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.

Unveiling the 7 Pillars of Independent Retail from the Savvy Shopkeeper PDF, complete with contact information

 

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