August 2026: Free Small Business Resources
Here’s your monthly drop of free small business education resources (local to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky) and virtual. If you notice any errors or have an event you’d like to add to this list feel free to add a comment or reach out to me here!
Which ones are you looking forward to?
VIRTUAL
Ohio Small Business Development Centers Events
Smart Start #2 Bookkeeping Basics for Entrepreneurs
ONLINE - Wed, Aug 19 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Topic: Cash Flow Analysis & Management
Bookkeeping Basics: The process of recording and organizing financial transactions
In this 1-hour virtual workshop, we will explore four key components of financial management: income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Participants will learn how to manage costs, minimize financial risks, and ensure compliance with financial regulations. This session is designed to provide practical insights and strategies for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their financial understanding.
Contract Law 101 for Microbusinesses
ONLINE - Fri, Aug 21 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Topic: Legal Issues
Learn the basics about making and managing contracts, from understanding standard contracts to reviewing and enforcing contracts. We will also talk about when and how to look for legal help.
Social Media Branding for Entrepreneurs
ONLINE - Wed, Aug 26 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Topic: Marketing Planning
Ready to turn your social media into a powerful tool that attracts, engages, and converts your ideal clients? This high-impact, 90-minute virtual workshop is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who want to build a strong online presence and grow their business with intention.
Forge Forward Growth Plan: Building a Measurable Roadmap for 2027
ONLINE - Thu, Aug 27 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Topic: Strategic Planning
A good growth idea is not yet a growth plan. In this practical introductory session, business owners will learn how to turn one opportunity into a focused 12-month roadmap with a clear financial or operating target, accountable owners, deadlines and measurable milestones. Participants will leave with a simple framework they can use to guide execution, evaluate progress and strengthen a Forge Forward Pitch Competition application.
Attendance is not required to apply for Forge Forward, but it is strongly encouraged for anyone considering the competition. You can attend if you don't plan to apply for Forge Foward
Creating a Foundation for Your Business Finances: An Overview of QuickBooks Online
ONLINE - Wed, Sep 9 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Topic: Accounting/Budget/Inventory Setup
Join us for Creating a Solid Foundation For Your Business's Financial Future: QuickBooks Online Demo to understand what it means to have a solid financial foundation and how QuickBooks Online can help your business get there!
SCORE Events
Goof-Proof Your Business: Prevent Costly Mistakes Before They HappenONLINE - August 27, 1:00 pm EDTIn this webinar, you’ll learn practical frameworks for recognizing mistake risk, responding more effectively in the moment and building processes that help you catch, contain and learn from problems. You’ll also be introduced to the STORM Framework, the SAFER Response Method and a five-stage approach to reducing repeat mistakes and building a more reliable business.
Hiring Employees, Contractors or Family – Avoid Costly Tax and Payroll Mistakes
ONLINE - September 1, 1:00 pm EDT
In this webinar, an expert from Block Advisors by H&R Block will break down what small business owners need to know about worker classification and family hires. You’ll learn how to distinguish between employees and independent contractors, understand the factors that can affect classification and explore special considerations when hiring a spouse or child so you can make more informed decisions as your team grows.
ECDI(Economic & Community Development Institute) Events
Marketing Essentials for Growth
ONLINE - Wednesday, August 12 • 12 PM - 2 PM EDT
Learn to build a professional brand and marketing strategy that helps your contracting business stand out and win more work.
Financial Foundations for Successful Contracting
ONLINE - Wednesday, August 19 • 12 PM - 2 PM EDTYou're winning jobs—but are you profitable? Learn to understand your money & grow your business.
LOCAL
Kenton County Library Events
KCPL Small Business Resource Collaborative (SBRC)
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Covington Branch
Join our FREE monthly support group designed for regional small businesses and entrepreneurs. Connect, share experiences, and discover how the library can help you succeed with resources and community partnerships.
LinkedIn Photo Session (3 Spots left at time of post!)
Thursday, August 13, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Latonia Branch
Looking to make a strong first impression in your job search or on LinkedIn? A polished headshot can make all the difference—and we’ve got you covered. Join us between 11 am and 12 pm for a free professional photo session with photographer Beth Pessell. Photos will be taken in order of arrival.
Innovate Smart: Intellectual Property for Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Inventors
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Online event
Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors learn the essentials of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. This session provides an overview of key concepts and the process of searching the USPTO patent and trademark databases. Attendees will gain practical skills to protect their ideas and navigate intellectual property resources.
Communication and Conflict Resolution In Your Career (and Beyond)
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Erlanger Branch
Kentucky Conference Room
Conflict and communication are part of being human—but that doesn’t make them easy. Whether it’s tension at work or miscommunication with loved ones, everyone struggles to clearly connect from time to time. This engaging session with Certified Life Coach John Rhoads will help you break down the building blocks of conflict and communication and give you practical tools to navigate both with more confidence.
Build Smart: Research Tools for Small Business Success
Saturday, August 29, 2026, 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Online event
Starting or growing a small business? Learn how Kenton County Public Library’s business research databases—combined with free federal and state resources like the U.S. Census data—can help you find customers, analyze markets, and evaluate competitors. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore professional-grade tools (free with your library card) and practice turning data into insights to make smarter, more confident business decisions.
Using Google Analytics for Small Business Growth: The How and Why of How People Found Your Website
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Online event
This session covers the fundamentals of using Google Analytics 4 for small business growth, including installation, key metrics interpretation, and leveraging data for marketing optimization. Participants will learn how to track website traffic sources, measure marketing ROI (Return on Investment), understand user behavior, and utilize AI to analyze Google Analytics data, ultimately improving their website performance and search engine visibility.
Other FREE small business resources:
U.S. Small Business Administration Learning Hub
Verizon Small Business Education Hub
I am not affiliated with any of the organizations on this list. This is for awareness purposes only.
