California Shop Small: From Start to Cart

California Shop Small is a 6-week program to help product-based aspiring or existing business owners sell online. Business owners will learn how to get their business online, reach new customers, and increase their sales on a local, regional, and national scale. After completing the program, business owners will gain access to sell on a California-branded eCommerce platform. Business owners will receive a six-month free subscription to sell online while receiving no-cost one-on-one consulting to assist in furthering their online success.

Week 1: Thursday, January 12 | 3 PM

• What is California Shop Small

• The importance of selling online

• The advantages of being part of an online marketplace

• What you need to start your business

• Questions you need to ask yourself

• Online Tools

Week 2: Thursday, January 19 | 3 PM

• Your inventory

• Inventory timeline

• Planning your product listing

• Sourcing your products

• Costing and pricing

• Taxes

Week 3: Thursday, February 2 | 3 PM

• Setting up your store online

• Product photos

• Online content

• Adding your listing

• Storefront buildout

Week 4: Thursday, February 9 | 3 PM

• Packaging and shipping your products

• Return policy

• Shipping policy

• Online payments

• Managing your inventory

Week 5: Thursday, February 16 | 3 PM

• Marketplace guidelines

• Receiving orders

• Sales reports

• Technical Support

• Merchandising

• Discounts/offers

Week 6: Thursday, February 23 | 3 PM

• Planning your launch

• Social media marketing

• Cross-platform marketing

Optional Hands on Sessions (group Q&A): Wednesdays from 1:00- 2:00pm (Jan 18th, Feb 1st, 8th, 15th)