Center for Economic Growth

B2B eCommerce Sales Growth Strategies for Manufacturers
2021-08-04 14:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | NY
Instructor

Curt Anderson

eCommerce Consultant
B2Btail

Read Bio

Are You Prepared for the eCommerce Revolution?
Learn how to grow sales by optimizing your business presence online. B2B eCommerce experts Jeffry Graham and Damon Pistulka will be joining Curt for this exciting workshop.
This hands-on workshop will take place virtually on August 4th.

What you will learn:

Create landing pages that deliver a clear & concise Call-to-Action Explore “Manufacturer Direct” eCommerce Opportunities
Learn how custom manufacturers can WOW new customers with configurators
Focus on your core strengths to identify an effective keyword strategy
Take full advantage of Google Ads, Google Shopping, Google My Business, Google Keyword Planner, Google Search Console, Google Trends
Explore capturing customers and market share with Alibaba, Amazon, Digi-Key, Walmart, Zoro

REGISTER HERE

Hatched: An Inventors and Entrepreneurs Meetup
2021-08-05 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-09-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-10-07 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-11-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
Have a Product or Project Idea? Hatch it at the Center of Gravity.
Join us the first Thursday of each month to connect with other creative souls, product developers, inventors, patent attorneys and more who are interested in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, and bringing ideas to life. Our goal is to help inventors and entrepreneurs navigate the business world.
SHARING NIGHTS: Share your project’s current status, get and give feedback, explore next steps, connect with potential team members.
SPEAKER NIGHTS: Once a quarter we’ll host a speaker who will share their experiences and lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journey, followed by Q&A and discussion.
We’ll also share other events that may be of interest to this community.
This meetup is organized by The Tech Valley Center of Gravity. We are a makerspace, prototyping center, manufacturing incubator, STEAM-education center and creative community located in the heart of downtown Troy, New York. A member-supported 501(c)(3) community resource organization, the Center of Gravity serves members from Albany, Columbia, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties and beyond with space, tools, technology and expertise to explore and exercise their creativity, turn ideas into objects of art and/or utility, and launch new ventures based on their own ingenuity.
TVCOG Members: Free
Non-Members: Suggested Donation $5.00 at www.tvcog.net/donate

MORE INFO >>

Prototyping 101 and 102: Intro to Fusion 360
2021-08-07 11:00 - 14:30 | Tech Valley Center of Gravity, 30 3rd Street, Troy, NY, 12180, United States
This combined class will cover both Course 1 and Course 2 of our Intro to Fusion 360 class.

This four-hour course, based on content from the Autodesk Fusion Mastery Course, will introduce you to the basics Fusion 360 environment and 3D modeling.
Attendees will start with establishing an overall familiarity of the User Interface (UI), including Toolbars, Workspace, etc. In order to efficiently create models in Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs, users need to establish an understanding of the workspace environment, terminology, and best practices, as well as the nuances of the chosen CAD platform.
Attendees will then focus on 3D modeling and design using the application of workspace and tools to create 3D models and drawings with examples and discussion around the use of the CAD platform.
Each attendee will need to create an AutoDesk user account. Attendees can select any version of Fusion360 for trial basis. The class instructor recommends the non-commercial 1-yr license. If the attendee is a student or educator with an EDU email address then they should select 3-year license option.
The software is available for download here. We recommend attendees show up 30 minutes early if they need assistance in creating an account and downloading software. Participants must be 18 or older.
Registration Fee: COG Member $100 | Non-Member $279 *Discounts will be automatically applied to current COG members
The class will be held by Michael Lobsinger, Center Director of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). As the Center Director, Michael is responsible for the day to day operations of CEG’s Business Growth Solutions and Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs. Michael has lead R&D and NPD teams at Boeing, Shell Global, and Quatic Apparel, and has mentored several product-based technology companies. Michael has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.
To keep our classes affordable, we book our instructors and purchase materials in advance. We depend on advanced registration. Classes without sufficient advanced enrollment may be canceled. Advanced registration closes 3 days before the class date; after this date, a $20 late registration fee will be applied. Cancellations must be made one week prior to the class in order to be eligible for a refund unless due to illness.

REGISTER HERE>>

Fuzehub: Solving the Puzzle of Google Search Advertising
2021-08-17 14:00 - 16:30 | NY
Solving the Puzzle of Google Search Advertising

August 17, 2021 | 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Virtual Event

Instructor: Tim Jensen

eCommerce Consultant
Clix Marketing

Google search advertising is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness of your products and/or services. What makes it challenging is that it is very easy to spend money unintentionally attracting the wrong audiences with keywords that are too broad in nature.
Once the stage is set, we will explore what’s next to ensure a successful campaign for the long-haul.

What you will learn:

Setting and monitoring your google search ad spend
Creating ads and landing pages that convert
Measuring and monitoring your results

REGISTER HERE>>

Statewide Advanced Manufacturing Virtual Job Fair - Reserve a booth by 8/16!
2021-08-19 11:00 - 14:00 | NY
You are invited to the Statewide Advanced Manufacturing Virtual Job Fair, being held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm!

In partnership with the New York State Department of Labor, The Manufacturers Alliance of New York presents the Statewide Advanced Manufacturing Virtual Job Fair. We are excited to partner together to offer a modern job fair simulation where manufacturing businesses and job seekers can connect in a virtual setting in real-time, while keeping the familiar feel and positive outcomes of a physical event.

To fully support your recruitment efforts, there will be a preview day on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, where job seekers can view content and job postings and prepare themselves for the “live” event. The Virtual Job Fair will go live on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Following receipt of exhibiting businesses registrations, businesses will receive an email containing deadlines, important links for accessing the event, login credentials to “create” your booth and a Virtual Career Fair Exhibitors Guide. This guide details information about the event, gives helpful tips and answers many frequently asked questions. Department of Labor staff will be available throughout the process to help you with overall technical assistance.

*If you are interested in exhibiting, please register at the link below, by Wednesday August 16, 2021!

We hope you will join us for this exciting event!

REGISTER HERE>>

Job Fair registration link coming soon!

Business Network for Offshore Wind International Partnering Forum
2021-08-24 - 2021-08-27 | NY
IPF is the largest offshore wind conference in the Western hemisphere. It brings together the global offshore wind supply chain and provides the latest in education, networking, and platforms to help you grow your business.

CEG will participate in the NY Pavilion alongside Empire State Development, NYC EDC, Advance Albany County Alliance, Rensselaer County IDA, Port of Albany, Port of Coeymans, Gexpro Services, Dagen Trucking, MRV Group with additional support from NYSERDA and National Grid.

Understanding Sustainability and PPE in New York State
2021-08-31 14:00 - 15:00 | NY
Join us on August 31, 2021 from 2pm-3pm EST to learn more about the Sustainable PPE Initiative for manufacturers supported by the NY Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The panel style webinar will feature grant winners who focused on pivoting and maximizing sustainable PPE across New York State during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as researchers and a innovators focused on sustainable manufacturing solutions. The panel will end with a Q&A from the audience. A recording of the session will be made available to attendees and those who RSVP’d through the Eventbrite link.

What you will learn:
What is Sustainable PPE?
Types of Sustainable PPE cleaning and sanitizing technologies
Who is in this industry, where to purchase sustainable PPE, and solutions currently available in the market
Examples of companies and solutions coming from the Maximization and Sustainable PPE Grant Process run by NY ITAC and SecondMuse
Panelists:
Jonathan Levine – Folia Materials
Jonathan Levine is the CEO and cofounder of Folia Materials. Folia is bringing advanced material performance inside mass market products. As CEO I’ve taken Folia from idea to a Seed stage company, with industrial manufacturing and Fortune 100 clients.
Michael Saxon – New York Embroidery Studio
Michael is the Director of Operations for New York Embroidery Studio (NYES). NYES is a full service surface design studio and manufacturing facility with more capabilities than any other factory of its kind in New York City.
Ken Schlafer – NYP2I
Ken works New York State Pollution Prevention Institute working to help decarbonize products across the manufacturing landscape. He also has diverse experiences in sales and marketing, brand protection, research, engineering design, and manufacturing operations.
Nelson Slavik – CPAC
Nelson S. Slavik is Vice President of Research and Development at CPAC. He has consulted to the American Hospital Association as their primary environmental regulatory consultant for over 10 years providing testimony to Congress and providing workshop presentations nationally and internationally. He has authored over 80 articles on environmental/occupational safety and infection control, participating in over 100 workshops and seminars.
Moderator: Stacey Weismiller -SecondMuse
Stacey currently works as a Senior Project Manager at SecondMuse under the For Climatetech Portfolio and is the co-lead of the New York City office. Her main focus is on Climatetech Startups in New York State, getting them to commercialization through the lens of manufacturing and scale. Alongside this, she is working on new initiatives to grow the ever-changing market of emerging economies around hardware and scalable manufacturing. Through these programs, Stacey creates impact by bringing together communities that traditionally wouldn’t work together to solve problems. This work allows new, innovative companies to tap into resources right in their backyard to help solve market gaps whether this be in scaling their product, testing for market validation or finding the right company or investor to bring their ideas to the marketplace.

REGISTER HERE>>

NY CREATES Emerging Technologies Seminar: Innovations to Enable Future Logic Scaling
2021-09-09 11:30 - 12:30 | NY
Presented by: Dr. Sri Samavedam
Senior Vice President, CMOS Technologies, imec, Belgium
**Zoom Pre-Registration required by September 8, available here
Abstract: Logic scaling over the last 50 years has been enabled by patterning innovations, mobility boosters and new device architectures. In the recent nodes, transistor density continues to follow Moore’s law, but the node to node performance improvements have slowed down. There are many new process technologies being researched which will continue to enable logic density and system performance in the coming decade. Density scaling will be enabled by advances in EUV multi-patterning and single-print high NA EUV. New device architectures like forksheets, CFETs and 2D atomic channel devices are promising for continued logic and SRAM scaling. Scaling boosters like buried power rail, semi-damascene integration and new standard cell routing will also be needed. There are several 2.5D and 3D integration options for system scaling with SoC partitioning depending on the connectivity density, form factor, yield, maturity and cost considerations. Finally, a methodology to estimate the environmental impact of technology scaling choices will be shared.
Biography: Dr. Sri Samavedam is SVP of CMOS Technologies at imec leading research programs in logic, memory, photonics and 3D system integration. Prior to that, he was Senior Director of Technology Development at Globalfoundries in Malta, NY, where he led qualification of 14nm FinFET technology and derivatives into volume production and development of 7nm CMOS technology. He began his research career at Motorola in Austin, TX, working on strained silicon, metal gates, high k dielectrics and fully-depleted SOI devices. He has over 75 publications and 40 patents. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT, Masters in Materials Engineering from Purdue University and B. Tech from IIT, Madras.

MANUFACTURING WORKSHOP SPONSORED BY TDO, FUZEHUB AND CNY BIOTECH ACCELERATOR
2021-09-16 08:00 - 15:00 | NY
2nd Annual 2021 Virtual Manufacturing Workshop
Hosted by TDO, FuzeHub and CNY Biotech Accelerator, Upstate Medical University
Thursday, September 16, 2021 | 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
REGISTER IN ADVANCE FOR THIS WORKSHOP HERE>>
Program co-chairs: James D’Agostino, MEP Center Director, TDO; Steve Melito, Senior Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub; and Kathi Durdon, Executive Director, CNY Biotech Accelerator
AGENDA

8:00 a.m.

Welcome and Introduction

8:10

Overview of FDA Quality Systems Regulations (21 CFR 820)/ISO 13485
Introduction: Michelle Bonn, President and CEO, Compliance Team
Presenter: Regina Fullin, VP of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, Compliance Team
Topics include: Device Classification, A Risk-based Approach; Design Controls; Human Factors, Medical Device Software Validation

9:45

Overview of ISO 9001, Quality Management Meeting Customer Requirements
Presenter: Sarah Burlingame, Senior Project Director, TDO
Topics include: Design Standard Components; Certifications; Basic Problem Solving Tools to Utilize – Root Cause Analysis, Toyota Kata, Five Whys

11:15

Preparing for Manufacturing
Presenter: Kevin Webb, Business Development, CO-AX Technology

Noon

Quick Lunch Break

12:15

NYS MEPs/Manufacturing Support-based NYSTAR Assets Panel
Moderator: Steve Melito, Senior Solutions Specialist, FuzeHub
Panel:

Cory Albrecht, Director, Advanced Institute for Manufacturing, Mohawk Valley Community College
Mark Poliks, PhD, Director, Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM), Binghamton University
Jim D’Agostino, MEP Center Director, TDO
Molly C. Zimmermann, Esq., Managing Director, NYS Science & Technology Law Center
Devon Shipp, Professor, Director of the Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP), Clarkson University

1:15

Contract Manufacturers Panel
Moderator: Jim D’Agostino, MEP Center Director, TDO
Panelists:

Steve Davis, President, Tapecon, Inc.
Michael Allen, President, Z-AXIS, Inc.
Matt Nearpass, Director, EMS, SRC Tec
Michael Fisher, Director of Product Development, Global Center for Medical Innovation

2:15

Mini Manufacturing Pitch

Matt Nearpass, SRC Tec
Steve Davis, Tapecon, Inc.
Jason DiBartolo, Oswego Industries
Benson Chan, Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC), Binghamton University
Doug Hill, LeMoyne Maker Space
Scott Baxter, PEKO

For questions, please contact cnybac@upstate.edu

REGISTER HERE>>

8-Week Business Planning Course
2021-09-18 09:00 - 2021-11-06 12:00 | NY
Join us for some real world business planning. Learn what you need to know to start and run a successful small business with our 8-week intensive training course, now offered virtually. Class topics include: developing a business plan, strategic planning, marketing, sales forecasting, financial management and analysis, legal, insurance and tax issues. The course provides fundamental planning concepts and tools to help existing and potential business owners.
Dates: Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6, 9am-12pm
Class will be offered in conjunction with the STEAM Garden, but will be held virtually on Zoom.
Please let us know if you have connection issues or wish assistance setting up Zoom.
The tuition for the course is $240 and includes class materials. Scholarships may be available.

REGISTER HERE>>

September: VentureB Virtual Pitch Presentation
2021-09-22 16:00 - 17:00 | NY
CEG coaches entrepreneurs in creating & delivering a presentation resulting in an open public pitch to regional investors & business leaders.

About this Event
VentureB is a quarterly program designed for entrepreneurs to gain visibility to the region’s angel and institutional investors, business service providers, advisers, students, faculty, alumni and the early stage business community.

Join us for a VentureB Virtual Presentation on Wednesday, September 22nd.
Agenda:

4:00 – 4:10pm | Welcome & Panel Introductions
4:10 – 4:30pm | Presentation by Uncaged Innovations & Panel Q&A
4:30 – 4:45pm | Audience Q&A
4:45 – 5:00pm | Closing

About the presenting company: Uncaged is reimagining leather using biotechnology and digital manufacturing to create replicas of exotic and bovine leather for the fashion industry.

Register here>>

Prototyping 101 and 102: Intro to Fusion 360
2021-09-25 10:30 - 14:30 | NY
This combined class will cover both Course 1 and Course 2 of our Intro to Fusion 360 class.

This four-hour course, based on content from the Autodesk Fusion Mastery Course, will introduce you to the basics Fusion 360 environment and 3D modeling.
Attendees will start with establishing an overall familiarity of the User Interface (UI), including Toolbars, Workspace, etc. In order to efficiently create models in Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs, users need to establish an understanding of the workspace environment, terminology, and best practices, as well as the nuances of the chosen CAD platform.
Attendees will then focus on 3D modeling and design using the application of workspace and tools to create 3D models and drawings with examples and discussion around the use of the CAD platform.
Each attendee will need to bring their own laptop and create an AutoDesk user account. Attendees can select any version of Fusion360 for trial basis. The class instructor recommends the non-commercial 1-yr license. If the attendee is a student or educator with an EDU email address then they should select 3-year license option.
The software is available for download here. We recommend attendees show up 30 minutes early if they need assistance in creating an account and downloading software. Participants must be 18 or older.
Registration Fee: COG Member $50 | Non-Member $100 *Discounts will be automatically applied to current COG members
The class will be held by Michael Lobsinger, Center Director of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). As the Center Director, Michael is responsible for the day to day operations of CEG’s Business Growth Solutions and Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs. Michael has lead R&D and NPD teams at Boeing, Shell Global, and Quatic Apparel, and has mentored several product-based technology companies. Michael has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.
To keep our classes affordable, we book our instructors and purchase materials in advance. We depend on advanced registration. Classes without sufficient advanced enrollment may be canceled. Advanced registration closes 3 days before the class date; after this date, a $20 late registration fee will be applied. Cancellations must be made one week prior to the class in order to be eligible for a refund unless due to illness.
Please note, if you are showing signs of COVID related symptoms and cannot attend your class, you have the option to request a full refund up to 1 week before your class begins. After this point, students experiencing symptoms may request a full class credit up to the morning of the class.
COVID-19 Safety: TVCOG is committed to ensuring the safety of its members, instructors and guests and as such, has set certain COVID-19 safety precautions in place which follow NYS and CDC guidance. You will be asked to complete a COVID waiver, sign a COVID Safety Pledge and provide contact tracing information during the registration process. Everyone is expected to maintain social distance (6?) from individuals outside of their own group while in the facility; this class size has been limited to 2 participants in order to ensure adequate social distancing. All shared tools/equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each class. Masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals and optional for fully vaccinated individuals in the facility. Proof of vaccination is required. Eligible proofs of vaccination are:

– Physical vaccination card or picture of card.
– Vaccine passport (Excelsior Pass.)

When
September 25th, 2021 10:30 AM through 2:30 PM

Location

Tech Valley Center of Gravity
30 Third Street
Troy, NY 12180
United States

Contact

Phone: 518-244-3544
Email: facilities@tvcog.net

Class Fee(s)

On-Time Registration Fee
$279.00

REGISTER HERE>>

QuickBooks Online: Banking – A Deep Dive
2021-09-29 18:00 - 19:30 | NY
Learn all about how QuickBooks online banking can help you streamline your bank reconciliations in this helpful workshop. Not so long ago, reconciling your accounts required hours of tedious data entry. Now, you can eliminate all the hard work by linking your bank and credit card accounts directly to QuickBooks online accounting software.
You’ll immediately notice the impact of bank feeds on your business. Not only will you save vast amounts of time, you can be confident your data is accurate and up-to-date, all the time.
All your transactions are downloaded automatically, so you don’t have to enter any data by hand at all. Once you’ve initially set up categories for your data, QuickBooks learns as it goes – it’ll start doing the work for you.

REGISTER HERE>>

Expand Your Presence in the Global Marketplace: Webinar Series
2021-09-30 09:00 - 2021-10-01 12:30 | NY
Global NY’s latest initiative provides export education to NYS small and medium-sized businesses through a series of expert-led webinars. Tapping into Global NY’s international network of trade representatives—from Africa, Canada, China, Europe, Israel, Mexico and South America—this series gives participants advanced exporting information with localized insights on a number of trade-related topics.
Global NY Division will be hosting a no-cost, five-part webinar series on Doing Business in Canada on September 30 & October 1. View the modules and register today using the form below.

Doing Business in Canada
Thursday, September 30, 9:30am – 11:00am ET
Speaker: Nathan Donohue, Commercial Attaché at the U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Requirements (Welcome to Canada)
Thursday, September 30, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Speaker: Michael Koenig FCPA, FCGA, CFP, Retired Partner, Cross-Border Tax Services at Davis Martindale

The Logistics, Customs and Regulatory aspects of entering the Canadian market.
Thursday, September 30, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET
Speaker: Cristian Siviere – President of Solimpex

Language Laws and Best Practices for Selling in Quebec
Friday, October 1, 9:30 am –11:00 am ET
Speaker: Marie-Hélène Constantin, Partner at Blakes, Cassels & Graydon

Navigating the Regulatory Path
Friday, October 1, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Speaker: Rod Elliot, Senior Vice President and Elaine Larsen Wells, Senior Consultant – Global Public Affairs

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE>>

**CANCELLED** Enterprise Selling: Sales & Business Development Strategies for B2B Markets
2021-10-05 08:00 - 09:30 | Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, 5 Computer Drive South, Albany, NY, 12205, United States
**This event has been CANCELLED**

Please join us for Enterprise Selling: Sales & Business Development Strategies for Complex B2B Markets presented by Matt Scarchilli, CEO Winning Process.

This is an in-person event located at Capital Region Chamber of Commerce: 5 Computer Drive S, Albany, NY 12205.
The training consists of three 1.5 hour sessions on October 5, 12, 20 (see times below). Participants MUST sign up for all 3 sessions.
Cost: $99 per person with a $297 max per company (max 6 people).

Sandler Enterprise Selling (SES) – A Systematic Approach to Winning Enterprise Business
• SES takes everything that makes Sandler sales training so effective and tailors it to the needs of companies selling to enterprise clients.
• Based on 6 highly strategic stages offering a continuous process of attaining, servicing, and growing an enterprise opportunity
• Here’s what one local manufacturer had to say about SES as a system: “SES is well aligned with where we see our growth coming from and the type of customers we are going after.” – Ted Collins, VP Sales & Marketing, Blasch Precision Ceramics

The program topics, which will be covered in the October 2021 sessions, touch on three of the six stages of SES; they are:

• Territory and Account Planning: Oct 5, 8:00 am – 9:30 am
In this critical stage, you begin setting a strong baseline for success through comprehensive planning.

• Opportunity Identification (Prospecting): Oct 12, 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Next you analyze, assess and initiate interaction on your most promising opportunities with the highest probability of success.

• Qualification: Oct 20, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Here you begin executing a practical plan to engage with the enterprise buyers to clarify the key opportunity parameters, which will improve and reinforce your position.

Join us to learn and sharpen the saw when it comes to these three core aspects of any sales process; they are vital for everyone in a forward- / client-facing role.

REGISTER HERE>>

Food for Thought #13: Customer & Market Discovery to Drive Product Design
2021-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 | NY
The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity presents Food for Thought: A Business & Product Development Virtual Luncheon Series.
Join us on October 6th at noon for an open conversation with Robert Manasier and Samuel Mere of IgniteU NY about customer discovery and market observation. Robert and Samuel will discuss how to practically apply these principles to your design before you build it.
Ways to test usability and customer use without spending a ton of money is the key.
The importance of voice of customer and the more important customer behavior understanding will be part of the conversation.
Send your questions ahead of time to manufacturingincubator@tvcog.net so we can create a dynamic dialogue for the lunch hour!
About Robert Manasier:
Robert Manasier is a serial entrepreneur and brand builder, with experience in over 155 international startups, 400 products/services commercialized, 1000s of acceleration/commercialization campaigns, as the CEO of In Focus Brands. In addition to the In Focus Brands’ portfolio of companies, Robert currently serves as Entrepreneur-in-Residence of : IgniteU NY and the Sage Colleges; National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Trainer; StartUp Weekend International Facilitator and Organizer; Adjunct Professor at Sage College School of Management and Hudson Valley Community College; Board Member of the Parkhurst Field Foundation, EDA Labs, IFP Films, Rutgers University Big Data Board, EDA Funding, Genonto and Autonomy Distribution.
With over $100M raised for true startups, $300M for next level growth companies, an average of 20—25% uptick in revenue for his acceleration clients, over $1B in sales and a 2.6x return on his management of the DPCD Fund and a nearly 100% retention of staff over decades, Robert’s strong culture creation and fiscal controls are coupled with clear and direct revenue results.
About Samuel Mere:
Samuel Mere has been the Program Manager at Ignite NY since 2019 and is a seasoned entrepreneur willing to share his success stories and lessons learned with aspiring entrepreneurs to help them scaling their companies.
Samuel is also the Founder & CEO of CampusPro, a mobile app that connects college students who provide services with other students looking for their services. CampusPro is an IgniteU alumni, from the 2018 Accelerator where they won the 2018 Startup Showcase.
About IgniteU NY:
Since 2015, IgniteU has supported hundreds of startups and small businesses across all different industries and sectors. We host a wide range of events, workshops and accelerator programs designed to help entrepreneurs grow.
About the Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity
The Manufacturing Incubator at Tech Valley Center of Gravity provides expert coaching and incubation across industries, advisory services and support for product-related startups. For members launching entrepreneurial ventures, we offer resources for product development through the Prototyping Center, with its advanced manufacturing equipment and flexible workspace.

REGISTER HERE>>

Erik Bunaes presents E-Business for Small and Large Businesses
2021-10-13 09:00 - 10:30 | NY
Do you communicate regularly with your customers? You should. Here’s some easy tools to use for staying in touch with your clients.

About this event

What are the best tools to get more out of our online marketing? This is a question that we hear on a regular basis. It’s a simple question but one that opens a can of worms. As everyone knows, there are lots of options when it comes to digital marketing and every company has different needs and goals. There is just no one size fits all solution for every organization.
Rather than learning about any particular tool or service, we will show you exactly how the online marketing world works and teach you a 5-step e-busines process that works. Within each step, we’ll show you several tools that work well for small and mid-sized businesses.
This seminar is designed for the owners/leaders of new or small businesses that are just getting started on their e-business or online marketing journey. We’ll keep the conversation focused on concrete steps you can take back and put into action from day #1.

Presented by Erik Bunaes, President, Endorphin Digital Marketing® & Constant Contact Certified Local Expert.

REGISTER HERE>>

NYS Virtual MFG Day with Fuzehub
2021-10-15 08:00 - 13:00 | NY
2021 NY Statewide Virtual Manufacturing Day is an on-line event that will celebrate manufacturers from across New York State and highlight the pathways students can take toward manufacturing careers.
By recognizing NYS manufacturers and building awareness of available educational and training opportunities, 2021 NY Statewide Virtual Manufacturing Day will benefit companies, community leaders, educators, high school and college students as well as economic development and manufacturing associations from across New York State.

Download a shareable MFG Day flyer here>>

Students & Teachers Register Now Here>>

Are you a Manufacturer and interested in having a table at Manufacturing Day?
Click Here to Become an Exhibitor>>

InFUZEd Marketing Meetup: STEP Grants / Export Funding
2021-10-25 11:00 - 12:00 | NY
The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011. STEP financial support helps small businesses with marketing initiatives including assistance with campaigns, e-commerce, trade show exhibits and training workshops. Join us with this month’s special guests as we discuss how STEP Grants and Export Funding can help manufacturers with their marketing challenges.

Speakers:
Kathryn Bamberger is an Industry Development Director in Empire State Development’s International Division, Global NY. Managing half of the Upstate Regions, her clients mainly are located between Plattsburgh and Poughkeepsie, west to Warrensburg, Utica and Oneonta. She brings a special interest in food and beverage resulting from her tenure in a similar role at NYS Dept Agriculture. She holds a BA from St Lawrence University in Canton and an MBA from Sage Graduate School in Albany. Prior to joining the state, she held various sales and marketing positions in the private sector, garnering several awards and recognitions.

Antonio Rodriguez is a Senior International Trade Manager at Empire State Development’s (ESD) Global NY Division, where he counsels New York companies on all aspects of Global NY programs and services, which are available to promote exports. Antonio is responsible for managing the New York State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). The STEP grant program is a collaborative funding opportunity initiative with the U.S. Small Business Administration developed to increase the number of small businesses that export and the value of small business exports. The STEP grant program helps small businesses overcome obstacles to exporting by providing grants to cover costs associated with entering and expanding into international markets.
Prior to his current position, he worked as a Small Business Environmental Ombudsman at ESD to help New York small businesses understand and comply with regulations enacted to implement the Federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990; and as a Senior Project Manager with ESD’s Environmental Services Unit, worked with companies and organizations to facilitate funding opportunities for projects that lead to measurable recycling, pollution prevention and sustainable economic development results.
Antonio has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering (Ch.E.) from The City College of New York.

REGISTER HERE>>

Prototyping 201: Furniture Design Using Fusion 360
2021-10-27 18:00 - 21:00 | NY
Basic CNC Furniture Design & Joinery and Fabrication: An Introduction to the Fusion360 Design and Manufacturing Workspaces

This 200 level course is designed to expand upon participants’ existing knowledge of working with Fusion360 by introducing project based lessons leveraging design methodologies for CNC router joining designs. Students will be introduced to joiner concepts, creating 3D designs and assemblies from drawings, and gaining familiarity with 2D contouring setup’s in manufacturing workspace.
The course will use Autodesk Fusion360 as the platform for the Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool and the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) tool. Prior experience with Autodesk Fusion 360 is required for this course. We offer a 100-level course that serves as a pre-requisite for those interested.
Each attendee will need to bring their own laptop and create an AutoDesk user account. Attendees can select any version of Fusion360 for trial basis. The class instructor recommends the non-commercial 1-yr license. If the attendee is a student or educator with an EDU email address then they should select 3-year license option.
The software is available for download here. We recommend attendees show up 30 minutes early if they need assistance in creating an account and downloading software. Participants must be 18 or older.
Registration Fee: COG Member $50 | Non-Member $100 *Discounts will be automatically applied to current COG members
The class will be held by Michael Lobsinger, Center Director of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). As the Center Director, Michael is responsible for the day to day operations of CEG’s Business Growth Solutions and Manufacturing Extension Partnership programs. Michael has lead R&D and NPD teams at Boeing, Shell Global, and Quatic Apparel, and has mentored several product-based technology companies. Michael has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute.
To keep our classes affordable, we book our instructors and purchase materials in advance. We depend on advanced registration. Classes without sufficient advanced enrollment may be canceled. Advanced registration closes 3 days before the class date; after this date, a $20 late registration fee will be applied. Cancellations must be made one week prior to the class in order to be eligible for a refund unless due to illness.
Please note, if you are showing signs of COVID related symptoms and cannot attend your class, you have the option to request a full refund up to 1 week before your class begins. After this point, students experiencing symptoms may request a full class credit up to the morning of the class.
COVID-19 Safety: TVCOG is committed to ensuring the safety of its members, instructors and guests and as such, has set certain COVID-19 safety precautions in place which follow NYS and CDC guidance. You will be asked to complete a COVID waiver, sign a COVID Safety Pledge and provide contact tracing information during the registration process. Everyone is expected to maintain social distance (6?) from individuals outside of their own group while in the facility; this class size has been limited to 2 participants in order to ensure adequate social distancing. All shared tools/equipment will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after each class. Masks are required for all unvaccinated individuals and optional for fully vaccinated individuals in the facility. Proof of vaccination is required. Eligible proofs of vaccination are:

– Physical vaccination card or picture of card.
– Vaccine passport (Excelsior Pass.)

When
October 27th, 2021 6:00 PM through 9:00 PM

Location

Tech Valley Center of Gravity
30 Third Street
Troy, NY 12180
United States

Contact

Phone: 518-244-3544
Email: facilities@tvcog.net

Class Fee(s)

On-Time Registration Fee $279.00

REGISTER HERE>>

Virtual: New York Offshore Wind Supplier and Workforce Forum (Nov 3 & 5)
2021-11-03 09:00 - 12:00, 2021-11-05 09:00 - 12:00 | NY
Join us virtually on November 3 and November 5 for New York’s Offshore Wind Supplier and Workforce Forum. New York State, with five offshore wind projects and more than 4,300 megawatts in active development, is leading the nation to deliver 9 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.
With State and Federal goals in alignment, new leases expected in the New York Bight, and project review processes moving forward at a solid pace, the time to unlock critical supply chain investments is now and it’s clear that New York is the nation’s undisputed hub for this industry.
This year’s forum will focus on capacity building for the industry at large. Learn more about critical investments in New York ports, New York’s comprehensive incentive framework, progress on local manufacturing facilities, commitments to building equity, as well as workforce development programs in this exciting new industry.

Schedule of Events:
November 3:

New York Offshore Wind Supplier and Workforce Forum Main Program
9:00 a.m. EST – 12:00 p.m. EST

November 3 – November 10:

Virtual Business to Business Networking
(Attendees can schedule meetings during business hours from November 3 to November 10)
** Note: Interested businesses may sign up for this virtual networking opportunity when registering for the Main Program online.

November 5:

New York Offshore Wind Supplier and Workforce Forum Main Program
9:00 a.m. EST – 12:00 p.m. EST
NY State of Opportunity Offshore Wind Virtual Job Fair (hosted by the New York State Department of Labor)
11:00 a.m. EST – 2:00 p.m. EST
**Note: Exhibit opportunities for the virtual job fair will be available for this event.

REGISTER HERE>>

Don’t Leave Talent on the Table: How to Diversify Your Manufacturing Workforce
2021-11-04 14:00 - 15:00 | NY
Virtual Event | Thursday, November 4 | 2 – 3 EST
A looming labor shortage is threatening the manufacturing industry: 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could be unfilled by 2030. Many companies are already having trouble finding skilled workers.
Get ahead of this trend by expanding your recruiting and retention efforts to reach and keep a wider, more diverse population of workers.
Be sure to join the NYS Manufacturers Alliance, JFF, and The Apprenticeship Program at SUNY on November 4 to hear manufacturing leaders and workforce experts share tips and insights about effective ways to expand your talent pipeline and diversify your workforce.
You should register for this event if you are . . .

A manufacturing company executive, HR professional, or hiring manager
An educator, intermediary, or workforce development professional interested in advancing diversity in the U.S. manufacturing workforce

This event has been funded, either wholly or in part, with Federal funds from the Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration under Contract number 1605C2-20-C-0007. The contents of this event do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement of same by the U.S. Government.

REGISTER HERE>>

How to Apply for the NYS COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Grant Program
2021-11-04 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-11-09 11:00 - 12:00 | NY
The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, which was created to provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is NOW OPEN.
Grant amounts range from $5,000 – $50,000 (awards calculated based on a business’ annual gross receipts for 2019).
Not sure where to start? Lea Springstead, Project Manager at the Capital Region Chamber, will be hosting a complimentary webinar where she will provide details about the grant process. Participants will also be given additional documents that will help with the application process. Lea will also be available to support you, answer questions, and ensure that your application is submitted.
Webinar Dates:

11/4/2021 – 2pm to 3pm

11/9/2021 – 11am to 12pm

11/17/2021 – 6pm to 7pm

11/30/2021 – 2pm to 3pm

REGISTER HERE>>

Clean Tech & Advanced Materials Virtual Job Fair
2021-11-17 11:00 - 14:00 | NY
Job Fair connecting New York State jobseekers to companies with available opportunities within the fields of Clean Technology, Energy Storage, Battery Manufacturing, Advanced Materials and more. Entry-mid level, experienced and management positions are available. Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR), NY Ventures, and NYBEST are proud to support innovative companies across the state provide sustainable energy sources, expand manufacturing capabilities and ensure a resource efficient future within a thriving New York State economy.
Available Opportunities: Production Operator, Electrical Engineer, Quality Engineer, Electrical Assembler, Associate Engineer, Welder, Laboratory Technician, Battery Design Engineer, Project Developer and more!!! Salary range up to $120K DOE (depending on experience)

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE>>

Date: November 17, 2021
Time: 11 AM – 2 PM
Location: Remo (Virtual Platform)

VentureB Innovation Series Workshop: Investor Pitch Development for Startups
2021-11-17 16:00 - 18:00 | NY
As a startup looking to secure funding through a bank, grant, angel investor or venture capitalist, how you approach communicating your business model is critical.
An investor pitch presentation helps potential investors understand key aspects of your business. The goal is to capture their interest and secure a follow up conversation or meeting.
You’ll walk away from this workshop with a better understanding of the 10 key topics to include and why. Additional support documentation will be shared via email after the program.
Let us guide you in putting your best pitch forward.

The webinar will be led by Michael Lobsinger, Sr. Vice President of CEG. Michael is a serial entrepreneur and has extensive experience in the operations of product based enterprises. Michael has led R&D and NPD teams at Boeing, Shell Global, and Quatic Apparel, as well as mentored several product based technology companies. Michael has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

While this workshop is free, registration is required.
REGISTER HERE>>
