Today

Lunch-N-Learn: SCORE Small Business Success:

SCORE is a national program of the SBA that focuses on early startups and small businesses, offering workshops and mentoring to help develop a viable business plan and get started. Dave Center and Bill Baker will talk about making your entrepreneurial idea a reality. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. Details: http://queencityforward.org/event-registration/?ee=7

British American Business Council: Local, National & International Panel

The British American Business Council of North Carolina presents local, national, and international panel discussion with John Connaughton of UNC Charlotte, Jean Davis of the N.C. Department of Commerce and Sven Gerzer of the Charlotte Chamber. Cost: $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dresslers, 1100 Metropolitan Ave. Details: http://www.babcnc.com/.

Latin American Chamber of Commerce Lunch

Join the Latin American Chamber of Commerce for its monthly lunch meeting featuring Fernando Aguirre, former CEO of Chiquita Brands International. Cost: $35. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. Details: www.lacccharlotte.com.

Member Orientation & Open House:

Charlotte Chamber will give a brief overview by the senior management team, followed by the chance to work directly with Chamber staff and volunteers to maximize membership benefits. 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Charlotte Chamber-Belk Action Center, 330 S. Tryon St. Details: www.charlottechamber.com/events.

Charlotte Venture Challenge Workshop:

The Charlotte Venture Challenge business innovation competition is accepting applications from early-stage entrepreneurial companies between now and March 1. Organized by UNC Charlotte’s Charlotte Research Institute and Ventureprise, the competition has a history of showcasing the region’s most successful early-stage companies. Workshops will help competing companies strengthen their strategies for business. 5:30-8 p.m. at Ben Craig Center, 8701 Mallard Creek Road. Details: http://charlotteventurechallenge.com/

Thursday

Global Competitiveness Summit:

Business, civic and educational leaders must work together to develop plans for growing a robust and resilient Charlotte region. Be a part of this process by attending the second Global Competitiveness Summit. Cost: $25 (includes breakfast). 7 a.m.-noon at CPCC Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Drive. Details: www.cpcc.edu/clc/global.

Roadmap to Your Health:

Join Carolinas Professional Saleswomen & Entrepreneurs for their monthly meeting with Darlene Byrd of Presbyterian Hospital, Matthews. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Marriott Hotel, 5700 Westpark Drive. Details: www.cpsecharlotte.com.

The Total Package! - NorthWest Chapter Luncheon:

Join Charlotte Chamber and representatives of Charlotte Toastmasters for a demonstration on perfecting your presentation skills to effectively communicate to any size group. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Drury Inn & Suites, 6920 Northlake Mall Drive. Details: www.charlottechamber.com/events.

Lunchbox to Toolbox: Heart Smarts for Entrepreneurs:

Learn how to protect your heart by educating yourself about heart health and the heart-brain connection by attending this introductory talk presented by Dr. Melonni Dooley. Free. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Packard Place, 222 S. Church St. Details: http://queencityforward.org/event-registration/?ee=15

The Truth About SBA Loans:

Learn about the different SBA guaranteed loan programs, the eligibility requirements for these programs, and how they work to help you get the funding you need to meet your business goals. Presented by the US Small Business Administration. Reference: #SBX 8040, Section 501. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at CPCC Central Campus, 1112 Charlottetowne Ave. Register: www.cpcc.edu/einstitute.

Friday

D Cafe’ y Pastel:

Join the Latin American Chamber of Commerce for a Networking Latino Breakfast. Free for members; $5 for nonmembers. 7:30-9:30 a.m. at WhyNot Pizza, 7008 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. Details: www.lacccharlotte.com.

Monday

Basic Accounting with QuickBooks:

Build a solid foundation by learning the fundamental principles of accounting and how they are used in QuickBooks. Understand the chart of accounts and what happens when bills, checks and invoices are entered into an automated system. No accounting knowledge or QuickBooks experience is required. Basic computer skills required. Cost: $89. 6-9 p.m. Monday and next Wednesday at CPCC Central Campus, 1112 Charlottetowne Ave. Reference: #SBX 7439-02. Details: www.cpcc.edu/einstitute.

Tuesday

Best Practices When Building Relationships and Networking:

Join the Latin American Chamber of Commerce for a seminar focusing on “Best Practices when Building Relationships and Networking” presented by Terri DeBoo. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at CPCC Central Campus, Hall Building, Suite 215, 1112 Charlottetowne Ave. Register: www.lacccharlotte.com.

Move From Customer Satisfaction to Customer Loyalty:

Discover the latest techniques for building customer loyalty and learn what must be included in a customer loyalty strategy. Free. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at CPCC Main Campus, Charlottetowne Ave. Reference: #SBX 7542, Section 501. Detail: www.cpcc.edu/einstitute.

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