Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Resources for Small Businesses
2026 Small Business Unversity Seminars
2026 Small Business University Seminar Series:
Wearing All The Hats: Moving from Reactive to Strategic Small Business Leadership
April 9, 2026
Presented by Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk, M.S.Ed., REACH Leadership
Small business leaders are builders who often build with lean teams and by wearing whatever hat that keeps things moving. Over time, though, that adaptability can turn into chronic overload, blurred responsibilities, and reactive leadership. This interactive workshop equips small business owners and team leaders with practical strategies to strengthen operations, communication, and long-term sustainability using evidence-based frameworks.
This foundational workshop uses real scenarios, facilitated discussion, and actionable reflection to help attendees clarify roles—even in small teams, map their current “hat overload”, reduce friction and decision bottlenecks, apply and simplify frameworks to clarify ownership and decision-making. Participants will leave with a concrete, 30-day action plan to implement immediately.
2026 Small Business University Seminar Series:
Marketing 101: How to Get Results on any Budget
February 26, 2026
Presented by Joana Lima, Sassy Square Marketing
This beginner-friendly seminar breaks down the essentials of marketing so small business owners can finally understand where to start and what actually works. You’ll learn how to build a strong brand foundation, show up online with confidence, and use simple strategies to attract and earn the trust of your ideal customers- all without needing a big budget.
2025 Seminars
2025 Chamber Seminar Series:
Bookkeeping & Taxes Made Simple
September 11, 2025
Understanding the basics of bookkeeping and taxes is key to running a successful business. In this interactive 30-minute session, we break down core financial concepts every small business owner should know, from organizing your books to preparing for tax season. You’ll gain a clear overview of how these pieces fit together, along with a couple of practical tips you can apply right away to simplify your financial management.
2025 Chamber Seminar Series:
Speak & Connect: Elevate Your Voice and Your Network
August 24, 2025
An empowering, interactive workshop designed to help professionals elevate their confidence in public speaking and networking. Led by Wendy Silver, a seasoned real estate professional and former attorney, this session provides practical tools to overcome fear and awkwardness, develop authentic connections, and communicate your value with clarity and ease.
2024 Seminars
Creativity & Efficiency" Generative AI for Small Business
March 26, 2024
On Tuesday, March 26, 1623 Studios, together with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber, hosted a free workshop on Generative AI. Erich Archer, Executive Director of 1623 Studios, gave a fun and informative presentation on how Generative AI may be used by small businesses. If you missed the live event, the video is worth the watch!
2024 Economic Outlook Breakfast
March 7, 2024
On Thursday, March 7, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber presented our annual Economic Outlook Breakfast featuring guest speaker, Secretary Lauren E. Jones, from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.
Secretary Jones discussed the State Workforce Plan, programs, and initiatives to help develop, attract, and retain talent, (i.e. registered apprenticeship, WCTF grants), and look ahead into FY’25.
Love Your Work and They Will Too: Five Ways to Energize Your Team
Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk, Bridge Educational Engineering
February 8, 2024
Team-building Coach, Courtney Joly-Lowdermilk, explores 5 ways to energize and strengthen your workplace Team. This event is packed with fresh ideas for rejuvenating yourself and your employees, resulting in a more productive and prosperous year. A great resource for business owners and employees from companies of all sizes.
2023 Seminars
Domestic Violence IS a Workplace Issue! Is Your Company Prepared?
Employers Against Domestic Violence | October 30, 2023
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Employers Against Domestic Violence is hosted a FREE training session for Greater Cape Ann Chamber members. Learn best practices for prevention, education, and resources. Watch this video to understand how domestic violence is affecting your business and how to recognize the signs to help.
Speakers:
David Thomson: Executive Director, Employers Against Domestic Violence
Julie DeCosta: SPHR, Senior Director Human Resources - MercurySystems; EADV Board Member
Employers Against Domestic Violence is a nonprofit membership organization uniting Massachusetts employers with experts in the fields of domestic violence and workplace prevention.
Business Law Basics for Every Small Business
Roger L. Smerage, a business and banking litigation attorney from Ruberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C., presents an hour-long seminar covering key legal basics that every small business owner should be thinking about as the new year gets underway. From big-picture topics such as business organization and governance documents to day-to-day issues including real estate and landlord-tenant interactions, employment, data privacy, and intellectual property, the seminar will touch on many areas where businesses often find themselves in need of legal support. The seminar will also address concepts that many business owners don’t think about until it is too late, such as business succession planning.