Veteran seminar

NOV. 11—The Riverside Center for Innovation will host a Veteran’s Seminar from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at 700 River Ave., North Shore. This seminar is for veterans interested in starting or expanding a small business. They will receive information about how to raise capital, where to get help with a business plan and how to do business with government agencies. There will also be a registration for veterans for a 10-week program for business plan assistance and more. Registration is requested. For more information, call Donn Nemchick at 412-325-4054 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Arc convention

NOV. 11—The Arc of the United States will host the 2009 National Convention from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. The theme is “Inspiring Innovation: With Adversity Comes Opportunity.” The keynote speaker will be Stedman Graham, an entrepreneur, author and motivational speaker. The convention will run Nov. 11-14. For more information, visit www.thearc.org.

Business series

NOV. 12—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series from 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Bidwell Training Center: The Door to Career Opportunities.” Bridgette Kennedy, admissions representative for Bidwell Training Center will be the presenter and will discuss how Bidwell Training Center, an accredited, nonprofit post-secondary career training institution, offers workforce training at no cost to qualified residents of Pennsylvania. Whether they are getting ready to enter the workforce or thinking about re-entering the job market, here is an opportunity to learn about the center’s programs in culinary arts, medical coding, office technology, horticulture technology and more. Many of these courses can be completed in one year or less. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-281-7141.

Professional

networking

NOV. 12—Jessica Lee will host “Entrepreneurial Thursdays” from 5:30-8 p.m. at Little E’s, 949 Liberty Ave., Downtown. This is a professional networking event with live jazz/R&B music. The theme is “Overseas Business and The Flat World Economy.” There is a $10 cover charge with a full bar and dinner selections. Business casual is the attire. No jeans or tennis shoes. For more information, call Sandy Marshall at 412-802-6780 or visit www.jessicaleesong.com.

First step

NOV. 13—The University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center will host “The First Step: Mechanics of Starting A Small Business” from 7:30-10 a.m. at Mervis Hall, Oakland. Attend this event for help with financing, to learn about business structures, access helpful resources and understand the forms to establish your successful business. The workshop is free and open to the public. For more information, call 412-648-1542.

Networking luncheon

NOV. 17—The Comfort Inn & Conference Center will host “Comfort Zone Networking Lunch” from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at 699 Rodi Rd., Penn Hills. This is a networking opportunity with lunch. Reservations are required. The cost is $10. For more information, call Sharon Pranis at 412-349-1622.

Business plan

NOV. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host “Writing an Effective Business Plan” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Rockwell Hall, Room 108, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Focused on the importance of a business plan, this seminar is designed for accountants, business consultants, financial experts and business owners who are starting up, expanding or seeking increased profitability. Topics include where to look for financing, preparing financial statements and cash flow projections, and software packages that can help, among others. Registration is requested and the cost is $45. For more information, call 412-396-6233 or visit www.sbdc.duq.edu.

Quickbooks workshop

NOV. 18—The Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host an Intermediate Quickbooks Workshop from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Rockwell Hall, 600 Forbes Ave., Uptown. Dennis Piper & Associates will lead this workshop to broaden one’s skills with QuickBooks, the number one management and accounting tool utilized by startups and small business entrepreneurs. Topics at this workshop include working with inventory, handling sales tax, processing and accounting of payroll, using estimates and financial reports, among others. It is for Windows users only. Registration is requested and the cost is $45. For more information, call 412-396-6233 or visit www.sbdc.duq.edu.

Certification workshop

NOV. 20—The U.S. Small Business Administration will host an 8(a) and HUBZone Certification & Contracting workshop from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Riverside Center for Innovation, 1st floor Conference Room, 700 River Ave., North Side. MBE/WBE and Veteran-owned businesses are encouraged to attend. It is free to the public. Registration is requested. For more information, call Marisa Fentzel at 412-395-6560 ext. 109.

(To have information on Business Calendar, send information at least two weeks in advance to: 315 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219; Fax: 412-481-1360 or e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)