order Form PDF
This educational series is presented by The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in partnership with The City of Lakewood
Thank you to the Lakewood Public Library for providing the event room for this series