Longboat Chamber finalizes Small Business Week schedule

After a four-year hiatus, the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Week is back.

The week begins on Monday, Oct. 16 and ends on Thursday, Oct. 19.

Throughout the week, the chamber will host seminars focusing on social media, a Business After Hours networking event and a luncheon. All events will take place at Zota Beach Resort, 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive.

The seminar schedule is as follows:

Social Media Platforms: Which are Right for your Business?

1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16

A panel will share tips on the six most popular platforms: YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and email.

Build Your Business Facebook Page

9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17

The hands-on workshop will take participants through building and reviewing their business’ Facebook page.  Participants are encouraged to bring their computer, business logo in a JPG format on a hard drive, graphics and photos and a paragraph or two that describes their business.

You Have a Business Facebook Page: Now What?

1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17

The workshop will include a presentation on what kind of content to post, how to boost and schedule Facebook posts, how to use Facebook analytics and how to target audiences, live stream and advertise.

The Power of Google

9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18

This presentation will focus on Google+, algorithms, SEO, the importance of keywords, Google Analytics and other Google tools.

Social Media Survivors

1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18

Longboat Key Chamber members will share real-world lessons learned and best practices regarding social media. There will also be a discussion about social media and the millennials.

All seminars are free and refreshments will be provided.

On Oct. 17, a Business After Hours networking event will be held at Zota Beach Resort along with a “Chamber Showcase” in which members can purchase a table for $75 to display their products and services. The Small Business of the Year nominees will be introduced that evening as well. Cost to attend is $5 for chamber members and $10 for future members and guests.

The week will conclude with the Small Business Person of the Year Awards Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 19 at Zota. The business person of the year in each of the four categories will be announced.

The awards will be given to a small businessperson in each of the four categories: Rookie Small Business Person of the Year (for businesses 3 years old or less as of Jan. 1, 2017); Small Business Person of the Year (for organizations of 10 or fewer employees and organizations of up to 100 employees); and Green Business of the Year.

All events are open to non-chamber members. Reservations for all events can be made by calling the Chamber at 383-2466.