Webinars

Episode 22 – M.A.R.S. Pathways Virtual Career Fair

October 19, 2020

LA College Promise students interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing, robotics, or space sectors were invited to a virtual career fair featuring some of today’s leading companies in these fields. Featuring representatives from SpaceX, Virgin Orbit, Northrop Grumman, and Aerojet Rocketdyne as well as a student panel moderated by Mayor Eric Garcetti, this webinar is a special opportunity to hear from industry experts and former students on how you can prepare and launch your career.

Loaded with insights and information, the webinar aims to provide an actionable roadmap to jump start students’ career pursuits in targeted industries. The M.A.R.S. Pathways Virtual Career Fair is made possible by LA College Promise Works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

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Episode 21 – HUBZone Certification Application Workshop

September 15, 2020

The Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone) program was established by the SBA to help small businesses in both urban and rural communities. Businesses in this program get preferential treatment from contracting officers including 10% price evaluation preference in contract competition. The federal government’s goal is to award at least three percent of all federal contracting dollars to HUBZone-certified small businesses each year. OEMs with federal contracts are constantly in search of suppliers that are HUBZone-certified.

This workshop expands on our previous HUBZone webinar and features guest speaker Bruce Purdy, the Deputy Director of HUBZone, U.S. Small Business Administration.

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Episode 20 – Cybersecurity for A&D Suppliers

June 4, 2020 

Speakers:

Dr. Clifford Neuman, renowned cybersecurity expert and Director of USC’s Center for Computer Systems Security

Small manufacturers are at risk of becoming targets of cyber attacks and are often seen as an easy entry point into larger businesses and government agencies. Dr. Clifford Neuman joined us to provide a one-hour primer to our free one-day training taking place on June 25 which will explain DoD cybersecurity requirements.

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Episode 19 – AMP SoCal B2B Do’s & Don’ts Webinar

 

To help A&D suppliers prepare for their B2B appointments we created a short webinar to review the Do’s & Don’ts, and the best way to get the most out of your time with the OEMs. You can view the webinar and all the material and resources covered in the webinar here.


Episode 18 – SBA Disaster Loans Update & Other Financing Options Webinar

May 1, 2020 

Speakers:

Terri Billups, Assistant District Director, Economic Development, U.S. Small Business Administration
Stacey Sanchez, Senior Community Loan Officer, CDC Small Business Finance
Michael Ocasio, President & CEO, Small Business Development Corporation of Orange County

Terri Billups, Assistant District Director of Economic Development and U.S. SBA Los Angeles District Office, joined us once again to provide an update on the second round of SBA disaster loans funds and how to apply for them. This webinar also features panelists representing alternative funding options from community banks and local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI). 

Terri Billips provides updates on SBA loan programs which you can review by clicking the below links : 

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Episode 17 – Applying for SBA Disaster Relief Loans

April 3, 2020

Speaker:

Terri Billups, Assistant District Director of Economic Development and U.S. SBA Los Angeles District Office

Has your small business been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?  Terri Billups, Assistant District Director of Economic Development and U.S. SBA Los Angeles District Office, joined us to discuss SBA loan options and how to apply for them. This webinar covers eligibility and the application process for two types of financial relief programs: 

  • Disaster Relief Loans: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to California small businesses suffering substantial economic injury during this challenging time. Small business owners are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000 and working capital loans of up to $2 million to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. 
  • Paycheck Protection Program: Additionally, the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed on Friday, March 27. This federal stimulus package has designated $349 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP will provide economic relief for small business that will go towards job retention and business operating expenses. Small businesses with up to 500 employees are eligible for up to $10 million in direct incentives to keep workers on payroll.

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Episode 16 – California Competes Tax Credit Webinar

March 10, 2020 

Speaker:
Scott Dosick Assistant, Deputy Director Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz)

On March 9, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) will be accepting applications for the California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC).  There are over $70 million in tax credits available during this application period for businesses that are expanding and adding full-time jobs in the state. Since it’s inception in 2014, this program has awarded tax credits to 28 aerospace firms. This  webinar reviews the qualifications and advantages of the Cal Competes Tax Credit Program.


Episode 15 – Exporting to Mexico for Aerospace Suppliers

February 19, 2020 

Speaker:
Elizabeth Glynn, Exporting Expert

Today, Baja California drives Mexico aerospace output with over 80 companies and exports of around $1.8 billion. These companies, however, require inputs and 95% of all supplies are still imported into Baja. This represents a strong sales opportunity for the aerospace industry in Southern California. This webinar reviews options to expand your business through exporting specifically to Mexico. The objective is for small and medium-sized manufacturers to learn about the Baja Mexico Aerospace Industrial Sector which represents access to $11B of supplier opportunities.


Episode 14 – Social Media for A&D Suppliers

January 29, 2020 

Speaker:
Jessica Carlson, Social Media Expert, USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism

In today’s A&D business environment, it has become more important than ever to diversify your outreach efforts using social media. Social media can be used as a business development tool to market your company in addition to helping recruit new employees. OEMs now expect A&D suppliers to have a website listing their core services, certifications and past customers. This webinar reviews various media tools to use for business development and employee recruitment.


Episode 13 – Small Loan & Financing Options for A&D Suppliers

December 11, 2019

Speakers:
Stacy Sanchez, Senior Community Loan Officer, CDC Small Business Center

Who do you talk to when you’re turned down for a loan by your bank or other traditional lenders? What do you do if you need a small loan to purchase equipment vital to completing a new contract? Where do you go to refinance existing high interest debt in order to lower payments and redirect capital back into operations? CDC Small Business Finance operates throughout California to support small business no matter where they are in the growth cycle. Services offered include loan programs and financial counseling. This webinar covers how A&D suppliers can access these resources.


Episode 12 – Asset Financing and Leasing Options for A&D Suppliers

November 20, 2019

Speakers:
Stephen Pierson, Vice President, Wheeler Financial a Pitney Bowes company

There’s more to consider when acquiring new equipment. In today’s business environment, it has become more important than ever for A&D suppliers to diversify their  sources of capital and expand their credit options. It’s critical to evaluate your cashflow requirements, balance sheet implications and overall financial goals.  The webinar will review various types of financing and leasing options for assets ranging from software to machinery. Learn from an industry expert with over 20 years experience in the market.


Episode 11 – Planning for What’s Next: Succession Planning for A&D Suppliers

July 18, 2019

Speakers:
Tomás Durán, Administrator, Special Projects & Strengthening Competitive Programs, AMP SoCal

Approximately 75% of all small business owners are retiring or near retirement, and what happens to the company when owners want to exit is a pressing concern. This webinar highlights the value of Succession Planning and the process of identifying new leadership or ownership. Hear real-world examples of different outcomes comparing what happens with and without a well thought out succession plan. Learn more about the process and what resources are available to support business owners as they retire.


Episode 10 – How to Talk to Your Banker (When You Need $$)

November 8, 2018

Speakers:
Tomás Durán, Administrator, Special Projects & Strengthening Competitive Programs, AMP SoCal

A business loan interview can be an intimidating but necessary step to growing your business. Learn how to tell your business’ story in a way that will inspire confidence and put your best foot forward when meeting with financial representatives. Our webinar will include an engaging discussion about loan interview questions, business plan development, slide deck presentation, and strategic preparation for potential red flag issues that may hinder your path forward.


Episode 9 – How Desktop 3D Printers Save Time and Money in Manufacturing

June 8, 2018

Speakers:
Mara Hitner, Director, Business Development, MatterHackers

Desktop 3D printers have become powerful, reliable machines essential to any manufacturing workflow. Dual extrusion with dissolvable support, durable materials like carbon fiber and polycarbonate, and price tags fit for the desk of every engineer make these sub-$6000 tools useful for custom jigs, fixtures, molds, prototypes, and low-volume manufacturing. During this webinar we discuss case studies, and how current desktop 3D printers can be the right tool for the right job.


Episode 8 – Advanced Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at WSU

April 6, 2018

Speakers:
Debra Franklin, M.B.A. Director of Strategic University Initiatives, Wichita State University

Wichita State University is home to one of the oldest aerospace engineering programs in the country. The WSU labs and research play an active role in reducing time to market for new product development while also supporting workforce development for new design technologies/ advanced materials. In the last few years, the University was able to secure funding and land to build the Wichita State Innovation Campus, Advanced Manufacturing Demonstration Facility/3D Experience Center at WSU Experiential Engineering Building. This state of the art facility is a shining example of industry/university collaboration and a resource for industry across the globe.


Episode 7 – Strong Workforce Apprenticeship Group (SWAG)

February 16, 2018

Speakers:
Tracy DiFilippis, Apprenticeship Coordinator, Goodwill SoCal
Jeffrey Forrest, Vice-President, Workforce Development, College of the Canyons
Daniel Wierman, Executive Assistant, S&H Machine

The Strong Workforce Apprenticeship Group (SWAG) drives the expansion of apprenticeship in the State of California and throughout the country by partnering with industry, education and workforce development partners, and government. We work with school districts and community colleges to provide instruction that aligns with the needs of employers and offer strategic support and guidance to the workforce development community in order to integrate apprenticeships into their workforce agenda. We use a return on investment (ROI) calculator to show the economic impact apprenticeships can generate. Ultimately, SWAG creates guided pathways to gainful employment, which can lead to long-term economic growth and prosperity for regions, the state and nation.


Episode 6 – Exploring Additive Manufacturing for Your Company

September 21, 2017

Speaker:
Chris Wentworth, Additive Manufacturing Technology Lead, CMTC

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a technology that has matured and evolved rapidly in recent years. Although it has commonly been referred to as 3D printing, it is now being referred to as “Additive Manufacturing” because of its real world impact on manufacturing. AM technologies are continuing to advance quickly. Mainstream equipment producers are now entering the market, leading to new additive processes being developed. These new processes have made a wide range of production grade materials available, such as titanium, tool steel and a wide range of plastics. Chris Wentworth, an AM expert, delivers a dynamic overview of the evolution of this exciting manufacturing technology during episode 6 of the AMP SoCal webinar series.


Episode 5 – The Role of B2B in E-Commerce

August 17, 2017

Speaker:
Leah Goold-Haws, Director, Global Trade & Logistics, Center for International Trade Development (CITD), Long Beach City College

Entering foreign markets can seem like a long and daunting process, and many businesses wonder if it’s worth the effort. But did you know that companies who export are 17% more profitable than those who don’t? Exporting opens a wide range of opportunities and helps businesses weather local economic cycles more effectively. Leah Goold-Haws discusses some of the considerations businesses should factor into their growth plan by giving an overview of the B2B E-Commerce for Advanced Manufacturing (BEAM) program offered at CITD.


Episode 4 – Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII)

July 13, 2017

Speakers:
Jim Davis, Vice Provost Information Technology & Chief Academic Technology Officer, UCLA; Co-Founder Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition
Dale Turner, 
Director, CESMII California Regional Manufacturing Center


In partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) brings over $140 million in public-private investment to radically improve the precision, performance and efficiency of U.S. advanced manufacturing. CESMII is the 9th Institute of the Manufacturing USA, established by the White House to spur U.S. innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. CESMII is a national network of Regional Manufacturing Centers (RMCs) each focused on local relationships with opportunities for national impact in the areas of technology transfer and workforce development. The power of the network is cross-linking resources, capabilities and expertise across business, workforce and technical focus areas, leveraging each region’s unique industrial environments. The headquarters is located in Los Angeles, CA.


Episode 3 – Cybersecurity for Manufacturers: Are You Ready for the 12/31/17 Deadline?

June 8, 2017

Speaker:
Martha Daniel, the founder, president and CEO of Cytellix and its parent company, Information Management Resources, Inc. (IMRI)

Cyber threats are increasing in sophistication and frequency. The protection of data has become a necessity in today’s environment. In response to growing cybersecurity concerns, all commercial government, supply chain, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive suppliers must implement the cybersecurity controls, listed in the NIST 800-171 guidelines by December 31, 2017. Failure to comply will reduce or eliminate an organization’s chances of qualification to renewing contracts and/or being awarded new contracts. Is your business ready?


Episode 2*

March 31, 2017

*The apprenticeship program discussed during this webinar is no longer active, however as of August 2017 the Strong Workforce Apprenticeship Group (SWAG) launched, which is a DOL registered apprenticeship program offering flexible employer-driven opportunities, please contact Tracy DiFilippis at [email protected] for more information.


Episode 1 – Employment Training Panel (ETP)

February 24, 2017

Speaker:
Yvonne Jonason, Economic Development Analyst, Employment Training Panel

ETP provides funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers through training that leads to good paying, long-term jobs. The ETP was created in 1982 by the California State Legislature and is funded by California employers through a special payroll tax. The ETP is a funding agency, not a training agency. Businesses determine their own training needs. ETP staff and other participating AMP SoCal partners are available to assist in accessing funds and other aspects of participation. Learn more!