THE EDUCATION SERIES
Education Series
The Entrepreneur and Small Business Education Series is a collaborative initiative by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance, California State University’s Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and Wells Fargo Bank.
The Education Series: For Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses is an 7-week program focused on providing the tools and skills needed to start and run a successful business. The Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship will provide a Certificate of Accomplishment to those who complete the entire program.
Sponsors
Curriculum schedule
The series focuses on providing the tools and skills needed to start and run a successful business.
Designing Your Business Model
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Joy Fairbanks
- What are the nine key components of a Business Model Canvas?
- How do I craft a compelling Value Proposition?
- Who are my Customer Segments and how do I identify them?
- What should I include in my Cost Structure?
- Which Channels are most effective for reaching my customers?
- How do I develop a sustainable Revenue Model?
All Things Accounting & Elevator Pitch Practice
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Sabrina Landa
- Financial Literacy
- Basic accounting principles
- Types of accounting platforms
- Financial statements
Marketing Essentials & Social Media Strategy
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Christine Kang
- Who are my target customers?
- How do I reach them?
- What channels do I use to reach them?
- How do I price my products/services?
- The 4 P’s (promotion, place, price, product)
Aleks Lason
- What digital marketing strategies can I use to increase my reach?
- How do I effectively target my audience online?
- Which social media platforms are best for my business?
- What are the best practices for each social media platform?
Understanding Finance
Saturday, February 28, 2026
David Ochi
- Finance basics for business owners
- Traditional types of funding opportunities
- Non-traditional types of funding opportunities
Building Your Strategic Plan & PitchFest Prep
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Kenji Klein
- How to set and prioritize achievable 1-to-5-year goals
- Strategies for acquiring and retaining valuable partners and customers
- Techniques to build resilience against economic shocks (e.g., pandemics, recessions)
- Methods for effective decision-making in uncertain business environments
- Best practices for maintaining a stable and healthy cash flow
- Tools for scenario planning and risk management
Where to Locate Your Business & How to Negotiate Your Lease
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Austin Metoyer & Karie Armstrong
- Appropriately zoned site for your business
- Foot traffic and parking requirements
- Office specific requirements / suggestions
- Retail specific requirements / suggestions
- Restaurant specific requirements / suggestions
- Putting it all together
- Understand lease options
- Do I need a broker?
- Who pays for tenant improvements?
- What can I negotiate?
- Research the area prior to lease negotiations
Pitch Practice & Networking Like a Pro
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship & Emmanuel Rivera
- Practice for PitchFest on March 28, 2026
- Basics and importance of networking
- How to use your natural surroundings to practice networking
PitchFest
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship & Emmanuel Rivera
- Pitch your existing DTLB business or future DTLB concept for the opportunity to win capital.
Register for the Education Series
Date: February 7 – March 21, 2026 (Pitch Fest: March 28)
Time: Saturday mornings (in person) 9 AM to 12 PM
Location: Studio One Eleven, 245 E. 3rd St. Long Beach, CA 90802
Cost to Attend: FREE to attend for existing and potential Downtown business owners and CSULB students (value of $1,350)